August
Bethesda Chapel
Elms Friends – a group of musicians associated with the Music Department of Stoke College formerly located at the Elms in Shelton – gave a delightful, varied programme of music from the Renaissance to the present day. Many of the pieces were specially arranged for this mixed ensemble of voices, wind, string and piano. Movements from Bach’s Double Concerto for oboe and violin were beautifully performed by Charmian Baskerfield and Ranah Windsor.
The next Bethesda Chapel open day is Saturday 11 August when a World War I Exhibition opens and remains on display for the next few years.
Afternoon Tea with La Maupin
Following our enjoyable afternoon tea with Oscar Wilde, a reduced number of us took tea in July with ‘La Maupin’ a less well known but no less fascinating character. Also known as Julie D’Aubigny, she is described as ‘Beautiful, valiant, generous and supremely unchaste’ D’Aubigny was a 17th-century cross dressing, bisexual, French opera singer and fencing master extraordinaire. With fewer people, it was possible to engage in polite conversation with the artist. A real treat
July Meeting
Deferred from June, our Annual General Meeting was well attended. This was somewhat surprising given the number of regulars away on holiday or undergoing treatment for serious health conditions. However, it is always a pleasure to welcome newcomers, who we hope will return to become regular members.
All of the current committee members were willing to continue, and were unanimously re-elected. Peter Rigby who is National Chair Of the LGBT Police Network (UK) gave a most interesting presentation of visits to Police Forces in European Countries where LGBT rights can differ considerably from here in the UK. There was even time for a slideshow of photos from Stoke Pride
Macclesfield Pride
Singing Workshops. Viva la Musica!
If you would like to take part in any creative workshops, please express your interest by email: olgbt2009@gmail.com or text: 07757 750255No previous experience is needed for any of the workshops