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Tag Archives: West Hill
The Way We Were – JJ Waller Nov/Dec 2025
We asked photographer JJ Waller to climb into his attic and dust off some of his old pictures of the Dials, and we are going to share them in the next few issues of the Whistler.
How long have you lived on the Dials?
“I have lived on the Seven Dials manor a long, long time – at least long enough to remember when it was all a bit tattier, mostly houses of multiple occupation, bedsits and even squatters, back in those pre cappuccino, pre Co-op, pre Deliveroo days when we had fewer estate agents and more butchers, bakers, greengrocers, opticians and banks. A period when you could even get a choice of awful greasy cafe fry ups. We also had, believe it or not, the best fish and chips in Brighton. A chippie where Friday night queues were always lengthy and straggled past the sports shop and launderette down to the Chinese takeaway. Fabulously fried fish, each freshly cooked to order. It was even possible to eat inside with full waitress service, drink a beer and buy the Argus, too. After the owner retired in the late Eighties it sadly changed hands twice and was never as good again”
Did you prefer the back in the day Dials?
“Overall I’d say its better now, although I probably couldn’t afford to buy a flat here nowadays. The present day Dials has a vibrancy and cafe culture that adds a unique feel to living in this part of the City”
Anything you would change if you could?
“I would like to see the Co-op change it’s plans to expand into two small independent separate units and for the post office not to close. Losing all three would be a real loss”
Any wishes for the future?
“It would be great if we had some kind of summer community festival, maybe a food festival would fit? The local restaurants and cafes creating a special summer weekend could be a good start” (Funny you should mention that, JJ. As chance would have it, the good folk at Whistler Towers have got a bit of a plan…)
If you have any old pictures or stories of the area we would love to see and hear them.
Jo Rowkins – November / December 2025
There’s something freeing in remembering that the cycles of feasting and fasting are part of an ancient ancestral rhythm we all share. My clients often find relief in this perspective as it reframes indulgence as something not to fear, but as a natural celebration.
So, this Christmas give yourself permission to feast mindfully, to nurture your body and to celebrate fully. When you approach feasting with intention and kindness you can indulge without guilt. I believe mindful festive eating is not about restriction or pressure, but a gentle tuning in; savouring the tastes and textures of the season while honouring your body’s needs.
Supercharge with Superfoods
Nature provides everything we need for flavour and wellness. This season jazz up your plates with festive superfoods:
• Golden turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties
• Ginger to aid digestion after hearty meals
• Rosemary for antioxidant support
• Cinnamon for blood sugar balance and reduction of cravings
• Garlic to keep immunity strong when days get hectic
Tip: Sprinkle rosemary over roasted veg, sip ginger as a warming tea and add garlic to sauces. Simple tweaks bring powerful benefits.
Nourishing Breakfasts for All-Day Balance
How you start the day matters, especially in December. Try:
• Eggs with wilted garlic spinach and a dash of turmeric
• Greek yoghurt topped with nuts, berries and cinnamon
Tip: These combos steady your blood sugar and keep cravings at bay helping you make mindful choices later.
Savour Sweets, Don’t Scoff
Festive indulgence is part of the joy. No guilt required! I encourage clients to slow down over their favourite sweets noticing each texture, flavour and the sense of comfort it brings.
Tip: Bake a batch of wholesome, spiced biscuits and enjoy them mindfully. Turning treat time into a ritual of real self-care can completely transform how you feel.
Choose Nature’s Fats
Nature doesn’t make bad fats, factories do. Healthy fats are your friend all year round, especially this season. All too often, festive foods are laden with processed fats that can leave you feeling sluggish, heavy and low. Skip the processed oils and instead reach for:
• Avocado
• Nuts and seeds
• Extra virgin olive oil and grass-fed butter
• Oily fish and grass-fed meats
• Virgin coconut oil
Tip: These nourishing fats support your mood, hormones and energy, helping you feel tip top and balanced all day.
Mindful Festive Tips:
• Focus on quality: Pick foods you truly love and let every mouthful be meaningful
• Eat the rainbow: Aim for colourful veg and salads at each meal for immune support
• Use a smaller plate: This simple trick helps you tune into enjoyment without overeating
• Make cooking a ritual: Slow everything down; take in colours, smells and textures
• Limit distractions: Turn off screens and connect at the table
• Check in with your hunger: Pause before extra helpings – ask if you’re satisfied or just following a habit
• Pace yourself: Eat slowly and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or herbal teas
• Move with joy: Go for a post-lunch stroll, dance to your favourite song or try a few gentle stretches
• Practice gratitude: Before a meal take a moment to give thanks for the food and company
Gentle Guidance Through the Season
If you’d like support weaving healthy habits into daily life, get in touch for a free discovery call. And in the new year I’ll be opening my 30 Day Body Reset programme filled with recipes, gentle routines and mindful habits designed to help you feel your best after Christmas. (Email to register your interest at jo@awakeninghealth.co.uk).
When you approach feasting with intention you give yourself permission to fully indulge. Wishing you and your loved ones a Christmas filled with meaningful moments, mindful indulgence and true wellbeing.
l http://www.awakeninghealth.co.uk
Jo uses nutrition and lifestyle medicine to help people align with a healthier way of living. She specialises in helping people who are feeling stressed, and women for hormonal balance.
Conservation Matters – Nov / Dec 2025
The West Hill Community Association was one of the14 community groups which formed the coalition “AGHAST” (Action on Gasworks Housing, Safety, Affordability and Transparency) to oppose the proposed development of high-rise blocks on the former gasworks site near the Grade 1 Listed Kemp Town Estate. To the dismay of local councillors, residents and amenity associations a planning inspector representing the then secretary of state Angela Rayner (yes, she) has now overturned the decision of our City’s Planning Committee to refuse the scheme. Our councillors gave three reasons for refusal:
The scheme would represent an overdevelopment of the site with excessive scale, massing, density and heights that are not in keeping with the area, which along with the design and material palette would cumulatively harm the townscape, landscape and seascape of the area and its heritage assets. (It should be noted that the site is not in a “Tall Buildings Zone”).
The under-provision of larger units would fail to meet the identified housing need of the city. (It offers an) unacceptable standard of accommodation for future residents by reason of poor levels of amenity and light to some dwellings.
To rub salt into the wound the Inspector has directed that our City Council pay the costs of developers St William, the nom de guerre of Berkeley Homes. These costs could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. Berkeley Homes, incidentally, last published profits of £179 million. The Inspector justified his costs decision by describing the Council’s behaviour in opposing the scheme as unreasonable!
A retired professor of architecture at Brighton University has questioned the impartiality of the Planning Inspector, citing the Inspector’s previous support for the suggestion by a “think tank” that “councillors should have no say over deciding applications for new developments”.
The professor further called the scheme a “ghastly overdevelopment”; no wonder Angela Rayner bought her £800,000 seaside flat on the other side of the city in Hove!
Cllr Ellen McLeay & Cllr Sue Shanks – Nov / Dec 2025
It’s good to be writing to you again with an update on our work across Brighton & Hove.
We’re proud to call this city home. Known for its warmth, diversity, and resilience, Brighton & Hove has always stood strong in the face of adversity. In 2024, our community came together to reject anti-immigration riots and continues to stand firmly against division and hate. Now more than ever, we must uphold these values and work to strengthen social cohesion.
Community Action in St George’s Mews
There’s nothing better than seeing our community come together. Recently, we supported a community action day on St George’s Mews – residents joined forces with us (Sue and Ellen), and the team at St Mungo’s to weed, litter pick, and paint over tagging. St Mungo’s lead on important work for our community, managing supported accommodation and a housing programme for people with complex needs.
This area, along with Gloucester Street, is one of seven identified hotspots in the city where Sussex Police are focusing efforts due to rising antisocial behaviour (ASB). While a tidy-up day won’t solve everything, it supports the Broken Windows Theory – the idea that visible signs of disorder can lead to more serious crime. There’s still much more to be done in this area, but this was a positive step forward.
A big thanks to everyone who helped us that day. We’d especially like to thank Molly Baskar, who stopped by on her final day as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO). Molly has been an outstanding presence in our area, consistently going above and beyond to support residents and build trust in the community.
We’re delighted to hear she’s being promoted within the Police ranks, a well-deserved recognition of her dedication and impact. We wish her every success in this exciting next chapter.
New Road Improvements
You may have noticed the removal of benches on New Road. This is part of a broader plan to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall feel of the area. Originally designed in 2007 as England’s first shared space street, New Road is now in need of renewal. The council is working with partners – police, businesses, community groups, and health services – to reimagine the space. Seating will return, but with designs that help reduce ASB and make the area more welcoming for everyone.
Supporting Brighton’s Independent Businesses
Ellen has been working to represent independent businesses across the North Laine and in Seven Dials. As the festive season approaches, we encourage you to shop local. Supporting independent businesses means reinvesting in our community. Local traders are the heartbeat of Brighton.
Our city is lucky to have a vibrant independent shopping scene. While many high streets across the UK are dominated by the same chains, Brighton stands out as a hub of creativity and uniqueness.
We know it’s tempting to do your weekly shop in one supermarket – especially as we lead increasingly busy lives – but it’s worth bearing in mind the benefits to our local economy when you shop local. The theory goes, when you spend £10 at an independent café, over £5 stays in the local economy. Spend it at a chain, and just £1.40 remains. That difference matters to the community you live in.
So, consider gifting from Brighton’s many independent traders this Christmas. Many have deep roots in the city, with generations of family-run businesses.
The Brighton Gift Card is a great way to support local. Business leaders are urging residents to “Make your Christmas rewards count” by choosing the Brighton Gift Card.
Christmas Events in North Laine – On Small Business Saturday, 6 December, the BID team are hosting a festive event including roaming choirs, brass bands, and the launch of a themed window dressing competition. There’s also talk of late-night shopping opportunities on Bond Street this year.
Brighton Youth Centre Reopening
Young people need safe spaces to connect, get support, and explore their interests. The refurbished Brighton Youth Centre on Edward Street is nearly ready to open, with facilities including a skate park and band rehearsal rooms.
Sue, a trustee of the centre, has been closely involved in the refurbishment. The official opening is at the end of October, when the centre will move from its temporary home on Gloucester Road.
Protecting Our Libraries
We’re opposing council proposals to close three community libraries – Hollingdean, Westdene, and Rottingdean – and reduce hours at Hove and Jubilee. Libraries, like youth centres, are vital community spaces. We believe the council can find the necessary funding elsewhere.
Food Waste Collections Begin
15 September, Brighton & Hove City Council started food waste collections, for the first time in the city. This is limited to in Saltdean, Rottingdean, Ovingdean, Woodingdean and Brighton Marina to begin with but will be rolled out to other areas over three stages. In the current proposed timeline, Central Brighton and Seven Dials can expect to see this service from March 2026.
New Blood Donation Centre
A new blood donation centre has opened at 1 Gloucester Place. Sue, a long-time donor, donated blood at the official opening on 16 October. If you’re over 17, we encourage you to book an appointment and donate. It is a selfless act that can save lives, and one donation can help up to three people.
Reporting Antisocial Behaviour
Remember if you’re noticing an increase in ASB, please report it to the police so they can take action. For emergencies, call 999; for non-emergencies, call 101, or report online at sussex.police.uk/report-online.
If the problem is persistent and escalating, contact us, your councillors, and we’ll help connect you with the right support.
l Ellen.Mcleay@brighton-hove.gov.uk
l Sue.Shanks@brighton-hove.gov.uk
The Whistler 