AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY
APPETITE STOKE – THE BIG FEAST

Rachel from FRONTLINEdance will available both days. You can join her on Friday outside Hanley Market at 10.00 am or at Albion Square 1.00 pm. On Saturday she will be at Hanley Bus Station 10.15 am and at Albion Square 1.35 pm. Kate and Greg will be leading a choir of combined voices at pop up sessions in Hanley on Saturday 28 August. Don’t forget to visit the photography exhibition in the Old Hanley Bus Station where Stephen has photos on display. You can even enjoy the pleasure of a sandy beach at Hanley next to the new Hilton Hotel.

STOKE PRIDE Saturday 7 August 2021

Despite the weather, we had one of our best Stoke Prides to date. More people signed up to our mailing list and we engaged with organisations keen to collaborate with us. These included a mental health initiative by members of the West Midlands Police Force and the local branch of the Pensioners Convention who have recently started an LGBT section. We also had the customary visit of the Lord Mayor. The rain stopped whilst we put up and took down the gazebo…it also stayed fine for the parade.

New Board Member

We are delighted to announce that Sue has been appointed to the Board of Trustees. She has already proved herself to be an excellent and reliable volunteer…helping put up and take down the gazebo as well as manning our stall and supporting a visitor in a state of distress she also served as an enthusiastic banner carrier in the parade. We are all looking forward to having her on the Board of Trustees.

MONDAY EVENINGS ON ZOOM

Throughout August our Zoom meetings on Mondays continued to be a popular. It was encouraging to find people we met at Pride taking part for the first time. Topics range from the serious to the ridiculous…whatever people find interesting. One person said it was like a TV Show. If it is, then the stars are undoubtedly the meetings participants who constantly surprise and always bring laughter and a sense of comradeship. Next month we will swap the online meeting for a real-life one instead at Fenton Town Hall Cafe… 2.00 pm on Monday 20 September. There is plenty of free on street parking and disabled access from the side of the building. There will probably be enough of us to have a private room…but the cafe will expect to purchase drinks etc from them. We will see what people think of the experience before planning future face to face meetings.