NUJ Brighton & Sussex branch

Christmas Party

2011-12-13T12:00:00.000Z

The Brighton and Mid-Sussex NUJ Christmas Party is taking place next week, Tuesday 20 December at Redroaster Coffeehouse, 1d St James Street, Brighton 8-10.30pm.

Join us for another glorious gathering of NUJ members for free drinks, food, music - and free Harveys (while supplies last!) As always, non-members are very welcome, but will be expected to pay for their own drinks.

Venue: Click here for a handy venue map. Disabled access

We look forward to seeing you then!

The NUJ Team

30 November march

2011-12-01T11:34:00.000Z

The NUJ Brighton and Sussex branch demo on the day of action. Apologies to Adam Oxford, who is behind a placard.

Defending pensions and local news...

2011-11-29T01:38:00.007Z

Our NUJ leaflet for Wednesday...

Our Banner!

2011-11-25T11:24:00.003Z

Thanks to our Branch Secretary, we now have our very own banner to rally round. Look out for it next Wednesday 30 November at the march: 11.30 in Victoria Gardens.

Defend pensions - come and join the day of action

2011-11-24T13:54:00.001Z

On Wednesday, November 30, a national day of action will be held to defend public sector pensions. A number of sister unions will be striking on the day, while rallies, marches and protests will be held around the country.

This promises to be the largest co-ordinated action by trade unions for many years. As NUJ members, it is important we recognise the campaign and offer our support. Some of our fellow members will be on strike, while the attacks on public sector pensions affect everyone. Even if individual members do not take part, it is vital that journalists report the day’s events fairly and accurately

The NUJ will be represented at the march in Brighton, so please come along and look out for the banner. Those taking part will assemble at 11.30am at Victoria Gardens for a march to The Level. More details at: http://falseeconomy.org.uk/nov30/event/brighton-hove-march-and-rally

Look at the special website featuring news, videos and resources for the campaign on pensions: http://pensionsjustice.org.uk/

If you can't make the Brighton march there is also information on what’s happening, when and where around the region and the rest of country: http://falseeconomy.org.uk/nov30/uk/all

More details from the NUJ at http://www.nuj.org.uk/innerPagenuj.html?docid=2296

See also the posting below about the Save our local news campaign.

Save Our Local News

2011-11-24T13:51:00.001Z

Save Our Local News! Message from the BBC Brighton NUJ chapel:

Dear listener,

We write to ask you for your support in helping to avert cuts to BBC Sussex which will seriously affect the quality of your local radio station.

You are not being told the truth by the BBC – here are the full facts.

The BBC has told you that there will be changes at BBC Sussex because of the cutbacks imposed by its Delivering Quality First programme. It has said that the afternoon programme and some other shows will be shared across stations.

But in fact the BBC has also announced plans to cut the equivalent of up to twelve staff jobs at BBC Sussex – a total of about one third of the staff.

The programmes that you listen to and contribute to require a small number of highly trained people, with an intimate knowledge of the kind of things that are of interest to listeners just like you.

So, if the BBC cuts one third of staff at BBC Sussex, then the quality of your programmes will inevitably suffer.

Fewer people will mean we can’t do the job that we have been doing for so many years. It will seriously affect our ability to report on the issues that concern you and in time it could affect the long-term chance of BBC Sussex surviving as a service.

We ask you to log on to the BBC website and register your views on the risk to BBC Sussex - your local radio station before 21st December.
You need to go here: http://consultations.external.bbc.co.uk/bbc/dqf/. Click 'Online consultation' and read the section 'Delivering Quality First: Public Consultation - Section 4: Nations and Regions'

You can read about what the BBC says and then you can register your own views.

BBC Brighton NUJ chapel

Support BBC journalists

2011-11-21T11:46:00.000Z

BBC Local Radio journalists are facing 25% job cuts and have balloted for strike action. The Brighton & Mid-Sussex Branch of the NUJ has organised a meeting to discuss what's happening and how we can help. Paul Siegert and Paul Sawtell will be there from BBC Sussex NUJ. Please try and get along.

It's:

Monday, November 21, 8pm
Lord Nelson (back room), Trafalgar Street, Brighton.

Next meeting: What can your union do for you? What can you do for your union?

2011-11-08T14:02:00.000Z

Calling all NUJ members!
What can your union do for you? What can you do for your union? Come along and find out...

Our next Brighton & Sussex NUJ branch meeting will take place:

7pm Monday November 14
at the Redroaster Cafe, St James's Street, Brighton
We will be joined by national officer (publishing) Don Mackglew

On the agenda for our November meeting:

- Election of branch committee members
At our October meeting a committee slate was proposed:
Peter Knight (as branch secretary)
Phil Mellows (as branch treasurer)
Amy Riley
Adam Powley
Adam Oxford
Fred Pipes
An Argus rep
A BBC rep

Come to the meeting or email us if you wish to stand for any of these positions, branch chair, equalities officer, health & safety officer, and any specific position you think our branch should have for its members. We hope to create a flexible and open branch committee to meet all members' needs, which is open to anyone who wants to come and take part. The more the merrier. Please call or email if you'd like further information about standing for any of these positions, what's involved and how you can help.

- Further job losses at the Argus
A report from Argus workers about management's plans and a discussion about how we can all build support for any action.

- Balloting for action in the BBC in response to cuts
Do you work for the BBC? Have you received your ballot yet? Come along to this meeting to find support.
http://www.nuj.org.uk/innerPagenuj.html?docid=2299

- Supporting potential public sector strike action over pensions on November 30
What is your opinion on the strike? How can NUJ members support the fight for fair pensions for all? Shall we get a branch banner and march alongside fellow workers?

- Festive season party!
It's that time of year again... What shall we do? Come along with ideas for venues and events.

- Any other business
As always, what can we do to help you? How can you help your union?

Our union is only as good as we make it and your involvement is greatly welcomed, so please email us with any ideas, future meeting topics, further agenda items and your concerns, problems and news. Solidarity is strength.

Call or email any time.

Thanks,

Peter Knight
(acting) branch secretary
nujbrighton@gmail.com

Next Branch meeting

2011-10-17T08:51:00.000Z

The next meeting will be held at the Fountain Head Pub on North Road, on Tuesday 18 October at 7.30pm.

Map here.

Please try and attend. As you may know Rachael and Adam have both resigned from the committee, leaving Phil Mellows as the only remaining officer. This meeting was going to include the election for a new secretary to take over from Rachael, but this will now be in November as head office is taking over the election.

There is a real threat that the branch may close. This will mean no more local help with strikes and no local officers able to offer advice either in person or via phone/email. It will also mean an end to meetings with other local journos, no more talks such as the ones with Nick Davies, Andrew Crofts and Joanne Mallon, and no more Christmas parties, such as the one with Julie Burchill. Being an officer only takes up a few hours a month at the most, so please consider helping out.

Give Rachael a call on 07939 258 172 if you get lost on the night.

Brighton NUJ summer party

2011-08-25T09:28:00.000Z

It's time for the Brighton NUJ summer party and we've decided to hold it indoors at The Mesmerist rather than attempt to hold it outside. The party attracts rain most years which is why this year we're not giving it a chance.

So put on your party frock and get ready to mingle with your Sussex colleagues while enjoying the free drinks. It's a great opportunity to network as well as catch up on the gossip.

The party will be kicking off at 7pm on Thursday 25 August in the downstairs bar of The Mesmerist (www.drinkinbrighton.co.uk/mesmerist), which is slap bang in the centre of town. Non-members are also welcome so please bring along any journo friends.

If you need any help finding it on the night, please give Rachael a call on 07939 258 172,

Thanks,

Brighton NUJ

BBC on strike

2011-07-16T09:31:00.000Z

The picket line outside BBC Radio studios in Queens Road, Brighton. Photo taken by Adam Juniper.

22 June: Organising in New Media

2011-06-14T09:29:00.000Z

Brighton & Mid-Sussex NUJ
Special open meeting on...

Organising in New Media
Wednesday June 22, 7.30pm
Upstairs at the Quadrant, Queens Road, Brighton
(Near the Clock Tower)
Speaker: Jenny Lennox

NUJ organiser Jenny Lennox is coming down to talk about why journalists working in new media should be in the NUJ. It's a great chance to discuss how we can expand the influence of the National Union of Journalists in Brighton and Hove and defend the jobs and and improve the pay and conditions of the many people here working in digital media and the web.

This meeting is open to non-NUJ members. Please invite anyone you think might be interested in finding out more about the union and what it can do for them.

Phil Mellows
Branch Committee

Next meeting and AGM

2011-04-13T08:12:00.000Z

The next Brighton and Mid-Sussex NUJ branch meeting will be at 7.30pm on Thursday 14 April in the upstairs room of the Earth and Stars (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Earth-and-Stars/132353693470534). We will be holding our AGM, so if anyone would like to volunteer for any of the officer roles, this is the time to do it. The roles are: secretary, treasurer, chairman, welfare officer and student officer.

After the meeting there will be a talk by Joanne Mallon. Joanne is a freelance journalist and specialist career coach for people in media – her website is at www.MediaLifeCoach.com. She also runs the women in media networking group MediaWomenUK www.MediaWomenUK.com and can be found tweeting @joannemallon and blogging at http://joannemallon.typepad.com/joanne_the_coach/.

Joanne will be talking about negotiating rates, and how we can all get paid more for the work we do. She'll be looking at why talking cash is so tough, even for experienced professionals, and giving practical tips you can use the next time someone asks: "What are your rates?"

Joanne's talks have been extremely popular in the past so please turn up early if you don't want to be disappointed. Non-members are welcome, although they will be asked to donate a bit of change to the NUJ charity, NUJ Extra (http://www.nujextra.org.uk/).

We will also be discussing the summer party and the NUJ annual delegate meeting.

DM - a personal account from a first-timer

2011-04-11T12:36:00.005Z

The NUJ DM in Southport 8-10 April 2011 was an initially bewildering but ultimately energising experience - 2.5 hard days of relentless speeches and voting. Here is my personal account, as a first-time delegate. I can't wait to get the next Journalist to see what actually was decided!

First: why DM? Well, that was answered in the very first motion that called for the Delegate Meeting to be made Annual again. Speakers against used the cost card and it was defeated 77 to 63. The discussion went on so long that the rest of the Order Paper was ruled out of time by the SOC (Standing Orders Committee). To understand what is going on we needed a mountain of paperwork: the Final Agenda booklet, the Annual Report and the Order Papers given out each morning and afternoon that outline any composite motions etc worked out by the 'horse trading' going on in back rooms. Any motions out of time were mopped up at the end of later sessions, and nothing was left out by the end.

In between motions we were treated to various presentations, including Members of Honour awards and an emotive address from Columbian journalist Claudia Julieta Duque. Most motions were carried unanimously; some spectacularly failed. One was a tie, the first in DM history. It was motion 144, proposed by the Irish Executive Council and calling for the workings of the Editorial Advisory Board of The Journalist to be reviewed. After a recount it was announced that under Standing Orders, the 54-54 tie would fail.

One motion that will directly affect our branch was no. 136 that amends rule 3, so that election to the union be no longer subject to a vote of hands at a branch meeting. All we can do is test that applicants meet the objective membership criteria as outlined by Rule 2 and they are in. Another interesting motion was no. 110 that ensures that only news (or information) gatherers are entitled to hold a press card - and that a new photo should be supplied on renewal. As someone pointed out, in the old days, everyone got a press card - I still get sent one, and the photo on it is ancient. Motion 91 condemning the actions of Newsquest will have relevance to our Argus members.

The 60+ group (I went along to their fringe meeting) was recognised for the first time in motion 69, although an amendment to pay expenses to meetings was defeated. In another motion 139 a plea to reduce the eligibilty for Life Membership to 30 years from 40 failed, again for cost reasons. The figure of £435,000 to implement this was disputed and it was also pointed out that people in the 'retired' category are not allowed to hold Branch offices or attend DM - something that will have to be looked into.

The DM was livened up by the presence of several student members sponsored by various branches, tweeting and making speeches. Internships versus work experience was a hot topic and motion 133 recommended ways we could attract more students into the union. London Freelance Branch's Cashback for interns campaign was praised, and the passing of Motion 128 could make membership easier in that you may only have to show you earn a quarter of your income from journalism, rather than half (subject to consultation). And no. 135 encouraged branches like ours to recruit more internet-related workers into the NUJ.

So, the message is: go out and recruit!

That's a quick round-up. I'll bring the paperwork along to the next meeting if anyone has any other questions.

Some other write-ups:

http://littlemiss-angelabrooks.blogspot.com/

http://londonphotographers.org/2011/04/nuj-delegate-meeting-report/

http://blogs.pressgazette.co.uk/wire/7721

http://www.bristolnuj.org.uk/2011/04/11/dm-2011-what-happened/

Summer party 2010

2010-07-17T09:25:00.003Z

The NUJ Brighton Branch Summer party at Ohso, 15 July 2010. Well done to Rachael, Su and Cath for organising it.

NUJ Xmas Party

2009-12-23T00:34:00.005Z

Guest speakers Julie Burchill and Garry Mulholland at the NUJ Xmas Party at the Iron Duke, Hove, 22 December 2009. Photo by Fred Pipes.

Meeting November 12th 2009

2009-11-17T13:16:00.003Z

This month discussions at The Mitre Tavern – pleasingly quiet in comparison to previous venues – centred on the upcoming Christmas Party, for which you'll be pleased to hear a generous budget has been allocated.

Conversation then switched to the issue of membership, and how we could go about helping to address the national recruitment problems in these days without shop stewards.

Answers on a postcard, or why not just bring them (and potential new members) to the Christmas Party, where Julie Burchill of Guardian fame will be giving us a talk before we enjoy all that hospitality I just mentioned. It's on 22nd of December at The Iron Duke. Free for members, £5 for non-members. See you there.

Labour Party Conference demo

2009-09-28T23:38:00.002Z

Very poor turnout for the Jobs Education Peace demo on Sunday 27 September. The NUJ banner carriers estimated that about eight NUJ members were on the march, including two from Brighton Branch : Melita Dennett (pictured) and Fred Pipes (who took the picture).

Minutes and demonstration

2009-09-23T09:11:00.002Z

For those of you who aren't yet aware, the Labour Party conference is taking place in Brighton... The NUJ is supporting a demonstration on September 27 on the theme of jobs, education and peace. According to the NUJ website, "Protestors will demand the government spends public money on preserving employment and public services – rather than war and bankers’ bonuses."
Protestors will be assembling at 12.30pm on Sunday 27 September at Madeira Drive, Brighton, with a rally at 2pm at the Peace Statue, Kings Road, Hove Seafront. http://www.nuj.org.uk/innerPagenuj.html?docid=1333

Thanks for all those who attended the last branch meeting. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 12 November at the Mitre Tavern on Baker Street, off London Road.

Minutes 16 September 2009

1. Present: Tim Norman, John Thompson, Alan Pipes, Melita Dennett, Peter Knight, Phil Mellows, Su Quinn, Rachael Glazier

2. New members: Ruth Hayhurst, Rod Addy and Laura Ellis

3. Nicola Tann has resigned as treasurer. Phil Mellows was nominated to take over the post, and the attendees unanimously agreed to this. Action: RG to get account details from Nic and contact the bank to make Phil a signatory and remove Nic.

4. Phil asked if the demonstration on 27 Sept could be advertised. RG to email members along with minutes of meeting.

5. ADM delegates: Phil Mellows and Su Quinn will be going to ADM. The meeting discussed which motions the delegates will be voting on and how they would like them to vote. It was agreed that motion 85 should be voted against by the delegates (RG argued that there are money issues in the NUJ and funds should therefore be spent on journalism), and that 72 be voted for (with an amendment proposed by Phil Mellows: Delete all after "investigate", replace with "how new media and social networking in all its forms might facilitate more active participation, both real and virtual, by members in the work of branches.")
It was also agreed that the branch would pay £370 towards a student going to the ADM, as requested by head office.
RG to send the amendment and delegate forms to head office, and sort out cheque for student delegate.

The next meeting is before the ADM so there will be another chance for members to instruct delegates as to how to vote. To read the preliminary agenda containing the motions, go to: http://www.nuj.org.uk/innerPagenuj.html?docid=1316 and download the file.

6. The next meeting is on Thursday 12 November. It will be held in the Mitre Tavern following complaints that the Eagle is too noisy. The Mitre is easily reached from the main station, has disabled access and, importantly, a good selection of beer.

Is anyone interested in this?

2009-07-30T16:40:00.000Z

Dear all

Please do forward onto anyone you think may be interested.

Creative Partnerships, Sussex and Surrey is seeking a new Creative Agent to work in East Sussex schools to develop creative learning partnerships between teachers, young people and organisations from the creative and cultural sector.

Creative Agents work as critical friends to schools to support the planning, delivery and review of creative learning programmes over a period of a year. They also have a broader role in supporting and contributing to the overall development of Creative Partnerships.

We are looking for creative thinkers with an understanding of schools, a broad knowledge of creative and cultural practice and a commitment to developing creative learning in education. Experience of partnership working, budget management and excellent negotiations skills will also be of benefit.

Whatever part of the creative industries or education sector you work in, you may be the person we are looking for. Contracts are designed to ensure that you can remain connected to your professional practice.

This contract is for 38.5 days and covers work in two Change Schools (September 09- March 2010) and two Enquiry Schools (September 09 – June 2010). The fee is £225 per day (inclusive of VAT). There is a possibility of further work in West Sussex from April 2010.

For more information and an application pack please email:cpsussexandsurrey@cceengland.org or call: 01424 719634

Website: www.creative-partnerships.com

Application Deadline: Friday 21st August by 5pm

Interviews: Thursday 3 September in Hastings

Please note: Successful applicants would need to attend training on 10 September and be available on 15 September for the launch of the East Sussex Enquiry Schools programme.

Best wishes

Kristina Sekyere

Programme Coordinator

Creative Partnerships, Sussex and Surrey

12 Claremont

Hastings

TN34 1HA

T 01424 719634

F 01424 719345

E kristina.sekyere@cceengland.org

W www.creative-partnerships.com

Jobs summit - London

2009-01-21T18:55:00.001Z

Just got this and thought it ought to be shared:

Interest in the summit has far exceeded the capacity of NUJ headquarters, so it will now take place at:

The School of Pharmacy
29-39 Brunswick Square
London
WC1N 1AX

You can download a map at:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=530349&Y=182356&A=Y&Z=110

It is about five minutes walk from the NUJ’s offices. The nearest tube stations are Russell Square, Euston and Kings Cross.

The event will start at 11am on Saturday, with coffee and registration available from 10.30am. A full agenda for the day is now available here:
http://www.nuj.org.uk/innerPagenuj.html?docid=1037

Your place at the summit is confirmed and I'm looking forward to seeing you there.

If any of your friends who are NUJ members want to attend they can register by emailing campaigns@nuj.org.uk or just by turning up on the day.

There will be forms available for people to join up on the day.

Miles Barter

An opportunity for East Sussex / Brighton based writers

2009-01-13T18:30:00.000Z

Creative Partners required at Eastbourne Technology College, Brodrick Road, Eastbourne, BN22 9RQ (www.etc.sch.com)
Under the umbrella theme of raising confidence and standards through creative learning, ETC is looking for creative practitioners to work alongside staff in the planning and delivery of two projects. We are looking for exciting and innovative responses to these deliberately open, challenging briefs.
Can you contribute to this process and support staff and students in the challenges of developing a more creative curriculum? Do you have the skills and vision to develop these ideas?
Project 1 will involve a creative practitioner working with one or two teachers to plan and deliver a cross-curricular project with a group of Year 7 students which will serve as an opportunity to explore ideas and techniques in preparation for the proposed re-design of the entire Key Stage 3 curriculum, in line with a more project-based, creative model of curriculum delivery. Practitioners in all artforms are invited to respond to this brief.
Project 2 initially involves a media arts practitioner working with teachers of Media, ICT and Technology to develop the creative use of technology within the school. It is envisaged that the focus of this work would be the creation of a web-based resource, focussed on the local community, which has the potential to serve as an archive of student work as well as providing cross-curricular teaching resources. Early ideas for this include an interactive map of Eastbourne seafront which could incorporate elements of History, Art, Geography, English etc.
Both projects are due to commence by late February /early March and completed by July 2009. The commitment is in the region of 15 days, to be negotiated with the school. The fee is £200 per day.
How to apply
Please respond in writing, stating what attracts you to the brief and how it relates to your skills and experience to Julia Roberts (See details below). Examples of your work (signposts to websites etc) would also be appreciated.
Enquiries
Please contact Julia should you have any queries relating to this brief.
Julia Roberts, Creative Agent, 33 Stanmer Park Road, Brighton BN1 7JL
Email: juliarobertsbrighton@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07808 317603
Deadline for submissions: Thursday 22nd January 2009 , 5pm
Interviews at Eastbourne Technology College: Wednesday 28th January 2009

Maria Reveals Publishing Secrets

2008-11-21T15:52:00.002Z

Three cheers for author, Maria McCarthy, who gave the Brighton NUJ a truly inspirational speech on book publishing this October. Maria, who wrote A Girls’ Guide to Losing Her ‘L’ Plates (a very funny read, and recommended stocking filler for any learner driver), braved Brighton seaside hurricanes to speak at the Iron Duke, where she spilled the magic beans on the publishing industry.

What is the mysterious secret winking language authors must learn to win a publishing contract? Do agents really spontaneously combust in sunlight? Which way should authors turn at the reeking swamp, or should they brave the rotten bridge and proceed directly to the lair of Pantone Hair, the cover elf?

Maria revealed all these secrets and more, and also gave us a sneak preview of her new title out this year: A Girls’ Guide to Driving. For this insider knowledge, and for being a truly fascinating and funny guest, we thank her. Come back again any time, Maria, you will be most welcome!

We're still here!

2008-11-03T10:50:00.002Z

Hello, and let me start out by saying how sorry I am that we've not posted on here for so long. I'm afraid we got all excited by our Web 2.0 presence (go on, be our FaceBook friend) and forgotten this humble blog for a few months now. Looking back to the previous entry, one thing occurs immediately: it certainly isn't summer any more.

Anyway, many thanks for those of you who attended our AGM at the Iron Duke, though whether the opportunity to re-elect the officers (which you did, and we are suitably honoured) or Maria McCarthy's excellent and engaging talk on getting your first book out there was the main draw I'll leave unmentioned. OK, it was her!

Incidentally for those of you who missed the event looking for tips let me know, as we have some edited highlights of the event, though in this Stalinist post-Brand/Ross era we do have to be careful. Not that there were any prank calls.

Our next meeting is the Christmas Party, so stay tuned for more news on that.

Party

2008-07-16T08:42:00.004Z

Don't forget the summer party is tomorrow night (Thursday), 7.30pm on Hove Lawns by the Peace Statue. Drinks are sponsored by Tuaca and we'll also be providing food as well as non-tuaca booze, and of course non-alcoholic drink.
Call Rachael on 07939 258 172 if you get lost.

NUJ structure review update

2008-07-16T08:42:00.001Z

To all NUJ councils, committees, branches and chapels,

The review of the NUJ’s structure has now entered a second phase.

A report summarising the suggested changes received so far was made available at this year’s ADM and has been posted online at http://www.nuj.org.uk/innerPagenuj.html?docid=853

Before anyone starts drafting rule change motions for ADM 2009, members are being asked to have a look at these proposals – and then comment again, by September 5th.

A working group – comprised of members of the Development Committee – will then prepare further draft proposals which will, in their turn, be sent back to members, chapels, branches, councils and committees for further discussion and comment.

Putting back the next ADM until November 2009 has allowed more time for the consultation process than had originally been anticipated. Consequently, the timetable has been extended – and there will be further opportunities for comments.

§ Responses to First Draft: September 5th
§ Report to Development Committee: for 19th September meeting
§ Drafting proposals for Development Committee: For 28th November meeting
§ Next consultation period: Close by 1st February 2009
§ Review of responses: By end February 2009
§ Further consultation period: Close Friday 20th April 2009
§ Final proposals to NEC: Papers out May 1st for meeting 8th May 2009
§ Close of Motions: 17th July 2009

If you want to make additional proposals, please put the suggestion in the first sentence and then following it with brief reasons or explanation, as – like all ADM proposals – each change will have to be costed and assessed for practicality.

Again, comments and proposals do not have to come formally from “tabling bodies”, the branches, councils and committees which carry out the union’s business. Suggestions from individual members continue to be very welcome.

The working party members – Adam Christie, Tom Davies and Donnacha Delong – are also will to come to branch, chapel or other meetings to talk through the process and answer other questions.

A detailed paper discussion Virtual Branches and meetings is available on request. Also, we will endeavour to answer questions as quickly as we can.

Suggestions, comments and questions can be sent to structure@nuj.org.uk or by post to:
Structure Review
National Union of Journalists
Headland House
308-312 Gray’s Inn Road
London WC1A 8DP

Yours sincerely,

Adam Christie
for the Development Committee working group.

Union structure - your views wanted

2008-07-03T11:27:00.001Z

Structuring the Future: Building our Democratic Strength is a report by the Union’s Development Committee looking at ways to structure the union in the future.

The report is based on comments received by members, committees and branches across the union and a second report based on further feedback will be produced in April 2009. There's a pdf report here http://www.nuj.org.uk/getfile.php?id=604 and email any comments to structure@nuj.org.uk.

Nick Davis meeting podcast

2008-06-16T08:45:00.002Z

Our erratically timed meeting podcast number two – Nick Davies talking about his book Flat Earth News and answering our insightful questions - is finally available for download.
Click here to visit the page.
It should also be possible to subscribe via iTunes though to be honest I've yet to suss it out myself...

BBC World Service offshore outsourcing

2008-06-11T10:19:00.001Z

Email from the NUJ:

Many of you will know that we are currently campaigning at the BBC World Service to fight plans to offshore more than 50% of production effort overseas.

One of the BBC's strengths has been its ability to produce a world beating service from the UK, impartial, free from editorial interference, working in the regulatory framework of the UK rather than that of overseas governments. What is being planned in the World Service threatens to undermine the BBC's position abroad, and by association, in the UK.

We are meeting management of BBC World Service later this week as part of our negotiations and the local representatives would like the support of as many NUJ members as possible. They have put together a model letter, outlining some of their concerns and asking NUJ members to write letters of support. As well as passing on this letter please ask your members to pass on any messages of support to arjumwajid@aol.co.uk.

For more information on the campaign visit www.nuj.org.uk and click on the Save BBC World Service button.

NUJ ADM Report

2008-04-25T11:08:00.001Z

It was an exciting conference this year, with two main issues in the spotlight; firstly the Drog (CK) agreement which goes to the root and branch of how agreements with employers are made as well as the touch photographers/journalists divide, and secondly the possibility of the Republic of Ireland rejoining the British Commonwealth. No, really.

Admittedly the latter isn’t significant in any serious sense, but was perhaps the best in a long line of “fun” debates stemming from London Central branch’s playful side. Well aware of the NUJ’s Anglo-Irish nature when submitting Motion 35, they knew exactly what kind of debate they were kicking off. I’ll leave it to your imagination, suffice to say that the motion was well on its way to being defeated until the proposing branch shot themselves further in the foot.

Fighting the podium for attention was the internal debate between London Freelance members but the words that drifted across the hall were “the meeting this was proposed wasn’t quorate anyway.” The motion and all others from the branch were rulled out of order automatically. A reason not to have meetings in the pub?

On a more serious note, Drogheda has been a subject of debate all year since the Drogheda Independent’s chapel made and agreement that effectively allowed reporters to carry cameras. Motions were put forward against agreements made without the approval of various bodies, but these were generally seen as impractical (many only meet once every 2 months, and negotiators do not need their hands tied).

Looking at it with my New Media Industrial Council (NMIC) hat, Drogheda is seen as a moving-with-the-times issue, and I think that resistance to this kind of practice puts the Union in a difficult position, effectively ruling out potential members who work in mixed environments. Since these are commonplace in the New Media world, I think the right result was reached, though there were some stirring remarks from the Photographers. One quote that stood out was “How would you feel if a Photographer was sent on a 2-day writing course and replaced you?”

Outside the motions, Alan Johnston taking the stage with Naim Toubassi, President of the Palestinian Journalist’s Syndicate that did so much to help secure his release was perhaps the highlight of the 4-day event. Naim’s obvious enthusiasm and sombre translator made a great comic pairing, but learning how Alan owes his freedom to Palestinian journalists and kept the will to live thanks to them and the NUJ’s campaign which he heard on the BBC world service was genuinely moving. It might even have affected Jeremy Dear.

At the other end of the scale, the revue was written by some of the finest names in Journalism. Not that it showed. Still, Peep Show makes you laugh and cringe at the same time and that’s on its 4th series; you can’t argue with tradition.

Oh, and one more thing: The General Secretary’s opening speech was 40 minutes long. I know because I won the sweepstake!

Adam

From the NUJ active newsletter

2008-04-22T18:36:00.000Z

Are you covering the Beijing Olympics?
Amnesty International is running a training workshop on Thursday 8 May 10am to 12.30pm designed for UK-based journalists interested in updating their knowledge on China. Experts will provide an overview of the situation in China, with workshops addressing journalists’ rights and responsibilities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will also brief on their guidance to journalists. We have 50 tickets to this free event, first come first served, contact campaigns@nuj.org.uk to secure yours.

Free freelance listing

2008-04-20T21:38:00.002Z

Did you get this? I'll put it up anyway

The all-new NUJ Freelance Directory is almost ready to launch upon the world. Full entries are *free* to freelance NUJ members, including up to three sample photos and an extended text describing yourself, with design - I just pasted in a sample article, with an extra photo in it, and was surprised how nicely it came out.

It's easy to give yourself an entry in the new Freelance Directory. And it works - see below.

1) Go to the 'temporary' address www.nuj-rechord.co.uk

2) Check whether you already have an entry - click "Search the Directory" in the menu, and put your name, in quotes, in the last search field, and click "Search". * If you see yourself, then click "Help" in the menu and go to the instructions on "Updating your entry from the old directory" (If you have already updated it, thank you!) * If you don't, then click "Register as a new member" in the menu, then:

3) Fill in your basic details, and give yourself a password. It is important to get your membership number right. The directory wants the version printed on your (white) Membership Card. The one on press cards may have too many or too few zeros at the start. The new Directory does not show your email address to anyone -instead, people can send you messages by typing into a box in the Directory. So if you get (more) spam, it's nothing to do with the directory. Feel confident to use your main email address.

4) You will get an email from the Directory. Click the link in the email, which it takes you to a page where you enter your skills and specialist subjects. Then you go on to add an extended description/plug and three sample photos, if you want. The reason for this rigmarole is to make sure that you are you and that the email you typed actually works.

5) On May Day we will throw the switch so that everyone visiting www.freelancedirectory.org comes to the new Directory.

Mike Holderness PS: Those members who do not regard "geek" as an insult, in particular, may notice a few remaining odd behaviours. That's why we've given members several weeks to prod and pummel the directory before unleashing it on editors and the world.

NUJ jobs up for grabs

2008-04-15T18:46:00.001Z

The NUJ is looking for a new Deputy General Secretary and an Irish Organiser.

The DGS post is subject to election/re-election by ballot of the NUJ membership every five years. To be shortlisted to stand in the election, you must be a member of the union with five years continuous membership and your contributions must be paid under Rule. A short-listed candidate must have trade union experience as a full time official and/or lay officer for a minimum of three years. Closing date for receipt of applications is 15 May 2008.

The NUJ also has a vacancy for an Irish Organiser to assist with all union activity in the island of Ireland. Completed application forms must be returned by 2 May 2000.

Further information on the posts as well as the terms and conditions of employment and application forms can be obtained from the Administration Department, NUJ, Headland House, 308 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8DP; email personnel@nuj.org.uk; telephone 020 7843 3700.

Live from Belfast

2008-04-04T11:40:00.002Z

Just a reminder that Sue and I are here at the ADM representing the branch, so if there's anything you want to say about any of the motions after about No 30 you're too late for that) then let us know (email, text) and we'll pass it on to a roomful of keen-eyed journalist delegates. We're both checking our mail etc. and not in any way nervous about talking to such a large audience. Oh no. ;)

The Journalist online: download your copy

2008-03-31T18:25:00.000Z

The NUJ magazine Journalist has gone online with its April 2008 issue, downloadable in pdf or html formats, as the whole magazine or as separate articles. As a one-off experiment, this issue is not being printed or mailed to members. The idea is to save on the cost of printing and posting, and to see how members would like to receive their journal.
The main feature is an interview with union member Nick Davies - "the man who rocked the boat" - whose book Flat Earth News makes the claim that what we do now is really "churnalism". All that most journalists can do with the work pressures on them is to continually recycle unchecked stories, he says. It's a betrayal of real journalism - and the NUJ agrees. There's an audio clip of Nick Davies talking to Journalist editor Tim Gopsill about why he wrote the book.
Click on the title to view the Journalist.
The union is asking for feedback on this experiment. Email your views to journalist@nuj.org.uk

Meeting Minutes - Brighton NUJ 26th March 2008

2008-03-28T10:44:00.001Z

Brighton NUJ Meeting Minutes – 26th March 2008

For those of you who didn’t brave the rain for the meeting, and stayed in to watch the England Match, this is what you missed:

1. A vote was passed to pass membership applications for Nicola Kim Davies and John Senior, and welcome them into the NUJ.
2. Meeting venues were discussed, and the Cornerstone near Palmeira Square was considered as a possible venue, as was the Nelson pub. Any ideas are welcome.
3. Possible subjects to bring up at the ADM were discussed, and it was agreed that a potential agreement of ‘NUJ photographers not writing, and NUJ writers not photographing’ would be raised if possible.
4. Pay issues at the Argus were discussed, with regards to the recent 3% pay offer. Argus rep Tim feels the offer should be inline with inflation at 4.1%, but isn’t sure how effective it would be for the NUJ to push for a higher offer in this instance.
5. Maria Macarthy, non-fiction writer, was discussed as a possible speaker for a future meeting, and it was agreed she should be contacted.

New mental health reporting guidelines

2008-02-22T11:01:00.000Z

The NUJ has welcomed the launch of a new handbook which aims to help journalists report on mental health issues. Download a copy here.

NUJ Black Members Conference

2008-02-22T11:00:00.000Z

Is there a glass ceiling for Black journalists? is the title for this year's Black Members conference being held on 8 March at NUJ HQ, Headland House, 308 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8DP. Registration is at 10.30am and lunch and refreshments will be provided. This is an opportunity to meet other NUJ Black members and to influence the work of the NUJ Black Members Council. For more information contact lenac@nuj.org.uk

NUJ publishes Annual Report

2008-02-22T10:57:00.002Z

The NUJ 2007 Annual Report is now available. It includes reports from all sections of the union on their activities in 2007/8 as well as breakdowns of the unions finances. Go to nuj.org.uk to find this and the new rule book from the rule-changing ADM in 2007. The results of recent elections to the National Executive for 2008 to 2009 are also available.

Journalist Network & meet up

2008-02-17T15:19:00.002Z

Nicci Talbot has organised what she hopes is a regular event for freelance journalists and writers located in Hastings.

The first meet is 6pm Thursday March 6th at Walkers - the bar next door to the Creative Media Centre - in Robertson Street.

Walkers have a special offer on cocktails between 5pm and 7pm - 2 for 1 - so you will have to introduce yourself to at least one person to get the discount!

Contact Nicci via her website http://www.niccitalbot.com

One for your diary, ladies

2008-02-06T09:07:00.000Z

International Women's Day celebrations.

Wednesday 12 March

Winter Gardens, Eastbourne

The TUC Women's Committee are holding a rally to highlight the campaign for women's equal rights at work, home and in civil society. For more information contact lenac@nuj.org.uk

And another for those "in town"

2008-02-05T12:02:00.001Z

Announcing a new meeting for The London Reporters and Journalists Meetup Group!

What: The London Reporters and Journalists' MeetUp

When: Tuesday, February 26, 7:15 PM

Where: Click the link below to find out!

Meeting Description: Meet journalists, editors, freelancers and writers from London and South East to network, get advice, and make new friends. This is a friendly group with a wide variety of members offering great networking opportunities, as its regular attendees will know!

NB. Many thanks to everyone who came along to the January meeting and making me feel welcome - being a newbie myself. It was really nice to meet such an interesting collection of people, long may it continue! - Anya

Learn more here:
http://journo.meetup.com/63/calendar/7235463/

In London next week?

2008-02-05T11:57:00.000Z

Women in Publishing Event - Working in Magazine Publishing
Wednesday, 13 February 2008

What could be more glamorous than working in magazines?

Probably quite a lot of things, as you'll find out at our February meeting,
where two speakers will give us the lowdown on a world that is light years
away from Ugly Betty but in its own way quite addictive.

First, Rachel Roberts, popular culture journalist and broadcaster, will talk
to us about her experience on publications ranging from Grazia, First and
Closer to Now and Spirit & Destiny.

Sophie Wybrew-Bond, our second speaker, is the Projects Director across
women's media for Emap and acting MD of Heat magazine. She has worked on
consumer magazines for the past 10 years, initially as head of marketing for
men's lifestyle and music titles in the Emap stable. She worked on the
relaunch of Heat (which changed from a men's to a women's title in 2000) and
was launch publisher of Close, remaining in that role for five years. She
recently launched First magazine.

Meeting details

Time: 6.30 for 7 p.m
Venue: University Women's Club,
2 Audley Square, London W1
Nearest Tube: Green Park, Marble Arch
Admission: members free, guests £4.50 (no booking required)

Your dough

2008-01-27T16:56:00.000Z

Hot news here from the banks of the Dnipro in coldest Kyiv where the branch bank statements are still turning up thanks to my mum.

Anyway, the branch has 2,911 quid plus 46 pence in the account. Same as last month actually, so it's not really hot news.

But bear in mind that you probably drank 300 pounds of this at the Christmas do.

What union learn courses are there for Union Learning Reps in Sussex & Surrey?

2008-01-25T08:40:00.000Z

Union Learning Reps Courses 2008

Union Learning Reps courses
Union Learning Reps Introductory course - 5 days - 5 x Wed 23 Jan to 27 Feb 2008
Union Learning Reps Introductory course - 5 days - 5 x Thurs 24 Apr to 22 May 2008
Union Learning Reps Introductory course - 5 days - in 2 blocks 24-26 Sept, 6-7 Oct 2008

Short ULR ‘Award’ Courses
ULR Module Climbing Frame for ULRs - PILOT NEW! 2 days - 29 – 30 Jan 2008
ULR Module Negotiating with Employers - NEW! 3 days Wed 5, 12, & 19 Mar 2008
ULR Module Information Advice & Guidance - 3 days 26 - 28 Mar 2008
ULR Module Skills for Life - 3 days 2 - 4 Apr 2008
ULR Module Working with Providers - NEW! 3 days Thurs 5, 12 & 19 Jun 2008
ULR Module Information Advice & Guidance - 3 days Thurs 26 Jun, 3 & 10 Jul 2008
ULR Module Skills for Life - 3 days 3 days 16 - 18 July 2008 and 3 days 5 - 7 Nov 2008
ULR Module Information Advice & Guidance - 3 days 17 - 19 Nov 2008
ULR Module Working with Employers - 3 days 8 – 10 Dec 2008)

Where are these courses taking place?

At the moment just at:
unionlearn, Sussex Downs College, Denton Island Campus, NEWHAVEN BN9 9BN, and in Bognor Regis.
We need access to rooms in the Crawley/Gatwick and Bexhill/Hastings areas, as well as those we have already (subject to minimum numbers & availability) this would be using free rooms that perhaps a Rep could negotiate for us, at their workplace or an employer’s premises. Please contact us to discuss what you can offer or with your requirements. Don’t’ forget - if you have 14 Reps to train – we can come to you!

Union Learning Reps Events 2008
These are informal gatherings to get informed, exchange ideas and most importantly exchange contact details.
Union Learning Reps Networking Event - Wednesday 30th Jan 2008, 4.45pm to 6.30pm

There will be tea/coffee and light refreshments available.

Please contact us prior to attending – otherwise we will not be able to cater for you.

Where is this event taking place?
unionlearn, Sussex Downs College, Denton Island Campus, NEWHAVEN BN9 9BN.

Please contact us to discuss what you can offer or with any requirements. Don’t’ forget - if you have enough Reps to hold an event – we can come to you!

Require more info? – then contact:

John Nothard - the unionlearn course coordinator, at the above address

Tel:(01273) 511409 [24hr Voicemail]

Fax: (01273) 511401
Alternatively e-mail either:

john.nothard@sussexdowns.ac.uk or martin.porritt@sussexdowns.ac.uk

New Media Blog

2008-01-18T09:20:00.000Z

For all those interested in new media issues, or indeed with any internet knowledge at all, please bookmark the NUJ New Media blog. From now we (I'm now your South East rep on the NMIC) will be endeavouring to keep it up to date with interesting issues that (loosely) relate to journalism far more regularly, starting with yesterday's post that tells a story which began in our own fair city before spreading across the blogosphere.

Christmas party

2007-12-14T09:23:00.001Z

Grab your party hats and prepare to mingle, drink and gossip with other hacks in Sussex. The Brighton and Mid-Sussex NUJ branch is having its Christmas party on Thursday 20 December in the Gardens Pub, Kensington Gardens, North Laine, Brighton.

It starts at 7.30pm and we're putting £300 behind the bar, perfect for some festive cheer after the hell of late-night shopping at Churchill Square.

Non-NUJ members are welcome, although we will ask them to donate a quid or two to NUJ Extra, the NUJ charity for journalists and their families who need help through tough times, http://www.nujextra.org.uk/.

If you get lost on the night give me a call on 07939 258 172.

Rachael

Booze vouchers

2007-11-28T09:52:00.000Z

Kak dela from Kyiv. There is no escaping the multi-tentacled embrace of branch business and the good news from Ukraine is that branch boozehounds will not suffer from chapped lips this
Christmas as funds continue to come our way and you can celebrate Yuletide with a partial return on your subs by wetting your whistle. Just send me the photos eh?

Anyway, last month we received our quarterly swag from HQ. The sum of 447.18. So we now have 2,911.46 in our account.

We spent 108.50. I can't remember what on but I think I wrote three cheques - for 50 quid, 36 quid and 22.50.

Despite phoning Unity Bank in early October and requesting a change of signature form for the new treasurer, Nicola, this has not turned up at my previous address in Brighton, my mum's, or Kyiv. Hence this posting.

So could some call Unity Bank 0845 1177766 to try to resolve issues resulting from me moving over here? I did my best but they just haven't done what I asked. I could phone from Kyiv but it'll cost me something like 500 zonks.

Am emailing this post to Nicky Tann for info.

Searchlight affiliation

2007-11-27T10:02:00.000Z

Our subscription to Trade Union Friends of Searchlight has expired. 50 squid to renew. I ain't gonna send the form back to the UK, so could someone contact TUFS, PO Box 1576 Ilford IG5 ONG with a cheque payable to Searchlight (if you want to reaffiliate).

In the letter I have got here it says: "The BNP's vote remains worryingly high and we cannot be complacent. We already working towards next year's elections. We must all address the underlying causes that make people vote BNP."

November Podcast Available

2007-11-22T19:05:00.001Z

Hi everyone. Just to let you know the audio podcast of the November meting (21st November 2007) is now available. Click here and, if you're an iPod use, you should even be able to subscribe.

Let me know if it works.

A Charter for Women Conference

2007-11-20T15:49:00.001Z

The Charter for Women are holding their next conference on Saturday 9th February 2008. If you want to challenge sexism and racism and ensure that the fight for women’s rights is at the forefront of the agenda of the labour movement and of other social movements, click in the title for more information.

Anarchist films and documentaries

2007-11-20T11:31:00.000Z

Some recent titles posted on the ChristieBooks (http://www.tvhastingschristiebooks.com) anarchist film website - :

http://tinyurl.com/t8sta or

http://www.brightcove.com/channel.jsp?channel=219646953&firstVideo=0

(For a complete up-to-date hyper-linked listing Word doc - please email

us - christie@btclick.com - with 'Film List' in the subject bar)

7 días de enero (1979 - Juan Antonio Bardem),

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1311241275

Genova Libera (Daniel Hernandez Torrado)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1312369721

Mujeres del 36 (1999 - Ana Martínez)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1312369710

La estrategia del caracol (1993 - Sergio Cabrera)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1313706416

La Ciudad Quemada (1976 Feature)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=769654373

Las Ilusiones perdidas - La Actividad Guerrillera (E Monesma)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1312351337

Les Misérables Part 1 (1995 - Claude Lelouch)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1315782813

Les Misérables Part 2 (1995 - Claude Lelouch)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1317865475

Los Anarquistas (1983 - Muñoz, Pedroche, Eduardo de Guzman)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1311222346

O Thiasos Part 1: The Travelling Players (1975 - Theo Angelopoulos)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1315821975

O Thiasos Part 2: The Travelling Players (1975 - Theo Angelopoulos)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1315749906

O Thiasos Part 3: The Travelling Players (1975 - Theo Angelopoulos)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1315783293

Presas de Franco - Del olvido a la memoria (M Vidal A Sangües)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1313705520

Punishment Park - Introduction (1971 - Peter Watkins)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1313717053

Punishment Park (1971 - Peter Watkins)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1313717050

The Forgotten Faces (1961 - Peter Watkins)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1313706522

The Gladiators (Peter Watkins - 1968)

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1311222299

Office to share

2007-11-14T21:08:00.000Z

I've been asked to post this:

I have a serviced office in the Brighton Business Centre (95 Ditchling Rd) that I am looking to share the use of. You will be the sole occupier on Sundays, Mondays and Fridays. It is also free on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings until 1pm.

The office is a fantastic space: high ceiling, large arched window, view towards Brighton Station and newly refurbished. The size is 3 metres x 3 metres. It is in a very quiet part of the building with a counsellor and solicitor in next door rooms so you will need to have a quiet activity! I am a dyslexia teacher so they'll be a few alphabet/phonic posters around.

The Brighton Business Centre is the large building that looks like an old church - it's Grade 2 listed so is rather special.

If you think this could work for you please email hilsofbrighton@btopenworld.com. Thanks.

Facebook - NUJ Brighton

2007-11-08T19:08:00.000Z

Rachael is obviously too modest, and certainly too busy, to post but she has set up a Facebook account for the NUJ Brighton.

Lunchtime meet - of interest to NUJ members?

2007-10-25T11:00:00.000Z

Monday 12th November 2007

The Loft Lounge
14 Station Street.
Eastbourne,
East Sussex
BN21 4RG

Registration 1215 for start at 1230 prompt

Finish Approx 1415

Members	:	£14.50+ Vat
Visitors	:	£19.50+ Vat

Including lunch and refreshments

Book a Place

Visiting companies and individuals can attend two Womens Business Club Meetings as non members. Select button to book.

What Makes News?

With Nicola Carslaw
of Carslaw Major

BBC journalist and former home and foreign correspondent Nicola Carslaw, who lives in Sussex, shares some media maxims gleaned during 20 years experience. This presentation explains how journalists produce stories and choose what makes headline news.

Why do journalists seem to love scare stories?
And what’s the best way for businesses to avoid pitfalls, to understand where the journalist is coming from and to make sure that they get their message across verbally and non verbally?

Nicola Carslaw has worked in the front line of national and international news for more than 20 years. Following a career in print journalism she moved to broadcast and reported extensively for BBC flagship programmes including Radio 4’s Today programme, the Ten O’clock News and Newsnight, as well as News 24 and Online.

Nicola was the BBC’s first dedicated Consumer Affairs Correspondent, a post she held for almost a decade. During her tenure, she covered a wide range of consumer and CSR issues and her reports regularly led the national consumer news agenda.

Prior to this she was one of the first women to hold an international post as foreign correspondent for the BBC. Career highlights included covering the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe.

Nicola is a contributing editor for BBC News, specialising in editorial strategy, communications and compliance. She also runs her own image and media presentation consultancy, www.carslawmajor.com that specialises in message development and presentation techniques for business leaders.

Nicola is a regular speaker at industry conferences and she lectures on risk communication issues for Harvard School of Public Health and the European Food Safety Authority. She also judges the prestigious Bradford & Bingley Personal Finance Media Awards.

Dates for your diary

2007-10-17T09:39:00.000Z

The Council of the Journalists' Charity will be holding a VIP Reception at the Embassy of Ireland, Grosvenor Place, London. All members are invited to attend. Tickets are £20 each with proceeds going to the Journalists' Charity. See www.nuj.org.uk for more information.

The Centre for Democratic Policy-making, Red Pepper, and Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom will be hosting 'Democracy and the role of the independent media' with speakers including Hilary Wainwright, Red Pepper and Chris Morley, Northern and Midlands NUJ organiser. Staring 7pm on Wednesday October 24 at Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester. For more details contact Hilary Wainwright, hilary1@manc.org.

NUJ Training 2008

2007-10-17T09:38:00.000Z

New course dates have been set in 2008 for Professional and Trade Union training. To view the course timetable and outlines click on the post's title. Places can be booked online, by emailing training@nuj.org.uk or by calling 020 7843 3717.

Standing Up for Freelance Journalism

2007-10-17T09:37:00.000Z

The NUJ is to launch a campaign seeking negotiating rights with the BBC on behalf of freelances.
As part of the Stand up for Journalism events on November 5, the Freelance Office will launch a petition at Headland House between 12.30pm and 2pm. The campaign will apply to all freelance journalists who work for any part of the BBC in any capacity.
All freelances are invited to attend. Lunch will be provided. To book please email freelanceoffice@nuj.org.uk

AGM minutes

2007-10-08T15:28:00.000Z

Minutes from AGM, September 26

Present: Adrian Colley, Adam Juniper, Cath Quinn, Su Quinn, Nic Tann, Harriet Meyer, Fred Pipes, Eamonn Davoren, David Blackman, Elaine Fairweather, Matt Long, Greg Hadfield (apologies if I've forgotten anyone)

1. Minute's silence for Barbara Wiseman
2. New members Raychel Harvey-Jones, Paul Farley, Jessica Bauldry, Simon Milham, Stephanie Jones were accepted
3. Election of officers:
Adam Juniper - chair
Su Quinn - welfare officer
Nic Tann - treasurer
Cath Quinn - co-secretary
Rachael Glazier - co-secretary
4. Agreed to continue affiliation to Justice for Columbia (£50)
5. Nominations for National Exec. Will wait until next meeting as deadline is November 26
6. Nominations for industrial council. Adam interested in new media before, Rachael to find out info
7. Nominations for elected bodies at annual delegate meeting. David Blackman interested in more info on disabled members' council, Rachael to forward info
8. Agreed to donate £50 to New Popular Weekly, paper of OPZZ trade union (Poland)
9. Discussed Nov 5. Elaine expressed interest in attending the NUJ's lobby of the Society of Editors meeting in Manchester on November 5. The branch discussed trying to recruit new members on this day, perhaps at Lewes. The officers will discuss details, any ideas welcomed
10. Christmas party dates discussed. Rachael suggested choosing a Thursday this year. Need to find a pub with disabled access. Discuss again at next meeting
11. Any other business: Elaine mentioned issues with the NUJ freelance office not being well-informed in journalism issues and changing of payment terms at Daily Mail. Rachael to write to freelance office to discuss this
12. Present given to outgoing secretary Adrian Colley as thanks for all his hard work over the years

FAO City College students

2007-09-29T00:14:00.000Z

Thanks for listening yesterday. If you want to join the NUJ as a student member then here's where you go:

http://www.nujtraining.org.uk/studentreg.phtml

Keep an eye on this site for local events. Don't forget you are all invited to the Christmas party. Not sure when that is but come along whether you join the branch or not - it's a chance to talk to local journos and a good night out.

One message I really wanted to get over (and forgot to mention) was "please read your contract when you get a job". In my experience hardly anyone does and it can make a big difference and save a lot of time if you do this.

Thank you

2007-09-28T22:12:00.000Z

I am overwhelmed by the generosity shown to me on Wednesday and would like to thank everyone for my presents - you shouldn't have. But thanks anyway.

I shall be following Sussex events closely from my new home in Kyiv and wish everyone the very best. Good luck, the branch is in good hands and keep the faith.

Today's agenda

2007-09-26T14:52:00.001Z

BRIGHTON AND MID SUSSEX NUJ ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Minute's silence for branch Barbara Wiseman, 96, who died last month.

1 Apologies

2 New members - Raychel Harvey-Jones, Paul Farley, Jessica Bauldry, Simon Milham, Stephanie Jones.

3 Election of officers.

i) Chair
ii) Secretary
iii) Treasurer
iv) Welfare officer

4 Correspondence - copies of Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom mag available. Plea for donation to New Popular Weekly, paper of OPZZ trade union with 800,000 members. At risk of closure, facing right-wing government.

5 Affiliation to Justice for Colombia. We have been affiliated to this organisation which helps trade unionists in Colombia who run the gauntlet of death squads and
intimidation in the course of their duties

6 Nominations for National Executive Council. Anyone want to serve on the union's most powerful body. We can nominate for the regional seat - SE England, which has three reps, or for industrial sectors where we have members - eg book, magazines, broadcasting, freelance, new media. We have up until November 26 to make nominations.

7 Nominations for industrial councils - there are currently seats to fill on ethics council, freelance industrial council, new media IC, magazine and book IC and newspapers and agencies IC. If you want to stand we can nominate you today!

Annual Delegate Meeting-elected bodies - eg ethics council, equality council, journalist editorial board, women's TUC delegation, disabled members' council
committee of British national pensioners' convention, TUC delegations. We have until November 26 to make nominations. Please consider if you would like to serve on one of the union's decision/policy-forming bodies.

8 November 5th - Stand Up for Journalism day. What do we want to do?

9 Christmas party. What dates are preferred? Where shall we hold it?

10 Any other business

Accounts for year ending September 30, 2007

2007-09-25T14:01:00.000Z

The branch gets 5% of every member's subscription. We get this in the form of quarterly installments from HQ and this more than funds branch activities. We now have, as of August 31, £2,692.78 in the Unity Trust Bank.

This year we spent £1,350.57 and received £1,709.26. So we are in a healthy position in that we have twice as much money in the bank as we have spent in the last year. As a comparison, in the 12 months up to September 30, 2006 we spent £1,166.15 and received £1,821.40.

In the last year I wrote 16 cheques, itemised below. Branch running costs have been about 40% of expenditure and party costs have been around the same! The only unpaid bill is a cheque soon to be written to Rachael Glazier for costs she has incurred in the past few months and for which she has not yet made a claim.

Cheques paid out:
JFC affiliation - £50
Searchlight - £50
AGM costs of newsletter printing, after-meeting drinks, taxi for Barbara Wisemen - £42
AGM room hire - £34
Jemima Kiss for hire of web domain - £6.78
Deposit for Xmas party room hire - £40
Stamps - £115
Xmas party drinks bill - £202.40
CPBF subs - £25
Sundry items - envelopes, printing, wine for guest speaker - A Colley £20
500 stamps - £123.90
Wine for Andrew Crofts - £13.99
Rachael Glazier - £45
Adrian Colley - £440. Includes cost of food and drink for barbecue (£), drinks bill at Bedford Tavern (£159.40) and donation to NUJ Extra charity (£120). For convenience I paid NUJ Extra the
money raised from the raffle and then wrote myself a cheque for the barbie/drinks bill and charity payment.
500 stamps - £120
Photocopying - £22.50 - paid to R Glazier

Total £1,350.57

ADMINISTRATION = £543.17

Stamps £358.90
Room hire - £34
Web costs - £6.78
Other costs - photocopying, envelopes, taxi for member from AGM, presents for speakers - £143.49

CHARITY DONATION = £120

ENTERTAINMENTS £562.40

Xmas party £242.40
Summer barbie £160
Night in pub at postponed barbie - cost of drinks. £159.40

AFFILIATIONS = £125

Justice for Colombia - £50
Trade Union Friends of Searchlight - £50
Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom - £50
Income from HQ - £1,709.26

INCOME = 1,709.26

Four quarterly payments - £414.08; £402.10; £435.77; £457.31

2007 annual meeting

2007-09-24T01:32:00.000Z

The annual meeting this year will be later this month on September 26 in Brighton in the Stanmer Room at the Brighthelm Centre.

Joint secretary Adrian Colley is stepping down so the branch is likely to need new blood to help run affairs.

Please think about whether you can lend a hand. Last year I said helpers had to come forward or the branch would fold. As it turned the ultimatum worked and we have had three well-attended social events (Xmas party; barbie and Bedford Tavern drinking session) and several good speaker - Andrew Crofts, Joanne Mallon and Anthony Rowlinson come to mind - as a result.

Contact us if you need details on how to get there!

Simpson speaks

2007-09-24T00:51:00.000Z

Beeb World Affairs editor John Simpson talks about his new book Not Quite World's End at The Venue in Quarry Lane, Chichester on Saturday October 13 at 8pm.

It takes an upbeat view of the globe's troubles. Tickets are £13.

Tunney's triumph

2007-09-23T22:42:00.001Z

Sussex-based NUJ member Sean Tunney has just had a book published - Labour and the Press 1972-2005.

It tells the story of how the Labour party transformed its relationship with the national press, allowing the emergence of New Labour.

It covers the party's overall development from the days of Harold Wilson, through its flirtation with Daily Mirror tycoon and thief Robert Maxwell to the approach of Tony Blair.

Sean is a lecturer at Roehampton College in London and has worked on the FT and on local newspapers in Crawley. It's published by Sussex Academic Press - call 01524 68765 for a copy. £40 hardback, £15 softback. Sean says it's so far selling better in the US than in the UK.

Get involved!

2007-09-22T22:24:00.000Z

If you want to serve on some of the NUJ committees then now's your chance. HQ are looking for people for, among others:

NUJ Extra (the union charity)
Disabled Members' Council
Standing Orders Committee
Committee of British National Pensioners' Convention
Equality Council
Journalist Editorial Advisory Board
Women's TUC delegation
TUC delegation

All the above are elected by a vote of delegates at next year's ADM in Belfast. If you want to be nominated by the branch then put your name forward and the branch can forward your candidacy. We can do this at this month's or next month's meeting.

Justice for Colombia

2007-09-21T22:21:00.000Z

We have a DVD on the situation faced by trade unionists in Colombia if anyone wants it. Reaffiliation ot the JFC campaign will be on Wednesday's agenda. You can also buy JFC Christmas cards, so get your order in early.

CPBF magazines

2007-09-20T22:17:00.000Z

Several copies of the July-August edition of Free Press - the journal of the Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom - available. Drop us a line if you want one. Issues covered include the CPBF's agm in July and the investigative journalism summer school held in London.

More training

2007-09-19T22:38:00.000Z

And these courses are free. The General Federation of Trade Unions is running 61 courses next year, all over the UK.

Too many to list but several are in London or Bedford. Accommodation, travel and meals are paid for by the trust.

Sample courses include dealing with bullying and harassment; pensions; courses for reps, building self esteem and assertiveness; public speaking; green issues; health and safety.

I repeat, these courses are FREE. So well worth a look. Booklet's available at Wednesday's meeting.

ADM important dates

2007-09-10T22:28:00.000Z

Early heads up for the annual delegate meeting in Belfast next April (3rd to 6th).

Deadlines are

November 26 for motions the branch might want to propose

February 1 for close of amendments/confirmation of motions/nominations of delegates

March 14 for close of online registration of delegates.

Searchlight magazine

2007-09-09T17:50:00.000Z

September's issue of the anti-fascist mag available. I can chuck it in the post. This month's accompanied by an Extra supplement on the Rock Against Racism music movement of the late 70s.

Guaranteed to bring a tear to the rheumy eye of ex-pun/reggae/ska aficionados.

Union rep courses in Sussex

2007-09-04T20:43:00.000Z

Sussex Downs college is running courses in Bognor and Newhaven.

Stepping up the Advanced course for Union Reps 10 days (10 x Wed 26th Sept to 5th Dec 2007)

Union Reps - stage 1. 10 days (10 x Fri 28th Sept to 7th Dec 2007)

Health and Safety - stage 1. 10 days (10 x Tues 25th Sept to 4th Dec 2007)

Next steps for Safety Reps. 10 days (10 x Thurs 27th Sept to 6th Dec 2007)

Union Learning Reps ‘Certificate’ courses:

ULR Module (Information Advice & Guidance) - 3 days (17th, 18th & 21st Sept ‘07)

Union Learning Reps - 5 days (5 x Mon 24th Sep to 29th Oct 2007)

ULR Module (Skills for Life) - 3 days (Mon 5th, 12th & 19th Nov 2007)

ULR Module (Working with Employers) - 3 days (Mon 26thNov,3rd&10thDec2007)

ULR Module (Information Advice & Guidance) - 3 days (17 - 19th Dec 2007)

Short ‘Award’ Courses

Tackling Work-related Stress - 3 days (10th – 12th Dec 2007)

Tackling Bullying at Work - 3 days (12th – 14th Dec 2007)

Grievance & Disciplinary - 3 days (17–19 Dec 2007)

1 year ‘Diploma’ courses

Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety - 1 year (36 x Wed 19th Sept 2007 to 9th Jul 2008)

Certificate in Employment Law - 1 year (36 x Thur 20th Sept 2007 to10th Jul 2008)

These are informal gatherings to get informed, exchange ideas and most importantly exchange contact details.

Union Reps Networking Event - Monday 22 Oct 2007 (11am to 2pm)

Health and Safety Reps Networking Event Thursday 8 Nov 2007 (2pm to 5pm)

Union Learning Reps Networking Event Thursday 18th Oct 2007 (9.30am to 12.30pm)

Don’t’ forget - if you have 14 Reps to train – their tutors can come to you! Visit the own website at; http://www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/unionlearn/

Not able to get to a classroom? Why not register for an ‘online’ unionlearn course?

Visit the national unionlearn website at; http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/courses/index.cfm

Barbara Wiseman - 'What a woman'

2007-08-29T17:13:00.000Z

About 50 people attended the cremation of Barbara Wiseman earlier today in Brighton.

Family and friends came from afar to pay their last respects and swap stories about a singular stalwart of the British Communist Party. For those who don't know, for most of her life Barbara was a leading light in this country's Communist party.

The 45-minute tribute at the Downs Crematorium was almost a social history of UK communism as several speakers remembered Barbara, who died on August 16 at the age of 96. They gave a snapshot of a different era and also provided ample evidence of Barbara's burning passion, unswerving commitment and energy, which despite the encumbrances of age were evident whenever she came along to NUJ meetings.

Always a clear, precise and eloquent speaker, Barbara's NUJ contributions were built upon a career of activism. Speakers recalled events from 60 years - one comrade remembered cycling
to Croydon with Barbara in the 1950s armed with a podium and a loudhailer. She sold the Daily Worker while Barbara used the loudhailer to spread the message. This, in the days when a communist meeting in Kingston could attract an attendance of 1,000. Another friend told the gathering - "I used to tell a friend the stories about her and though she'd never met Barbara, she commented 'What a woman'.

Others paid tribute to Barbara's ability to motivate, advise and listen. Age hardly seemed to wither her. Ten years ago, she travelled to an international communist convention in Cuba - she was one of the branch's first speakers back in 1998 when she recounted her experiences from this trip to the Caribbean.

Even at the age of 95 her strength was undimmed. Eighteen months ago, Barbara travelled to Kenya and then to Australia and New Zealand. Only two years ago, we were told, her failing eyesight meant she could not write, so she dictated the first 50,000 words of a novel to a friend!

To end, many of her former colleagues trooped out of the Crematorium with their right fists raised as the communists' anthem - The Internationale - was played on the PA.

Barbara would have enjoyed that!

Support for asylum seeker member

2007-08-21T20:31:00.000Z

Mansoor Hassan, an NUJ member, is under threat deportation even though he and his family would be at serious risk after he exposed Pakistani politicians involved in honour killings.
Please support him by signing a petition to urge the Home Secretary to allow him to remain. Click on the title to sign.

STAND UP FOR JOURNALISM SPECIAL

2007-08-13T05:57:00.000Z

On November 5th, NUJ members across all sectors and regions will take part in a day of action in defence of quality and standards in media, against job cuts and for fair pay and decent pensions. The NUJ is urging EVERY member, chapel and branch to get involved. For more ideas and resources visit www.standupforjournalism.org.uk.

Online petition
Please sign the petition and urge non-members to do the same. It is our chance to send a loud and clear message to all media owners about the importance we as professionals attach to having the necessary resources - staff, terms and conditions, budgets - to enable us to produce quality media.
Click here to sign: www.ipetitions.com/petition/standupforjournalism

Discuss your sector issues online
A Stand Up for Journalism discussion board has been set up for members to debate the issues which are affecting them. You can share ideas and inspiration for the day and debate ways to protect journalism for the future.
Join the board at www.standupforjournalism.org.uk

Contact your MP
Email your MP here and ask them to sign Early Day Motion 1994. Check if your MP has signed by visiting http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=33860&SESSION=885.
There are also postcards available to send to your MP. These can be requested from campaigns@nuj.org.uk

The fight for pensions continues

2007-08-06T08:32:00.000Z

In recent months union members have fought key campaigns to protect their pension schemes. Yet despite the union's campaigning work company after company is looking to save money by shifting the burden for paying for pensions on to staff, closing down schemes and replacing them with inferior ones or significantly reducing benefits.

As part of a renewed campaign to defend occupational pensions and to expose the current state of pension provision in the industry in the run up to the union-wide day of action on 5 November (Stand Up for Journalism) the NUJ has launched a new survey.

Please take a few minutes to fill it in - the results will help inform the union's workplace pensions campaigning over the coming months. Click on the title link to take the survey.

Reuters/Thompson merger

2007-08-03T08:35:00.000Z

Is your MP one of the 28 who has signed up to the NUJ Parliamentary Group's Early Day Motion (EDM) on the Reuters/Thompson merger? You can find out at http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=33770&SESSION=885.
The EDM calls on the merged company to honour its commitments to the pension schemes and to maintain the integrity and independence of the company's news output.
Email your MP to sign up to EDM 1912 at www.writetothem.com.

Newsquest action

2007-07-24T21:10:00.001Z

Action being taken at Glasgow. Read all about it at
http://business.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1121572007

Charity jackpot

2007-07-06T22:17:00.000Z

Love and kisses to everyone who turned last night. It was a great effort on a foul night and we have raised £120 for NUJ Extra thanks to your doughty attendance.

Forgot to take my camera along so there are no pix. Lots of people won prizes and I hope some of you are happy with them and apologies to the person who entered hoping for a crate-full of booze but who ended up with the guidebook to Birmingham. All the good prizes were down to Rachael's efforts - all the bad ones down to me, if you're looking for a scapegoat!

Looks like the barbie will be rearranged for one of the last three days in August. Don't forget the meeting later this month, with speaker Formula 1 expert Anthony Rowlinson.

Wet weather plan

2007-07-05T14:05:00.000Z

You may have noticed there's been a wee bit of rain about the last few days, so we've come up with a wet weather plan. It's a complicated one: if it rains, we'll meet at a pub instead. That took days of planning.

The pub is the Bedford Tavern on Western Street, almost opposite Embassy Court and very close to the Peace Statue. Once there we will drink, chat and, eventually, send some poor sod out into the rain to cook all the food.

If the weather is okay then the plan is still to meet at the groyne to the east of the Meeting Place cafe (near the Peace Statue) today, Thursday July 5, about 7ish.

Free booze, food and a brilliant raffle with more prizes than you can shake a stick of rock at. We look forward to seeing you all. Non-members are welcome too.

If anyone gets lost on the day please give Rachael a call on 07939 258 172 or Adrian on 07944 566 728.

Beach Barbie

2007-07-03T20:49:00.000Z

We're nearly there. Wednesday is booze-buying day. The fun starts at 7.30pm on Thursday at the groyne next to the Meeting Place cafe on Hove seafront. Look at the sea from the cafe and the groyne is about 70 to 100 yards to your left.

We'll have a short meeting first followed by sossie rolls and drinks after. Don't forget to buy some raffle tickets - all for charidee - as we have some brilliant and some not-quite-as-brilliant prizes up for grabs.

Book it!

2007-06-25T21:25:00.000Z

Picked up a couple of books which anyone is welcome to borrow - email us and I can bring it to the beach barbie next week.

First up is Nobody Told Us We Are Defeated by ex-Argus journo Rory McCarthy - stories of ordinary people in the aftermath of the Iraq war. Bloody excellent

Second is Young Stalin by Simon Sebag Montefiore. 'Rip-roaring' barely does it justice. It's like the best thriller I've ever read. Bloody brilliant.

Third up is the NUJ Centenary Book, which I haven't read yet. You can borrow it, or buy it for a tenner direct from HQ.

Space wanted

2007-06-21T16:08:00.000Z

Does anybody out there know of anyone with anywhere that Stephen, a musician, can rent at a reasonable cost to use as a teaching space (no loud bangy stuff -- honestly) and maybe storage for the (hopefully) short space of time between his selling his flat (going through now) and us buying anew house? I thought maybe a room above a shop, an attic or converted garage or somesuch might be suitable.

Contact Naomi Marks at naomi_marks@yahoo.co.uk

Bordeaux-ed of work? Drink this then

2007-06-13T16:45:00.000Z

Dourthe, a renowned Bordeaux producer, has kindly donated a mixed case of Bordeaux. That's 12 bottles of wine waiting to be quaffed. I would expand more but my wine knowledge is pretty low despite (or possibly because of) a drunken wine course. A quick google shows Tim Atkin of the Observer likes some Dourthe wines, so that's okay then.

Tony Benn back in the Frontline

2007-06-13T07:53:00.000Z

A panel including former Labour MP Tony Benn, Times columnist David Aaronovitch and NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear will be discussing the future of the NUJ at the Frontline Club on Friday 15 June.

The world is changing fast, with new media springing up and the old ones rushing to keep up. Journalists are driven harder to keep their publications going, often for less reward. The union has a vital role to play but what approach should it take?
This and other key questions about the role of the NUJ will be addressed at a lively discussion led by the panel.

The event will double as the London launch of the union's acclaimed history book - JOURNALISTS: 100 years of the NUJ - by Tim Gopsill, editor of the Journalist, and Greg Neale, former Father of the NUJ Chapel at the Times and the founding editor of BBC History magazine. Published by Profile Books at £17.99, it will be on sale at the special price of £10.

The debate is at 7.30 pm on Friday June 15 at the Frontline Club, Paddington. Admission £7.00. The Club is at 13 Norfolk Place, two minutes from Paddington station. Walk up Praed Street towards Edgware Road and Norfolk Place is second on the right.

Places are limited so please book in advance. Go to www.frontlineclub.com

Desperately seeking staff (freelance)

2007-06-11T11:45:00.001Z

Ilex Press are always on the look out for indexers, thorough proof readers and copy editors, and are very desperately seeking Americanisers, anyone with any experience editing in and converting to American English. If you can do any of these give Adam Juniper a call on 01273 403 124 or e-mail juniper@ilex-press.com.

Ilex is part of the Ivy Group, and produces illustrated books on everything from Digital Photography to Erotic Comics (no, really) - the work is akin to working through magazine spreads, though there tend to be more of them.

Wow wow wow

2007-06-05T08:40:00.000Z

Like spoilt children you will probably refuse to read any post that doesn't include a prize, so here it is - the last of the prizes piled up in my now very cramped flat.

Two day passes for Senspa at Careys Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst, Hampshire. Winners will be able to relax and use the facilities all day at this New Forest spa and a delicious spa lunch is included, as is a mind and body class. The spa has six thermal rooms, experience showers and swimming pool. Visit www.senspa.com for more information.

A session at the Aveda concept salon Mowgli. Tucked away in Primrose Hill, London, Mowgli is offering an Organic Express treatment which involves a hair spa and blowdry. For those who don't know what a hair spa is (and I get the feeling that will be, ooh, pretty much everyone), oils and proteins are used to put some life, swing and general pizazz back into your locks.
www.mowglihaircutters.com

What, even more prizes?

2007-05-31T10:47:00.001Z

Yup, we think you lot are great so we've snaffled even more prizes.

First up is a hamper from Jordans. Perfect for the low-GI fanatic who enjoys breakfast thanks to the numerous packets of porridges and cereals, and a special, luxury muesli. All housed in a recyclable, happy cardboard box with waterbased ink. Makes you feel good in the morning.

Next up is something that is not even worth telling you about as I plan to buy all the tickets so I can win this. But here are the details anyway so you can see what you are missing out on. It's one set of the five shortlisted novels and the winner of this year's Independent Foreign Fiction Prize with a bottle of Champagne Taittinger Brut Reserve Non Vintage. The winning novel is The Book of Chameleons by the Angolan author José Eduardo Agualusa, and his translator Daniel Hahn.

Next, a bit of booze. We have been given two bottles of limited edition Apsinthion Absinthe. The bottles are rather handsome and apparently the liquid inside is also rather lovely. The Apsinthion Grand De Luxe Absinthe won 'Best in Class' at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2005 with it's De Luxe variant and 2007 sees the launch of the super-premium Apsinthion Grand De Luxe, of which only 1000 bottles per year available - we've got two so start saving your pennies for the raffle tickets.

Free food for starving hacks

2007-05-24T10:29:00.000Z

I feel slightly uncomfortable perching above throbbing gristle, but here it goes anyway, it's the next update on prizes for the summer party.

This post is dedicated to all the rather nice restaurant people who have offered us meals for the raffle.

Thai-ed to London?
Then get down to The Mango Tree who is offering a free meal for two as one of the prizes. The award-winning Thai restaurant is also giving the winner a bottle of house wine with the meal. Having just looked at the website and recognised the interior, I can confirm that the food is indeed rather fab, having been there only two months ago. Dishes include Pla Pow, a grilled fillet of sea bass wrapped in banana leaf and fresh lemon grass served with spicy lime sauce and Larb Pla Tuna, a north-eastern-style tuna salad with dry chilli and lemon grass. Yum.
It is very close to Victoria station, ideal for all you commuters. www.mangotree.org.uk

Hop along to Oblong
Oblong has singlehandedly elevated the status of George St in Hove from culinary desert to foodie heaven since opening earlier this year. Owned by the quiff-sporting Mark, Oblong has a funky cooking-style while sticking to local, seasonal ingredients. The prize is a two-course meal for two, and if you are lucky there might be a spare table on the fabulous roof terrace. Typical dishes include wild salmon pink pepper crusted wild salmon steak with spring onion, maple syrup and griddled pickles and rump of lamb with feta and roasted vine cherry tomato salad.
www.oblongrestaurant.com

Dorset for the evening
The Dorset is an old favourite in the North Laine of Brighton. The continental bar/restaurant is always crowded at the weekend with folk able to sit outside, sip a beer and watch passers-by struggle with their bags of empowering crystals. The restaurant is popular with families and couples alike thanks to its generous portions of French bistro-style food. Manager Thomas is giving the NUJ a meal up to the price of £30 as a prize. Dishes include aubergine stuffed with gruyere, oregano and wild mushroom risotto served with tomato salsa and roasted pine nuts, and whole roasted seasbass crammed with lemon and thyme and served with parmesan rocket salad.
www.thedorset.co.uk

Throbbing Gristle

2007-05-23T15:47:00.001Z

This is not a pornographic post.

I have two tickets for avant-garde industrial noise merchants Throbbing Gristle show on Saturday at the Tate where they play along to Derek Jarman films.

TG's lead singer Genesis P Orridge was a bloke, now he's a bird. Possibly the weirdest man/woman on the planet. I met him once in a Shaftesbury Avenue kebab shop in 1985 where he was accompanied by lesbian novelist Kathy Acker and he gave me his autograph and she gave me hers. It was my first brush with a superstar.

More here: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/thelongweekend2007/9027.htm

Tickets are free - can't make the show cos I'm playing cricket.

Beach Barbie brill prize No3

2007-05-22T15:48:00.000Z

It was a dump 20 years but now Birmingham's brill. Apparently.

And we've got a guide book to the concrete citadel as one of our barbecue special prizes. Maybe not as special as Rachael's goodies (see below) but it's hard to top them.

Worth at least a tenner and after spending three nights there at last month's ADM it has to be admitted - Brum's on the up.

NUJ ePetition - Newsquest's Scottish titles need your support

2007-05-21T08:22:00.000Z

The NUJ ePetition is calling on Gannett/Newsquest to abide by the assurances they provided to the Competition Commission in 2003 on the transfer of The Herald, Sunday Herald and Evening Times and stop cutting jobs in these titles. Those assurances included their stated intention to maintain the quality and level of coverage of Scottish issues and opinions. For the third year in a row profits have increased at Newsquest (Herald & Times) and for the third year in row management have demanded job cuts across the board.

The Herald's position as a national newspaper is seriously under threat.
The Sunday Herald's role as an award-winning quality Sunday title is at risk.
The ability of Evening Times journalists to sustain the high profile campaigning identity of the paper is being dramatically undermined.
The real danger to these prestigious Scottish titles comes directly from Newsquest's demand for job cuts in each of the last three years.
Their profitable return on investment has been over 35% during this period. This is more than double the average company performance in the UK (14.8%)
Profits from the three titles more than doubled last year to almost £20million.
Parent company Gannett has a current operating revenue of $8033 million.
Now Chief Executive Tim Blott is demanding up to £3million savings from staff.

The Scottish public and civic society must stand up for these newspapers, which are much more important to this country than aspirations and demands of Newsquest shareholders. We need your support to protect titles which are an essential part of Scottish cultural, political and civic life.

Write to the company expressing your concerns and sign the petition.
Tim Blott, Chief Executive, Newsquest (Herald and Times) Limited, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QB.
Click here to sign the NUJ ePetition @ http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/heraldandtimes/

Free Press

2007-05-11T11:52:00.000Z

Copies of the March/April edition of Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom's mag available. We can chuck em in the post if you email nujbrighton@gmail.com

Beach barbie and ken - get the look

2007-05-08T17:25:00.001Z

Who needs books when you can have perfect skin? For those journalists who are bored of trying to look clever and want to add a bit of fun and frivolity to their lives, we have some pretty prizes for you in the summer raffle. First up is the Elemis Dream Journey Vanity Case worth £85, generously donated by Elemis.

For the blokes Biodroga has rather fabulously donated a set of grooming products worth more than £100, including Facial Wash, 24hr Moisturizer, Morning Fit gel, and Vitalizing shower Gel.

And finally, for those whose hands are a mess of ripped cuticles and shredded nails, we have a manicure kit from www.GlossOnline.co.uk containing French Manicure duo, Mini Avoplex Lotion and Essie Crystal Nail File & Polish Set. All Brighton&Mid-Sussex NUJ members can get 10% when ordering online at www.GlossOnline.co.uk, contact Rachael at rachael_glazier@yahoo.co.uk for more info.

More prizes to be announced soon...

Educate...Agitate...Integrate

2007-05-02T09:17:00.000Z

5 May, London - One-day conference on integration
The Guardian's Michael White and The Telegraph's Chi Chan will lead a discussion about the impact of the convergence and integration of media technologies on the role of journalists. Standards, ethics, staffing levels and much more will be discussed at this important round table discussion. If you would like to attend please contact campaigns@nuj.org.uk as soon as possible. Find out more about the conference by going to www.nuj.org.uk/inner.php?docid=1686.

Beach barbie grand draw Prize No1

2007-05-01T11:48:00.001Z

You may have read recently that the union has been infiltrated by rootin', tootin', neocon-shootin' lefties and that civilisation is under threat etc etc.

Well here's further proof. Prize No1 for our summer beach barbie raffle is the Fidel Castro handbook, written by none other than that bloke off the telly, George Galloway. Worth a nominal £15. It is indeed written by Mr Galloway Respect MP for Bethnal Green and Bow.

400+plus pages but maybe half feature pictures of some bloke with a beard and of course an obligatory one of George embracing said fungus face. It's quite a breezy, if somewhat hagiographic, read. I thought it was bloody excellent. Published by MG Publications, other subjects in the series include Elvis, Che, cartoonist R Crumb, Jackie Onassis and Muhammad Ali. An eclectic bunch! Wonder if George wrote them too.

We're having a raffle at the barbie at the end of June to raise money for NUJ extra, which is the charity that helps impoverished journos down on their luck by topping up meagre pensions, for example, or making grants.

And don't worry, bear with us as we whip up the excitement to a feverish froth of unbearable expectation by announcing, weekly, prizes at the do. We do hav other stuff which is even better than this. Stay tuned to this site for the next one, which is definitely not two copies of the Fidel Castro handbook.

May Searchlight

2007-04-30T11:22:00.000Z

May edition of the anti-fascist magazine Searchlight available - out in time for the May local elections, and features an item on efforts to in Bognor to counter far-right candidates.

Rover returns

2007-04-28T14:31:00.000Z

At a recent meeting someone told one of us: "You should get a war correspondent to come and speak." Allah be praised, there's one in town next week, straight outta Baghdad, although we can't claim any credit for his visit.

You may have already spotted this on the Brighton Festival calendar but former Argus journalist Rory McCarthy is one of the starring attractions next week and some of us remember him as a callow youth, covering the transport beat with commendable vigour. It's on Sunday May 6 at the Old Market in Hove. Rory is the Guardian's Baghdad correspondent and last year wrote a book on the country and how its people are coping with war. He is joined by BBC film-maker Sean McAllister who made the film Liberace in Baghdad, which will be screened at the venue. It will be followed by a round-table debate on Iraq's continuing crisis.

Tickets - call Brighton 709709. Booking fee a despicable £2 but not if you buy direct at the festival box office. Tickets still available on Tuesday!

Job - Culture vulture wanted

2007-04-26T20:47:00.000Z

Former branch member Jon Pratty is looking for a ‘middle-level journo’ with experience of online working to run Icons Online website. Deadline, Tuesday May 8. Five weeks holiday a year, 37.5 hours a week for £17,500 (we suggest you ask for a wage rise on your first day if you get it). Closing date Tuesday May 8.

ICONS, a major online project funded by Culture Online, is coming under the editorial supervision of the 24 Hour Museum. The job will be an interesting mix of tasks, from sifting nominations for ICON status and answering email enquiries, to researching and writing articles and features for new ICON entries, sourcing pictures and editing and uploading content.

The mix of skills, initiative and judgement needed to do the job successfully means we are seeking a qualified journalist (to NCTJ standard) with recent experience and a self-starting and positive attitude. A willingness to travel around the UK to research information and an interest in culture is essential. Duties include:

• Research and write articles, features and news stories for ICONS / 24HM website.

• Take responsibility for maintenance of the ICONS site. Maintain scrutiny of specific site sections and ensure they are accurate and up-to-date.

• Assist in maintaining a contacts book and story diary

• Liaise with contacts, press officers and PR agencies as necessary.

Plus any other duties that are seen to be appropriate to the post.

Contact Jon Pratty at editor@24hourmuseum.org.uk for an application form or we can forward a pdf on to you!