Tuesday, 31 March 2009

Step One

Tomorrow evening - Wednesday 1st April 2009 - a ticket has been reserved for me to attend what I had thought would be my first taste of service at my Local Conservative Council meeting. However the meeting will be a mainly 'ceremonial' one, ie Mayor making. Hmmm. Roll on to, Wednesday 6th May 2009, the meeting which will interest me.

In addition I have received the following:
I think that you may have heard of the Speaker's Conference on Parliamentary Representation, which is a special committee established by the House of Commons: the Conference is looking at the reasons why women, people from ethnic minorities, disabled people and people from the LGBT community are under-represented in the House compared to their representation in society. It has been asked to produce recommendations for ways to increase the representation of individuals from these groups so that the House better reflects the society it serves. RADAR has suggested that you might be willing to meet the Conference for an informal discussion about the experiences of those living with IID who are interested in political leadership. Might you be willing to meet the Conference at Westminster... You will wish to know that the Conference is extending a similar invitation to other individuals suggested by RADAR. The Conference is of course able to refund travel expenses and in some circumstances can also pay subsistence costs if, for example, your attendance would mean being away from home for more than half a day, or overnight: for further information you would be very welcome to contact my colleague...who deals with the Conference's finances. I would be very grateful also if, should you be able to attend, you would liaise about any adjustments the Conference should make to support your attendance and participation in the discussion. I hope that this invitation will be something you would be interested in doing; your participation would be tremendously valuable to the Conference. If you are interested but unfortunately unable to attend on that day please do contact me and let me know as it is possible that we might be able to make some other arrangement to facilitate your involvement. Thank you for your interest in the Conference and I hope to meet you soon,

A Voice

My recent Comic Relief interview in The Voice Newspaper is above.
In addition, I am thrilled to have my place confirmed on the Wednesday 1st April 2009, 10am - 3pm, course with the pan London Network meeting / celebration running afterwards (featuring Jacqui Dillon)
at
The Resource Centre
356 Holloway Road
London
N7 6PA
Last but not least:
An important event taking place in London on 22nd June 2009.

Frank Bruno will appear with Hari Sewell, a mental health expert on 22nd June 2009 at a conference -'Working with Ethnicity Race and Culture in Mental Health: Solutions within Reach'.

The event is being staged at Friends House, Euston Road, London by HS Conferences. Bruno who wrote about being admitted to a psychiatric hospital in his book 'Frank: Fighting Back' will talk about his experience as a black man using mental health services and his process of recovery.

Hari Sewell who advises on national policy around race and mental health is aiming to highlight that despite the continued evidence of higher rates of psychiatric admissions for minority ethnic groups and poorer experience, staff working in services can make a difference. In his book 'Working with Ethnicity Race and Culture in Mental Health', Hari points to various ways in which staff can invest in their relationships with black and minority ethnic service users as a means to improving the effectiveness of all the services they offer.

The conference includes some top names in mental health, including Melba Wilson OBE who leads the governments programme called Delivering Race Equality in Mental Health.

Hari said "Delegates will be delighted to have such a richly packed programme and Frank telling his story is a real bonus. Word is that this is a must-attend event"
Bruno said "They'll get the real deal from me about what I've been through and because of who I'll be talking with I'll be back using my phrase - know what I mean Hari?"

Information of the June 22nd conference can be found on
www.harisewell.com




Frank Bruno

Sunday, 29 March 2009

Christafari - WordSound & Power






More, More, More




by


Joann Rosario


Serve You Only [Lyrics]




(Verse 1) I'm a tell you like daddy told me


In everything you do give God the glory


Every opportunity you're given


Sing your song for two as you would for a thousand


Always keep this thought in mind


Build the kingdom and you'll find The Heavens will smile on you


(Hook) Lord in everything we do Don't wanna ever take our eyes off You


Need Your spirit like we need to breathe We wanna serve You only


(Repeat)


(Verse 2) As you walk out your purpose


When times get hard tell yourself it's worth it


The bottom line is you hold on


And you must believe through His spirit we're made strong


Always keep this thought in mind


Build the kingdom and you'll find The Heavens will smile on you


(Repeat Hook)


(Bridge)I am nothing Nothing without Your blessing


Teach me how How to stay in Your presence


(Repeat)


(Repeat Hook)


(Vamp) We lift Your name


All Your goodness we proclaim


And because You reign We will trust in You


Just wanna serve You, serve You


Just wanna serve You, serve You


Just wanna serve You, serve You


Just wanna serve You only
Childhood Spanish language lessons, plus snippets from my son's private tuition Spanish language lessons, while living with me, did not stand me in good stead for my most recent heavenly November 2007, seven night foreign holiday in CUBA. Fortunately, unlike my seven night visit to Spain in 1991 /1992, - which resulted in a glorious time in Sitges - my English was advantageous.

Not A Drag. Hot Stuff!!












Today, I spent valuable quality time with my son on a London Duck Tour www.LondonDuckTours.co.uk purchased the book 'Spitfire Women of World War II' by Giles Whittel www.blogcritics.org/archives/2007/10/20/130544.php and Tracy Beaker's Thumping Heart www.news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7880000/newsid_7886800/7886812.stm
In addition I received of a Thank you card from Georgette on behalf of Comic Relief and watched 'Priscilla' the outstanding Australian Drag musical hot stuff!! www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Summer / http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAYvFQ1NChU
if the following would interest you?
Elizabeth the Golden Age www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFojixOc8Hc
Become part of the
Women + The Vote www.womenandthevote.com debate

Saturday, 28 March 2009

I am delighted to now have my March 2009 'g3' www.g3mag.co.uk for gay / bi women. Later this evening, I will be attending a performance of the musical 'Priscilla Queen of the desert' www.priscillathemusical.com/ starring Jason Donovan www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Donovan
at The Palace www.usefulwiki.com/londontheatre/priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-the-musical-london-2009.html In addition, I will also be attending a forthcoming performance of 'The Vagina Monologues' www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vagina_Monologues at The Hackney Empire www.hackneyempire.co.uk

In issue number 30 of March 2009, Women, Politics and Elections http://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/downloads/wpe30.pdf the following can be found:

Conservatives
The Conservative Party has selected
an additional 13 candidates this year,
of which 4 are women; Janice Small,
who will stand in the marginal Batley
and Spen, and Karen Allen, Lynda
Donaldson, and Antonia Cox who
have been chosen to stand in the
seats of South Shields, Rother Valley
and Islington South and Finsbury,
none of which are considered key
target seats. Of the 9 selected male
candidates, only Simon Reevell,
Conservative PPC for Dewsbury,
is likely to have a chance of being
elected.
Labour
Judging from the sources available
to us, the Labour Party has so far in
2009 selected 7 new candidates to
stand at the next General Election.
Amongst them is Jane Thomas who
will stand for Keighley, replacing Ann
Cryer as the Labour candidate, and
Julie Hilling, who will be standing in
Ruth Kelley’s current constituency of
Bolton West. Overall 4 out of the 7
candidates selected are women. 2
of these have been selected in what
would be considered winnable seats
(i.e. where the current MP is retiring;
however, both seats should not be
considered to be safe), with the other
2 selected seats that are not part of
Labour’s top target list. None of the
new male candidates announced are
in key Labour seats. Constituencies
waiting to finalise their candidate for
the next General Election are Reading
West, Wimbledon, Hornchurch and
Upminster, South Holland and the
Deepings, Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch
and Strathspey, and Ross, Skye and
Lochaber.
Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats have also
selected a further 13 candidates to
stand, none of which are key Lib Dem
targets. Out of these 13, 2 are women,
with Laura Edge selected in Finchley
and Golders Green and Rebecca Hunt
in Chatham and Aylesford, The other
11 candidates are male.

Are you part of the debate?
www.womenandthevote.com

If like me, you are into things that you have read in my blog, and more like:

Sense and Sensibility www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJMnm28vAqQ / www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxXffditEgA

Casablanca www.youtube.com/watch?v=INBmVxAsdFE / www.video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6377772137840605130

Gone with the Wind www.youtube.com/watch?v=49dQ0PxkVu0 / www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mM8iNarcRc

Pride & Prejudice www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARWfCBr0ZDM / www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpinWlxCdxE

The Age of Innocence www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeI2TkebVn0 / www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0bENHsyGPg

The African Queen www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s2r8_BwkQo / www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYd1sghbHgU

Withnail and I www.youtube.com/watch?v=L95MAROlcqg / www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT5qhPoRS9g

Harvey www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvfXvW2wsuQ

Victim www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYlLnrhzU_E / www.revver.com/video/522349/victim-early-gay-movie-trailer-1950s-british-film-dirk-bogarde/ / www.metacafe.com/watch/963521/victim_early_gay_movie_1950s_dirk_bogarde_queer_blackmail_drama/

Emma www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WpLozLqLZ0

Northhanger Abbey www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bZV2HbjxYM / www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ6n5kpBfXo

Mansfield Park www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW1iLzHeG1s / www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2QJWA7ALcI

Catherine Cookson's www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_Cookson 'The Mallen Streak' www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/catherine-cookson/

the L word www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0yX5Ns6gh4 / www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za1MhTkeSLc

/ www.metacafe.com/watch/958043/the_l_word_season_5_trailer/ / www.thelwordonline.com/finale_pr.html

Join the debate

www.womenandthevote.com

Yesterday, I viewed the Rodchenko & Popova exhibition at the Tate Modern www.tate.org.uk I arrived at the Tate Modern from Tate Britain via the Thames Clippers www.ThamesClippers.com I was impressed with the shapes and colours of the work displayed in the exhibition.

Friday, 27 March 2009

A Cause Of Conservative Party Embarrassment


Remember, you heard it here first. I held a Labour Party membership Before, becoming a member of the Conservative Party www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservative_Party_(UK)
My son, aged 6, and I toured the Houses of Parliament - celebrating the then Prime Minster Tony Blair's third term in office. A Labour Party first. This invitation was compliments of Tessa Jowell MP www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tessa_Jowell / www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/Tessa_Jowell
I was especially delighted with this tour as it took place in the same year as the celebration of the 400 year Guy Fawkes' www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes / www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Night failed attempt and also the year that I first met Bishop Gene Robinson www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Robinson
at www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/ It was Bishop Gene Robinson's first visit to England and I was able to have him sign his autograph for me in my 'Who's Who In Gay and Lesbian History' book, edited by Robert Aldrich and Garry Wotherspoon.

I Say A Little Prayer For You


My Redeemer
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGC003Xz3CY

Thursday, 26 March 2009

LGBT Matters

Wonderful World, Beautiful People
by
Jimmy Cliff

Our places have been reserved, and I am looking forward to attending the booked 'Open Day', at The City of London School for Boys, with my son.
My son's kinship foster mother has informed me that she had recently mentioned the possibility of my son changing schools, to my son. Unfortunately, my son has taken the news badly. Although, my son has clearly verbally stated - to me - his aspirations to become a pilot. He, quite understandably had mentioned - to his foster parents - that he wants his teacher - [Ms A. Rowe] and his Steiner school friends to come with him.
I appreciate many children, up and down the Country, share my son's sentiment each year. My job, especially as a 'Pink Parent www.pinkparents.org.uk/ is to lovingly, compassionately and productively support my son, with any such growth transitions.
Further good news, includes the forthcoming Tuesday 21st April 2009, LGBT Matters www.sigmaresearch.org.uk/files/report2006c.pdf - The Legacy Event - which will take place at the Oval House Theatre www.ovalhouse.com/ in the evening between 6.15pm and 9.00pm. This event will highlight the progress made by Lambeth Council and what is being done to ensure it's services reflect the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans communities, whether a resident, employee, student or at play in the borough, following the April 2006 LGBT Matters research.
Senior representatives, including the Chief Executive, Derrick Anderson and the Leader of Lambeth Council, Steve Reed will be hosting the event to discuss the findings of the research, and how the council has improved services as a result.
As much as I would have attended the LGBT Matters - The Legacy Event - I have stated that I would like to be considered for selection as a council candidate for Herne Hill, and will be attending a Herne Hill Conservatives meeting, on the evening of Tuesday 21st April 2009, where my local party will be selecting their candidate to fight the 2010 Lambeth Council elections.

Wednesday, 25 March 2009

Sometimes Quickly. Sometimes Slowly...

Talking dog?
A guy was driving around Dublin when he saw a sign in front of a house,
'Talking Dog for Sale.'
He rang the bell and the owner told him the dog was in the backyard.The guy went into the backyard and saw a Labrador sitting there.
'You talk?' he asked.'Yes,' the Lab replied.
'So, what's the story?'
The Lab looked up and said, 'Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young.
I wanted to help the government, so I told the Garda about my gift, and in no time at all theyhad me jetting from country to country sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders,
because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.
I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running.''But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down.
I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security wandering near suspicious characters and listening in.I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals.
I got married, had a load of puppies, and now I'm just retired.'
The guy was amazed. He goes back in and asked the owner what he wanted for the dog.
'Ten euros.' the man said.
'Ten euros? This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?'
'Because he's a liar. He never did any of that shite.'

Spanish Easter Parade Celebrations
Natures beautiful face

Tuesday, 24 March 2009

Garden Of Eden Paradise...

Sylvia Plath
I have been led to understand, Nicholas Hughes, 47 [son of poets Sylvia Plath - who also wrote the novel 'The Bell Jar' - and Ted Hughes] has sadly taken his own life, after a battle with depression.
Earlier this evening, I had been pondering the Half Acre of land, which will automatically be passed on to my heir [my son] which my mother and myself purchased and own. This Half Acre of land is located in James Hill, Jamaica. We continue the many generations of land owning tradition within our Stewart Williams family.

The what I now describe as my 'Garden of Eden Paradise' land, houses one tree - a apple tree. Quite naturally, both my mother and myself took a bite of one of it's deliciously ripe fruits. Hmmm
My mother and myself, both with our own histories of lived Mental Distress Experiences. My mother's triggered with post-natal depression, progressing to Schizophrenia, with long periods of psychiatric hospital admissions, Electric Shock treatment, padded cells, strait Jackets, Chlorpromazine, disapil, injections, estrangement from children... My experiences may have been triggered by hidden homelessness, workaholicism, mortgage negative equity, significant relationship breakdown and made worse by no support, alcohol, recreational party drugs [cannabis, cocaine]...
My aim for the Half Acre land situated on James Hill, is to build an innovative inclusive, free at source, Mental Health Information resource. A 21st Century Mental Health Library.

Monday, 23 March 2009

Werewolves.

Werewolves

Redskins

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRquyigXQGM




Steatham Storm
www.streathamstorm.co.uk/



Streatham Ice Hockey club teams
Streatham Ice rink www.streathamicearena.com/ was a location that I would regularly frequent with my son, when he lived with me. Our visits began, when I was responsible for organising children and their parents from his Steiner School kindergarten to participate in weekly ice skating sessions.
My son was taught to skate by his current kinship foster father, who would organise his working week accordingly. My son would laugh when I attempted to skate, so poor were my skills.
I took my son to watch his first Ice Hockey match - The Redskins - at Streatham Ice rink. In addition, we spent much time amongst the wonderful and most worthy Werewolves, coached by Charles and Mike Dwyer.
I have plans to book tickets for my son and myself to watch the Streatham Storm, when they are playing at Steatham Ice Rink.

Warm beer...

Ian Botham


Cricket


When I was a girl, I accompanied one of my mother's first cousins [ a Williams] and his children to watch my first cricket match. I have yet to experience something that comes close to that amazing experience. This lasting cricket pleasure is one I will endeavor to expose my son to.
Within the last few minutes, I spoke to my aunt Emily [one of my mother's older sisters] After asking about my son, [we spent some times with her during both trips to Jamaica] Aunt Emily, was eager to speak with me and hear what I have been doing.
I am delighted, but not surprised that Aunt Emily is interested in the internet.

Sunday, 22 March 2009

Praise Ye Jah.

I am overjoyed to have found the above and below artwork, hand delivered this morning for my Mothering Sunday celebration. Quite naturally, I make a brief phone call to my beloved son, to thank him.
The tee-shirt below is one which I chose for my son, when last on holiday in Jamaica, the birth place of my parents and their parents. While residing with me, my son visited Jamaica twice. Both times with me and once with my mother. My son first visited Jamaica aged two. On his second visit he was aged three or four. Fortunately for my son he has met and been introduced to approximately 95% of his Internationally residing family.


So far today, I have music been in the mood to listen to the music of the following artists:
Frankie Paul
Dub side of the Moon
Sizzla
Anthony B.
Caron Wheeler
Luciano
Dennis Brown
Bounty Killer
Beenie Man
Buju Banton
Capleton
Garnet Silk
Morgan Heritage
Sanchez
Beres Hammond
Yami Bolo
Damian Marley 'JR. Gong'
Bob Marley
One Love

If I Ever Lose My Faith In You.


Amazing Grace




If I ever lose my faith in you



by

Sting


It's Mothers Day,and I am remembering my telephone conversation with my son, which took place approximately five hours ago. Yes, our phone conversation was an hour later than usual, and had to be cut short, as the little boy who lives two doors away from my son's abode, was visiting.


My son, unprompted, wished me a 'Happy Mothers Day' and delighted me further by humming www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LzmdovYoAI and singing www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8qNnmRmGQU



Once again, I enjoyed a spiritually uplifting experience at the QLGF. Now I am looking forward to investigating http://www.claridgehouse.quaker.eu.org plus www.quakerquest.org as well as, becoming more aquainted with the following:


Friendly Persuasion





Thee I love



The Quaker Girl









Having now watched Lesbian Vampire Killers, I would describe it, as a beautiful piece of kitsch. I can't wait for it to be released on DVD



'You're either with me, or against me'



Amazing Grace Lyrics"

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares we have already come.

T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures.

He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years bright shining as the sun.

We've no less days to sing God's praise then when we've first begun

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.


God Save The Queen



Saturday, 21 March 2009

Out And About.


Nick Maund, Alison & Bob

Kate Hoey MP

James, Nick, Me & Michael
I know that I have arranged to watch 'The Lesbian Vampire Killers' at The Ritzy Cinema in Brixton tonight. However, I could not resist the temptation to don my Y.M.C.A of Lambeth www.ymca.org.uk/ tee-shirt [a favourite] which usually brings thoughts of 'Village People's www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Village_People theme tune Y.M.C.A www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS9OO0S5w2k to mind, and venture out and about enjoying the beautiful day.
During my bus journey, I passed the 'RVT' 'The Royal Vauxhall Tavern' www.theroyalvauxhalltavern.co.uk/ At this time, I cannot be 100% sure, but I thought I noticed pubicity for a forthcoming event at the RVT www.theroyalvauxhalltavern.co.uk/deta-fri.html which includes Ken Livingston www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Livingstone Brian Paddock www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/1896337.stm and others, along with my Sweetie-pie, Julian Clary www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Clary
Today whilst in company, I entered the Kennington Park www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennington_Park 'Spring in to Nature' event - It's publicity mentions Kate Hoey MP, who much like me, appreciates horses. Both my son and myself were frequent customers of the 'Trent Park Equestrian Centre' www.riding-uk.com/ Where 'Purdy' the pony and later 'Bill' or maybe 'Bilbo' the horse were the first ones we rode.
During my visit to the 'Spring in to Nature' event, I was so proud to witness a measure of equality & diversity, 'putting ones' money where ones mouth is', in the shape of Alison & Bob of St. John's Ambulance. I found this particularly satisfying, as when I was a school girl, I was a member of St. John's Ambulance, as was my late Aunt Ruth Stewart, when she was a girl.