Portland Global Friendship Group

08/10/2026

Hoping to make a trip to see the wonderful volunteers at Crowborough Sunday 1st November. It would be great to use the opportunity to drop some donations to them. Their needs are pretty much the same as ours when the Bibby Stockholm was here. Winter coats are much needed as - like some of our guys - new arrivals arrive with very little.

Away from 10th - 19th October but happy to pick up any donated items after that.

If you're able to help please contact us at [email protected]

*Items needed*

Warm winter coats (small/medium)

Warm winter clothes (small/medium)

Luggage. Pull along suitcases and holdalls

Unwanted mens trainers/boots (mainly size 8)

Underwear (small/medium)

Essential toiletries

Unwanted but usable old phones/laptops (the laptops are particularly useful for study)

❤️x❤️x❤️x

29/09/2026

If like us you are appalled by this incident, please take a few minutes to report it as racially aggravated crime ......

18/09/2026

Some of us from Portland Global Friendship Group (including Councillor Lucy Hardwicke also representing the Dorset Green Party for Underhill, Portland) went to Poole today to show our appreciation, thanks and support for the RNLI. We took an afternoon tea food hamper and thank you card to the RNLI museum for the wonderful volunteers there. Many thanks to all who made a contribution towards it.

We had a lovely chat with the volunteers who were still smiling despite the deeply unpleasant scenes recently witnessed there.

Reading about the RNLI's history, its selfless dedication to saving lives at sea and its role during the Dunkirk evacuation was a poignant reminder about true patriotism and bravery.

We then walked to the RNLI headquarters and training college where a "launch a memory" event was taking place. The whole place was brimming with positivity and joyfulness.

We live in strange times where mindless, misinformed sound bites can lead to one of our most respected organizations facing abuse, violence and intimidation.

So pleased we were able to thank some of the RNLI volunteers in person.

Launch a Memory | RNLI https://share.google/XT7gia3BO2fNaxDh5

17/09/2026

17/09/2026

Please support the good work the volunteers are doing in Crowborough amidst this utterly horrifying situation.

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/sep/16/england-til-i-die-review-channel-4?CMP=share_btn_url&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwcGRvZgVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR46VivVcMt-Xk5RqrUsvaIUGK6HIwf5tonAoMGrSPiLJXrosimvdAP4ZttHww_aem_iradl2aE5B4ZUgjDuXcWHg

https://www.samas.org.uk/?fbclid=IwVERDUAUYb9xwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHunLentk0ARUfkQdXvGwJ6hAbLmgHJuUcGi3rFYUxeiC1L-a2lT9-j3tHxlQ_aem_r5MRks8Em1Maj9mD3N1VVQ

Film-maker Jamie Roberts follows a Sussex man’s journey into the far right. If it wasn’t so horrific, parts could feel like they’d been written by Chris Morris

14/09/2026

Another opportunity to watch "The Land Remains", this time at Careys Secret Garden Wednesday 16th September.

The viewing will take place in a heated room within the garden creating the perfect setting for the film's themes of land, place, migration, belonging and connecting. The film considers how these issues connect to the tenure of the Bibby Stockholm barge.

Arrive from 6pm with the film itself starting at 7pm. Following the film there will be discussion and Q&A with the Director Boris Thompson-Roylance.

Tickets available here .....

https://www.careyssecretgarden.co.uk/products/film-evening-the-land-remains-wed-16th-sept-2026

14/09/2026

Outrageous corporate bullying and harassment from Airbnb. With Portland's beloved b-side taking a stand.

Portland has just experienced the most magical weekend with the wonderful B-Side Festival....a curation of stimulating, imaginative, thought-provoking, inclusive and fun workshops/performances/ installations and activities. Truly something for everyone and a coming together of community, visitors and artists.

B-Side depends on its bnb* income to make this possible for us all.

Please support B-Side by spreading this article and considering a donation to make the purchase of the B-Side building possible.

https://localgiving.org/fundraising/bnb-side

*An abbreviation that was very much part of our culture and vocabulary before the corporate bullies coined it!

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/sep/14/portland-bnb-airbnb-silicon-valley-legal-battle-festival?CMP=share_btn_url&fbclid=IwY2xjawUUv_RwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHhidfbJ8Jmw5sArZPPYZs3Q9XnAD8Wj-4Us4neQboEu3WpFtiKeurnwGm_XU_aem_QcENqOLiIgOvCnBgfsIlIw

Three little letters - bnb-side’s name is a play on the local b-side arts festival, but Silicon Valley colossus sees threat to global brand

08/09/2026

Lots of wonderful events at the B-Side festival this year (10th - 13th September). We are especially excited about this one.

B-Side Arts Festival - Internationally recognised arts organisation https://share.google/CeCBByOtYGeh4f9Hx

22/08/2026

A gorgeous watch.....

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcObCU_xT-G/?igsi=MWF0dm03ZzdtNnRzMw==

13/08/2026

* UNDERWEAR NEEDED AT ASYLUM SEEKER ACCOMMODATION IN CROWBOROUGH *

Further to yesterday's post about the army training camp being used to accommodate asylum seekers in Crowborough. A few people have messaged to ask if they can help.

It's heart breaking really but the things that are desperately needed at the moment are socks and boxer shorts.

It's difficult to give out an address publicly (due to the harassment local volunteers are experiencing) but if anyone can help, we can forward a delivery address in a private message.

It would be wonderful if we could extend the kind generosity of our wonderful supporters to our friends in Sussex.

Mainly medium size boxer shorts are needed but a few small/large would be helpful.

Socks to cover mainly size 8.

🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽❤️

Donations can also be made here....

https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-migrants-asylum-seekers-with-compassion/cl/s?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-no-carousel&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&lang=en_US

Or please contact us at... [email protected] if you can help.