Good morning, Brighton. Pinch, punch, first of the month and all that. Apparently in medieval times salt was thought to weaken witches, and a punch would banish them. Who knew! Anyway it all sounds quite heavy for 6am on a Monday morning.

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

- Phil Reynolds

Brighton's very own Picasso of pollution; NHS nurse and University of Brighton student Sammie Aplin has turned pandemic beach walks into an internationally celebrated art practice. Known online as The Plastic Coast, Sammie combs Brighton's beaches for discarded plastic, fishing gear, and debris — transforming around 30% of her finds into stunning, personalised commissions.

What started as a calming pre-shift walk during COVID has grown into a waiting list of 35+, nearly 20,000 Instagram followers, and commissions from as far as the US, New Zealand, and Borneo. Each piece tells two stories — the client's, and the plastic's own remarkable (if troubling) journey. View some of Sammie’s creations

Some finds date back decades — pre-decimal packaging, 1970s Smarties lids, and toy figures from the 1930s. As Sammie puts it: "This problem doesn't just disappear."

🇫🇷 Lancing dad Phil Read, 48, cycled from Brighton's Royal Sussex County Hospital all the way to Paris — cheered off by the very team who operated on his heart in 2021. Diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and a leaking mitral valve, Phil underwent surgery, fought back, and then pedalled 250km through rural France to raise awareness of heart valve disease.

"A serious, common, but treatable disease," he says — and he wants more people to recognise the symptoms.

Joined by Heart Valve Voice's Wil Woan, Phil dedicated the ride to fellow patients, including his mother-in-law and father-in-law, both currently receiving cardiac care at the same hospital. From hospital doors to Parisian streets — what an absolutely heartwarming story! 🗼

🚲⚡ Brighton & Hove just got a whole lot cooler — and greener! The city has been chosen by Active Travel England to pilot shared electric cargo bikes, and honestly, it's the kind of news that makes you want to ditch the car keys for good.

Run by OurBike in partnership with the council and University of Brighton, the scheme puts chunky, load-lugging e-cargo bikes within easy reach of residents and businesses — no need to buy one, store one, or even know what you're doing at first. Just borrow and go! View hourly rental costs >

Bikes are already waiting at some brilliant local spots: Rotunda Café in Preston Park, Detroit Club in Kemptown, and Platf9rm in Hove — with more locations on the way.

Whether you're shifting a sofa or just fancy arriving at the farmers' market in style, these bikes have got you covered. Cargo never looked so fun! 📦😄

⚽️ It wasn't the result Brighton & Hove Albion Women were hoping for — a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final — but what a journey it's been! 💙

The Seagulls held their own in the first half before City pulled away to seal the double. Still, reaching their first ever final was already a massive achievement.

Fans were gutted but glowing. "Crestfallen but proud," said one. "This is the future — we'll be back many more times," beamed another. Heads high, Seagulls. The best is yet to come! Read full write-up.

🌤️ | 📈 18° | 📉 14° | ☔️ 10% | 🌬️ SW 12mph | 🌊 1-2ft

🌦️ | 📈 19° | 📉 13° | ☔️ 60% | 🌬️ WSW 16mph | 🌊 2-3ft

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Cinema’s aren’t going to fill themselves. Break a habit of a lifetime, turn off Netflix, get off the sofa and potter down to your local (cinema).

Duke of York’s Picturehouse - Book

The Christophers | Tuner | Obsession

Dukes at Komedia - Book

Backrooms | Obsession | Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu | Fairyland

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