August
August Meeting
With no guest speaker for our August meeting, we looked at a very topical issue – LGBT life in Great Britain before and after the Sexual Offences Act 1967. A big thank you to Trevor for not only suggesting the idea, but for taking a lead role in the interesting discussions that arose.

Channel 4 ran the series 50 Shades of Gay hosted by Rupert Everett. Maurice commented that he had been approached by the film company working for Channel 4 as a potential participant…however, he was passed over in favour of and older sailor. No doubt the added attraction of a man in a uniform had something to do with their decision.
August Outing
Our outing took place on August Bank Holiday. Starting from Cheddleton Flint Mill, the trip took us as far as Consall Forge on the Caldon Canal…and we were blessed with the best weather so far for what seems to have become an annual event on the narrow boat Beatrice. Good company, plenty of food and drinks in the most beautiful Staffordshire countryside…there was even time to visit Consall Station to see the Churnet Valley railway in action. Great day out!
Appetite Stoke
Appetite Stoke’s ‘Big Feast 2017’ offered of an amazing diversity of cultural activities in Hanley on the Friday and Saturday of the Bank Holiday weekend. Despite coming by bus and ready prepared to spend two entire days in Hanley, it still proved impossible to see everything on offer. One of the highlights, undoubtedly, was the presence of members of the Royal Opera House. Their highly original, amusing, abbreviated versions of Swan Lake and The Magic Flute went down a treat, with children and adults being drawn into performances at the bus station and in Piccadilly. Brilliant!
The Urban Astronaut, the Strong Lady and the Spurting Man all attracted large crowds on both Friday and Saturday