West Hill let its hair down at the sold-out WHCA Social held at the Hall in early December. Ticket-holders were expertly seated by our Chair and Host-with-the- Most, Vinod Mashru, and while Meena, Mel, Laura, Sarah and Colette organised the serving of 100 meals, party-goers were delighted by Candide, a local duo who played an eclectic mix of music. West Hill Street resident, Didier and his musical partner, Dr Pangloss, serenaded diners and then a select group of entertainers answered our call for local talent to shine. Thanks to Kate for her Kate Bush song; 15-year old Loli, and her friend Berry, who performed ‘Love Yourself’; little Ruby who sang, ‘Shake it off’; and a special mention goes to 13-year old Magda, who wowed the audience with her rendition of ‘Santa Baby’ accompanied by Candide. The evening was an opportunity to meet old acquaintances and make new friends in our wonderful West Hill Hall. Thanks to volunteers James, Chad, Finn, and Lucas and to all those who cleared up at the end – in half an hour the Hall was spick and span. Now, that’s what we call community spirit!

Earlier in the evening we heard from Roger Amerena, the chair of the Brighton & Hove Heritage Commission, who told us about two initiatives that are of interest to our area: the proposed installation of a Blue Plaque in West Hill Street to commemorate a resident’s heroic deeds during WWII. In addition, there was an enthusiastic response from residents to the idea of raising money to install historic Victorian-style street signs, made with iron frames and china letters, that would fit particularly well in the West Hill conservation area. WHCA has set up a fund-raising station in Bright News on Buckingham Road and if you’d like to contribute to a historic street sign, then please let Vinod know.

In this edition we continue the theme of communities coming together, reporting on the power of residents uniting to stand up against proposals which threaten their well-being and enjoyment of their local environment.