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July 2021

North Midlands LGBT Older Peoples Group Posted on by

ACTIVITIES IN JULY – PICNIC IN BURSLEM PARK

 

The weather stayed fine and sunny with a gentle breeze plus a shady spot under a tree…perfect setting for our July picnic in the park. It was lovely to have Ella with us along with her friend Sheilah, who remembered our Chair, Maurice. from Age Concern meetings, How many years is it since Age Concern and Help the Aged charities combined to form Age UK? The correct answer is 17. The two charities merged in June 2008 to become the biggest UK charity supporting older people. It was the year before the OLGBT group was founded and we have had close links with Age UK ever since.

Everyone felt safe meeting outdoors and the setting gave an opportunity for multiple conversations to take place at the same time…something that would be impossible on Zoom. It was great to see Billy and Steve for the first time this year. Billy told us of his dramatic accident at Bathpool Park lake in Kidsgrove. Instead of reversing up the slope, his electric vehicle accelerated forwards into the lake. Fortunately, it wasn’t too deep at that point, but vehicle rescue services won’t have anything to do with accidents in water. It says a lot about the kindness of local people, who helped Billy and his scooter to safety.

HOLIDAYS.

It’s always nice to hear from members on holiday. Stephen spent an enjoyable few days on the Isle of Wight where he met up with friends and enjoyed visiting familiar spots. Instead of a postcard, Stephen sent us some lovely photos including the one below.

MONDAY EVENINGS ON ZOOM

Zoom meetings on Mondays continue to be a popular way of keeping in touch and sharing information and gossip. We usually mix serious topics like the latest news on COVID cases and the closing of the Hanley NHS Walk-in Centre with more popular stories like the Tokyo Olympics or the rare black spider found in a Newcastle Bog. (Wetland…not a public loo). We share useful tips on where to access services or get your car fixed, along with updates on interesting books we’ve read, and concerts, films and TV shows we’ve watched. Although strong opinions are encouraged, outrageous statements or biased views are robustly challenged. We always have a laugh and everyone is offered a chance to check in to say how they’ve been and what they’re looking forward to in the coming week. No wonder they are so popular

STOKE PRIDE 2021

As usual, we will be present at Stoke Pride which has been rescheduled for Saturday 7 August….12.00 – 18.00 Hanley Park. The list of volunteers is growing, but more people are always welcome to help with setting up around 10.30 am and clearing away after the event. In addition we need people to take turns in manning the gazebos and encouraging people to sigh up to our mailing list. We also want individuals to help carry our banner in the Parade.

Pride Parade

Carnival arts workshops are being run at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery and at Hanley Park between from 12 – 2.30pm to help you prepare courtesy of The Cultural Sisters and other fabulous City based artists. Links to Hanley park from Potteries Museum and Art Gallery via a vintage bus are kindly provided by Potteries Omnibus Preservation Society 12-4.30. Parade starts at 2 pm.

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