It was always going to be a tall order to keep the surprise party to celebrate Bright News’ 30 years anniversary a secret. Well, thanks to a collective sense of intrigue and enjoyment, West Hill residents managed to give Vinod and Meena Mashru the surprise of their lives in December.

Their sons Vishal and Anish joined in the clandestine goings-on by coming down to Brighton for the occasion without their parents knowing, and daughter Karishma managed to steer Meena and Vinod to the Hall to what they thought was a get-together for another long-term resident. Many people gave them gifts, everyone signed two huge cards, the one shown on the front page, made by local children. In true ‘This is Your Life’ style, Colette, one of The Whistler editors, presented them with a book of Bright News related stories taken from The Whistler over the last 30 years. It was a great, happy evening and for those readers who could not make it, there are more photographs taken by Graham Brown and Geoff Bailey on the Bright News Facebook page that capture the event. Thanks to them both for the photos.

In the last edition, we published a listing of Seven Dials shops then and now, which brought back memories for many of our readers. Thanks to Bob Potter who, in response to the request to join in the nostalgia, sent us a scanned page of the 1969 Kelly’s Directory which filled in lots of gaps. We’ve updated the article with the new additions online at westhillwhistler.wordpress.com. Still on the nostalgia trail, for this edition we’ve raided more Whistler archives for tales of local life. Please raid your memories and send us your recollections of West Hill and Seven Dials.

In 2015 we welcome more new groups to West Hill Hall, who join our already eclectic set of regular users. See – Curious Creators, Sing Healthy Play Happy and A Fool’s Guide to Playing on the Sessions page.

Christmas came early for WHCA thanks to Vinod Mashru and the generosity of Bright News customers who contribute regularly to The Whistler costs by putting unwanted change into collecting boxes on the counter. We received an extra boost of funds towards the end of October when he stocked a 33kg giant pumpkin for Halloween and asked people to pay for the privilege of trying to lift the monster. Thank you, Vinod and your customers, for your ongoing support.

From The Whistler archives in March 1991, Steve Needham wrote the following ‘Portrait of a Local Character’.

“To the residents of West Hill, especially in the Buckingham Road area, Vinod Mashru is a familiar face. There are few residents in this local area who could not recognise the owner of Bright News and it appears there are few who Vinod does not know himself.

Vinod was born in India and spent a number of years working in the family wholesale cloth business in Bombay. When he came to the UK he spent a year working in a shop in London’s East End but it was love which finally brought him to Brighton. The love in question was the marriage of a friend, and it was on his first visit to the South coast that Vinod saw what is now Bright News and, having had enough of working for others, he decided to buy it. Vinod has a positive view of Brighton, finding it friendly, with a diverse group of inhabitants. He also enjoys having everything close enough to walk to, a real change from London and Bombay. During his 6 years in West Hill Vinod has never had any trouble at the shop, surely a plus point for the area.

Many of Vinod’s customers are professional people who come in on their way to work and again on their way home. With so many convenience stores in West Hill, it is amazing just how popular Bright New is. Is it the prices? The videos? The produce? Or do people come because they enjoy the friendly service? Whatever the reason there is one thing not to be missed at Bright News. Mrs Mashru’s home-made samosas and bhajis. Truly delicious!”

In 2015 Vinod and Meena celebrate 30 years at Bright News and at the heart of the community. We wish them heart-felt congratulations.

The Whistler

The Whistler has been published ever since the West Hill Community Association was set up in May 1977. The present editorial team consider themselves custodians of a great local initiative which has survived over the years with contributions from local residents and the help of local businesses whose advertisements help pay towards the printing and distribution costs.

For 37 years the newspaper has published an eclectic selection of articles that range over many subjects and interests. In the early days the paper was delivered by local street reps and for many years it was delivered by the late Richard Ford, who was a familiar face to all on his West Hill postal round.

Today, we’re lucky to have another local resident, Chris of West Hill Street, who is now braving all weathers to bring your Whistler to you. We extend a warm welcome to the newest West Hill residents in the Alexandra Quarter. For those readers who live in West Hill you are automatically a member of the West Hill Community Association, which is why you receive this community newspaper.

Please write to us at whwhistler@aol.com and let us know what you think of the paper – and whether you think it serves a worthwhile purpose. We thrive on feedback!

SHARING MEMORIES

West Hill and the Seven Dials are steeped in the history and stories of residents, past and present, and we are enjoying publishing Tony Hill’s memories of hi

s childhood in the Seven Dials (thanks to Chris Berry for sending them to us) and were tickled to receive a letter from James Caulfield, the present occupant of 42 Dyke Road.

Have you ever thought about who lived in your house before you did?   Do you have any memories to share with us so we can share them with the great Whistler readership?

In Features we report that the Brighton Toy and Model Museum is embarking on a 2-year project to collect memories from residents about dolls, teddy bears and construction toys.

The Whistler’s mission for the last 30 plus years has been to share news and views of local residents. We’d love to hear from you.