The Summer Season

The Summer season for the group has been as busy as ever with hopefully a good mix

of visiting speakers, coffee and chats and some home-made entertainment thrown in.

A little learning is also included even though it is rather late in the week.


May 12th was my first News Quiz and members were asked to recall events from the

previous week. Andy W’s group won that hands down!  A week later and Cllr Rob Garnham,

the Mayor of Cheltenham, gave us an interesting talk about his role and duties.

He was obviously very pleased to join us. On May 21st (My birthday!) about 12 of us

took a trip down to visit our sister (brother?) group at the rainbow Café in Bath.

What a warm welcome we received, and this included some welcome lunch! Their group do

not have weekly events as we do but are obviously alive and kicking.  Tony gave us a

very professional talk on bequests and will and we listened carefully to our expert.

Andy W organised a beetle drive for the first meeting in June.  Some people are very

quick when it comes to shaking the dice!  Alan, Bill, Ray and Sean brought in a selection

of plants for us to buy.  This raised a good sum for group funds.  Afterwards Alan

(the expert) answered some gardening questions.  This was, I thought, a delightful evening.

On 23rd June my friend Michael W. came up from Bristol (with his partner Lionel) to address

us on non-religious funerals.  This proved to be quite entertaining despite the subject.

We hope they will come again.  Andy and Graham planned the annual ‘treasure hunt’ and

members were covering the locality looking for clues.  A few managed to attend punting

at Oxford.  Those who went enjoyed it. Sean invited the group to his renowned garden and

a large number were huddling under a tree for shade as they enjoyed the delightful setting.

I was sorry to miss it.  Other events included Ten Pin Bowling organised by Mike B, a visit

to Highnam Court, Peter’s General Knowledge Quiz and Bastille Day – up the Revolution!

Patsy G. managed to convert several of us to the wonders and benefits of Aloe Vera.

Michael C.H. and his colleague Ruth gave us the update on Civil Partnerships and we

welcomed a few visitors (but not as many as we hoped).  Sally M., came to show us what is

currently available in gay literature and information at the libraries.  We are looking

forward to the picnic at Canop Ponds and a few other sessions.


So yes, we have been busy. New ideas always welcome however!  I told you it was busy!

John M (Diary Keeper)