Thursday 30 April 2009

Time To Change

Rethink

Rekindle The Love...

Eros
With the moto, 'let's rekindle the love... in mind.' I have obtained for my own personal use
Issue 977, 30 April 2009 'Pink Paper' www.pinkpaper.com
The DVD's 'MAMMA MIA!' The movie
and
'The KILLING of Sister George'

My Father's House

Saxaphone

I knew I had entered My Father's House, after an admission to a psychiatric hospital bereaved, due to a death. My biological father, 'Amos Williams', stage name 'Joshua', died in a car crash after visiting me - aged four. My father was a married man who worked full time, owned a house in 1 Nanson Road, Battersea London. and drove a car that he owned. My father loved music and played a sound system in his spare time. My father own two sound systems, one he stored in London and the other in the country. My father was said to be very friendly and the life and soul of a party, respected and loved by one and all. Loved Greyhound races, in Wood Lane, Hammersmith. He also spent some limited spare time with friends in Public House [pub], spaces.





My father was born in Portland, in Jamaica and he was married to a woman who was not my mother. My father's wife had two daughters, who were not blood relatives of my father. She then gave birth to a baby girl with my father, approximately a year after I was born.





I was my father's first born child. Apparently my father wanted me to be born a boy. My father then did two things. One, he registered my birth. Two, when he visited me once in my mother's home with her new husband - who adopted me after my father's death - he gave me a sweet to eat, which I almost choked on. Aside from that, my mother provided all financial, care and concerns regarding me.





Back to my father's house. I sense I had entered it when I visited Brescia www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brescia / www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brescia_Calcio in Italy - after the death of my adopted father Ishmael [ he liked to be called Al and he was the only person I ever called dad] in the year 1997. I was mourning regarding my loss of him, as was Britain but regarding Prince William and Prince Harry's mother Diana.





I had often traveled to the main continent - Europe via Plane, Coach and Train - on my release from hospital, I travelled by train to Brescia. Beautiful. I was welcomed. Whilst in Italy I travelled by train alone to Venice www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venice - I phoned my mother from there. Then I continued alone, on from there to Trieste www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trieste / www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathyscaphe_Trieste Here I purchased postcards and posted them whilst visiting Trieste. For those that don't know, Trieste was also a place which held death camps in World War II. One of the postcards, I sent to my mother and the other postcard I sent to my dear long suffering, stalwart friend Birgit Rapp.





Unfortunately, I had failed to pay enough money for my return train ticket to trieste and was required to pay more on the train.





Beautiful Italy. While visiting, I was delighted, when I attended a jazz concert www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz and in addition, I noticed hours of the 1st December -World Aids Day prevention information on the television. I didn't understand much Italian but the images including Nenah Cherry www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neneh_Cherry / www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EQCOshGwPI seemed similar to Britain's.





Seemed to be lots of sex industry workers [prostitutes] in Brescia, so it was fantastic that 1st December was recognised in Brescia.

Wednesday 29 April 2009

My Prime Minister

I received the following message from My Prime Minister.

"April 29, 2009

Visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp


I have just returned from my first visit to Poland as Prime Minister and while there I visited Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi concentration camp.
Now that I have done so, I have a new understanding of the burden of memory. Distance from the Holocaust in time and geography does not lessen but increase our obligation to remember and to resist.
The murder of six million Jews and countless Roma, Poles and other Eastern Europeans, gay men and lesbians, trade unionists, disabled people and political and religious opponents of the Nazis is a terrible indictment not only of the absolute evil of the perpetrators, but of the moral blindness of all those who looked aside.
That is why we can never pass by on the other side when we see another suffer – each and every instance of injustice and persecution and discrimination calls on us not to stand by, but to stand up.
British people stood up against the evils of fascism with a bravery and resilience unsurpassed in other nations and I am incredibly proud to announce today a new award of recognition for the extraordinary acts of courage of a number of British citizens who rescued others from the evils of the Holocaust.
Their families and the Holocaust Educational Trust have been campaigning to bring these British Holocaust heroes to public attention and I am delighted that we will be able to honour their sacrifice and service in this way.


Gordon Brown"

Plato's People

British Bulldog

Plato




Larnaca


&

Nicosia





My first holiday alone was spent in beautiful Larnaca, in 1992. The land of Plato's www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato people. I was so busy at work prior to leaving London for Larnaca. I am glad I took the time to travel. The tourist residence was clean, safe, peaceful and each day I would start the day with a lone walk through Larnaca. The people of Larnaca were friendly and polite. I spent most days on the beach, reading a book and resting. My memory of my time spent in Larnaca, plus a one day trip to Nicosia warms my heart.


The red ashtray was a gift from the manager of my Larnaca residence and his wife

in this land of Gods

Priceless


One other memory remains of my time in Larnaca. That is my one visit to a public house [Pub] which had a British Bulldog www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davey_Boy_Smith

It was occupied with male British soldiers.
Beautiful to be with my people. They spoke of
Whilst I sipped my orange juice and listened.
Perfectly safe
Protected.


Monday 27 April 2009

Trevor Phillips to appear at LGCM-sponsored event.‏

Trevor Phillips
to appear at
LGCM


Lesbian, Gay Christians

& our friends


sponsored event.‏

Faith, Homophobia,

Transphobia

and Human Rights Conference 2009


Dear Friend, You're probably wondering what's happened to the April/May e-newsletter. Unfortunately because of the time needed to organise the Annual Conference and AGM and producing the magazine, which I hope all members have received by now, we quite simply ran out of time.However, I do want to remind you all about the Faith, Homophobia, Transphobia and Human Rights Conference that's taking place on Saturday May 16th.We have some amazing speakers lined up who are offering workshops on a variety of topics that affect our daily lives such as employment and education as well the opportunity to ask questions of the panels and especially Trevor Phillips.If you can only manage to get to one conference this year - make it this one!For more information and booking details phone 020 7739 1249. For a downloadable form click http://www.lgcm.org.uk/ The e-newsletter will be back to normal next month.

Many Blessings

Rev Sharon Ferguson

MA Chief Executive

PS Copies of Trevor Phillips to appear at LGCM-sponsored event.‏, the LGCM Magazine, are available from the office at £4.50 each including postage and packing to UK addresses. Postage to non-UK addresses is £5.50 including postage and packing.

It's Official

It's official. Just visited my psychiatrist at my CMHT-Community Mental Health Team. I should refrain from work for 10 days. Diagnosis of my disorder causing absence from work: Known Schizoaffective disorder, increased stress, time off required to prevent relapse.

Sting


Seven Days


Sting

[Lyrics]


"Seven Days" was all she wrote

A kind of ultimatum note She gave to me, she gave to me

When I thought the field had cleared It seems another suit appeared

To challenge me, woe is me

Though I hate to make a choice My options are decreasing mostly rapidly

Well we'll see I don't think she'd bluff this time

I really have to make her mine It's plain to see It's him or me

Monday, I could wait till Tuesday If I make up my mind

Wednesday would be fine, Thursday's on my mind

Friday'd give me time, Saturday could wait But Sunday'd be too late

The fact that he's six feet ten Might instill fear in other men

But not in me, The Mighty Flea (flee?)

Ask if I am mouse or man The mirror squeaked, away I ran

He'll murder me in time for his tea Does it bother me at all

My rival is Neanderthal, it makes me think Perhaps I need a drink

IQ is no problem here We won't be playing Scrabble for her hand I fear

I need that beer

Monday, I could wait till Tuesday If I make up my mind

Wednesday would be fine, Thursday's on my mind

Friday'd give me time, Saturday could wait But Sunday'd be too late

Seven days will quickly go The fact remains, I love her so

Seven days, so many ways But I can't run away

Monday, I could wait till Tuesday If I make up my mind

Wednesday would be fine, Thursday's on my mind

Friday'd give me time, Saturday could wait

But Sunday'd be too late

Do I have to tell a story Of a thousand rainy days since we first met

It's a big enough umbrella But it's always me that ends up getting wet


Hello Goodbye

by The Beatles


Sunday 26 April 2009

England's Day

England's Day
Today
at the
Royal Albert Hall
William I of England 'The Conqueror'

Rule, Britannia!
1
When Britain first, at Heaven's command
Arose from out the azure main;
This was the charter of the land,
And guardian angels sang this strain:
"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."
2
The nations, not so blest as thee,
Must, in their turns, to tyrants fall;
While thou shalt flourish great and free,
The dread and envy of them all.
"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."
3
Still more majestic shalt thou rise,
More dreadful, from each foreign stroke;
As the loud blast that tears the skies,
Serves but to root thy native oak.
"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."
4
Thee haughty tyrants ne'er shall tame:
All their attempts to bend thee down,
Will but arouse thy generous flame;
But work their woe, and thy renown.
"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."
5
To thee belongs the rural reign;
Thy cities shall with commerce shine:
All thine shall be the subject main,
And every shore it circles thine.
"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."
6
The Muses, still with freedom found,
Shall to thy happy coast repair;
Blest Isle! With matchless beauty crown'd,
And manly hearts to guard the fair.
"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."

Lyrics as sung
Although the lyrics are usually set out as above, the lines as set to the music are sung as follows:
When Britain first, at heaven's command,
Aro-o-o-ose from out the a-a-a-zure main,
Arose, arose, arose from out the a-azure main,
This was the charter, the charter of the land,
And guardian A-a-angels sang this strain:
Rule Britannia!
Britannia rule the waves
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.
Rule Britannia!
Britannia rule the waves.
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.
The nations, no-o-o-o-ot so blest as thee,
Must i-i-i-i-in their turn, to ty-y--yrants fall,
Must in, must in, must in their turn, to ty-y-rants fall,
While thou shalt flourish, shalt flourish great and free,
The dread and e-e-e-e-nvy of them all.
Rule Britannia!
Britannia rule the waves.
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.
Rule Britannia!
Britannia rule the waves.
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves

A Human Experience

I awoke half an hour ago, feeling a bit 'the worse for wear'. My Hayfever symptoms are so pronounced and out of control that I am experiencing wheezing. My head space is muffled - a bit like a bass drum with padding. My appetite feels suppressed. Thankfully I am still able to consume my 'Yogi Tea' www.yogitea.nl The 'Licorice - Egyptian spice. organic', infusion Yogi Tea which I selected had the reading 'We are spiritual beings having a human experience.'

My 'Daily Wisdom - From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin' www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nichiren / www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nichiren_Buddhism
today states 'The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo, the heart of the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra, contain the benefit amassed through the countless practices and meritorious deeds of all Buddhas throughout the three existences. Then, how can these five characters not include the benefits obtained by observing all of the Buddhas' precepts?' (WND, 481) The Teaching, Practice, and Proof - written to Sammi-bo on March 21, 1275.

I am aware that although I have already been employed full-time, in my Westminster based Mental Health Floating Support Worker post, for just over two years. I have taken up to five days physical 'sick leave' in total. Today, with the saying 'Prevention is better than Cure' in mind, I have just added my first 'sick day' - for my Mental Health. Tomorrow morning I will report to my Care Coordinator at my CMHT - Community Mental Health Team.

Just for today, I will value the unfolding lessons of the 'Universal Law of Life' and have faith in the God of my understanding.

Saturday 25 April 2009

The Perfect Storm


I was late leaving work this evening and, as a result ended up being half an hour late calling my beloved son. I am broke, and have absolutely no idea what I am going to do with my son next week during our five and a half hours together. I would have loved to have taken him to revisit the Bank of England Museum www.bankofengland.co.uk/education/museum/ I first took him to visit it while he was living with me, but if my memory serves me correctly it doesn't open on Saturdays.


It was truly a joy to converse with my son - nothing new about that, or the fact that I was filled with gratitude. He is a 'Gift' and a 'Miracle'. I feel so blessed, to be able to lavishly and overtly, convey my love and affections for my son to him and for it to be requited - just as from my mother to me...


Yesterday my mother rang me again. I know that she is concerned about me at this time. as she yet again told me to come to her, reminding me that I will always have a home with her. I have been cautiously negotiating with my own personal 'stress abyss' quick sand. I know excessive resistance means certain spiritual death.


I just can't afford to be so self absorb and self pitying to take for granted the fact that I do have some contact with my child. Heartbreakingly, for what ever the reason, many equally sincerely loving parents and guardians are unable.


I am 'On Call' tonight and one of my client who knew I was 'On Call' has just rung me and asked me to watch 'The Perfect Storm' on Channel 7. 'God works in mysterious ways the wonders he performs!'

***

Two days ago, I received an invitation from Ed Watkins, Deputy Chairman of Dulwich and West Norwood Conservative Association, to attend a forthcoming new members drinks evening. The long and the short of it is, I declined the invitation and requested to be invited to attend a coffee morning. All credit to him, today I received a coffee invite offer at some point.


***

Today I also received the following which I will also be attending:


Afternoon all,
This is a reminder of the Idaho event on Sunday 17th May 2009 at the Leonard Cheshire Centre, Randall Close, Battersea SW11 3TG.
Registration takes places at 9.45 with teas and coffee, please be as prompt as possible as we hope to start at 10.15 as this is a packed day and to allow people to have time for light refreshments before the afternoon event on Clapham Common.
There will be transport provided by Wandsworth Council to get us from Battersea to the Common and this will be at 1.45 to allow time in case of traffic on the road, the afternoon event will begin at 2.30 prompt and we hope to be finished by 4.00 where you will be invited to attend the 2 Brewers Bar in Clapham High Street to carry on the day, there will be a small area set aside for us again with light refreshments.
I have attached a link to a map of Randall Close, for those coming by public transport the nearest over ground station is Clapham Junction and there are a number of buses that leave from the rear or the side of the Junction these are,
345, 49, 319, there is also a taxi rank outside the Junction for those that do not like public transport...


***

Last, but not least:

On my arrival home from work today, I found that I had received my ticket to see Eric Clapton with special guests ARC Angels at the Royal Albert Hall at 7:30pm on Thursday, 28th May 2009.

Inspirational

In the meantime, I will make a start on reading

Eric Clapton

The Autobiography

Friday 24 April 2009

'Big Momma's House'

Earlier this evening,when I discovered that the comedy sequel starring Martin Lawrence in the film 'Big Momma's House 2' is being shown on Channel 4, this evening at 22.00hrs. I took a photograph of Canada House www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada / www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_House
in Trafalgar Square because I was visiting Toronto, when I watched the first 'Big Momma's House' , at the cinema with my mother, son and other Stewart clan family members. I have endless fond memories of beautiful Canada, and this is just one of them.




I do enjoy listening to 'Relax (Don't do it) www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPLrXFw76Qg




as well as, the outstanding voice of Jimmy Summerville www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Somerville / www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNCVvJfHrbg

Education For All Conference


Stonewall.org.uk



Stonewall's 4th Education for All Conference
Wednesday 1st July 2009
Central London

Registration is now open for our 2009 Education for All Conference. The conference features workshops providing key information plus an outstanding line-up of speakers including:
Miriam Stoppard Journalist, The Daily Mirror
Fiona Blacke Chief Executive, National Youth Agency
Ben Summerskill Chief Executive, Stonewall

learn about Stonewall's latest groundbreaking research on teachers' experiences of tackling homophobic bullying.
discuss issues relating to homophobia and homophobic bullying in primary and secondary education such as faith, the role of parents and youth engagement.
The conference is open to organisations and individuals working to prevent and tackle homophobic bullying, including education professionals working in schools and universities or local and national government.
To view the full pdf programme and to register please visit our website. Education for All is kindly sponsored by IBM

Thursday 23 April 2009

Hand In Hand

Take Sides With Jehovah!
(Exodus 32:26)

Once with con-fu-sion our sad hearts were filled,
Drink-ing the cup false re-li-gion dis-tilled:
But with what hap-pi-ness our hearts were thrilled
When of God's King-dom we heard (we first heard).

***

Chorus
Take sides with Je-ho-vah;
Make him your delight,
He'll nev-er for-sake you;
Walk e'er in his light.
Tell, tell the glad tid-ings of freedom and peace.
His rule by Christ Je-sus Will ev-er in-crease.

***
Now with our whole hearts we will serve our God
And share in spread-ing his truth all a-broad,
Help-ing our broth-ers God's vir-tues to laud,
Prais-ing his great wor-thy name (his great name).

Chorus
Take sides with Je-ho-vah;
Make him your de-light.
He'll nev-er for-sake you;
Walk e'er in his light.
Tell, tell the glad tid-ings of free-dom and peace.
His rule by Christ Je-sus Will ev-er in-crease.

***

We will not fear what the Dev-il can do,
For God Je-ho-vah will car-ry us thru.
Tho' they be man-y and tho' we be few,
God is our strength and our might (and our might).

***

Chorus
Take sides with Je-ho-vah;
Make him your de-light.
He'll nev-er for-sake you;
Walk e'er in his light.
Tell, tell the glad tid-ings of free-dom and peace.
His rule by Christ Je-sus Will ev-er in-crease.

Happy St. George's Day

Happily this year my St George's Day
www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/stgeorge.html Celebrations will continue to be further enjoyed with my proud attendance this Sunday 26th April 2009, at the St George's Day Gala, which will take place at the Royal Albert Hall www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Albert_Hall
www.royalalberthall.com/

After all, 'All's Well that Ends Well.'
Bank of England

Wednesday 22 April 2009

Fraught


'Dear God,' I have heard it said, 'Give me patience, but give it to me NOW!'


Just for today, I am throwing my rattle out of my pram, with what can only be described as, 'High class problems'. When I use the 'Easy does it', 'Keep it simple' approach to assess the issue which seems to be 'The straw that is about to break the camel's back'. It goes thus:


My mobile phone stopped working on my way to work this morning. Could not be mended by the o2

www.o2.co.uk/ mobile shop and was replaced. End of story.


But because, at times, my default switch is that of a complicated person who needs to focus on a simple, comprehensive blueprint. At those times my version goes as follows:


My cherished Nokia N95, complete with Carl Zeiss Optics Tessar 2.8/5.6 Autofocus 5 Megapixel, Radio, contact names and numbers... died this morning. I have replaced it with a different mobile and transfered the sim card. However, I am not yet enchanted with my new mobile's positive attributes. I have been paying too much attention to the differences, i.e this new mobile only has a 3.2MP camera, I have only one or two numbers which I know off by heart and I have no contact details for incoming calls...


Fortunately, for me, I can very easily remember endless things - on a daily basis - that I am truly grateful for. True to form today, I concentrated my mind on the following two in particular.


1- Just after my arrival in Edinburgh, I received a 07.15hr phone call from my mother. During that conversation with her, her opening lines were ' Yvonne, you are going to think that I am crazy'. She then proceeded to mentioned that she had been watching a couple of Doris Day www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doris_Day / www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjX7k2QoRX8

films on d.v.d's. My mother told me that she had watched the first film from beginning to end and had laughed with immence enjoyment. Regarding the second film, she was too busy to give it her undivided attention but said she will make a commitment to watch.


2- This afternoon, I had occassion to, once again visit Orbital http://www.orbitalcomics.com/ so I took the opportunity to peruse the comic which had from that vast selection, finally caught my son's attention, the last time that I spent quality time with him. It is called, 'SuperGirl Way of the of the World'. On its back cover it says, 'Life is Not Fair - A young boy is about to succumb to a deadly sickness and Supergirl makes a promise not to let him die - a vow she will take drastic measures to keep. Superman and Wonder Woman believe Kara's obsession is dangerous and want her to stop. But Supergirl is determined...'


Just in case you are interested, The Photograghers' Gallery http://www.photonet.org.uk/ is now situated at 16-18 Ramillies St, London W1F 7LW. Nearest underground station is Oxford Circus.

Tuesday 21 April 2009

Edinburgh

First, I would like to wish a speedy recovery to Prof Stephen Hawking www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hawking and express my sympathy to the family of the late J.G. Ballard www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._G._Ballard


I returned from beautiful Edinburgh a couple of hours ago.


St. Catherine's Convent
Scottish National Portrait Gallery

LGBT Centre for Health & Wellbeing








at the
Working to Recovery course






During my time to Edinburgh, I visited all of the above including Baxter's place's 'Planet (Out)'. I was delighted to obtain the Spring 2009, 'Scotland in Trust' www.nts.org.uk , 'Seeme' www.seemescotland.org and 'ScotsGay' www.scotsgay.co.uk publication and information.
I confess that I could hardly believe my eyes, while reading The 'Badge of Shame' - Part 19 Murder! article from ScotsGay on my Scot Rail train journey home to London. I don't understand whether the good people of Scotland have gone lost their heads, gone crazy...But when I arrived in London, I was heartend to see Lord Peter Mandelson's www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Mandelson image on the large Euston Station monitor.

Saturday 18 April 2009

Surrey County Cricket Club batting
today at
The Oval
Today, I enjoyed an exceptionally beautiful day with my son. While we were watching Surrey batting, my mother rang and spoke with us. After a few hours and a couple of hot dogs, we went to the old home of the Photographer's Gallery - via McDonalds - where my son was delighted to be surrounded by comics.
We then went to the National Portrait Gallery. Viewed Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Shakespeare...George I, George II, George III, William Pitt Senior & Junior, Lord Alfred Tennyson, missed Charles Darwin but viewed Charles Dickens.
We followed this with some light refreshments and socialising with the QLGF - Quaker Lesbian and Gay Fellowship, where I noticed an Easter card which had been received from a Quaker meeting in Russia. My son chose his time with the Quakers as an opportunity to display and discuss his war planes artwork - not in line with conventional Quaker discernment, however Friends present were encouraging and conversed warmly with my son.
***

IDAHO
is the
International Day against Homophobia
and is held on
17th May every year.

The Metropolitan Police Service will be hosting two events for IDAHO this year, to which you are invited to join us. This event is being organised in partnership with the Wandsworth LGBT Forum and Wandsworth Council.

Our first event will be held on Sunday 17th May from 10 .00 at the Leonard Cheshire Disability Day Centre, Randall Close, (off Surrey Lane) Battersea with Guest speakers.
Registration will commence from 9.45am prompt to allow everyone to be seated. Speakers will include the Metropolitan Police Borough Commander Stuart Low and the Wandsworth LGBT Chairperson William Gallagher, plus more.

Light refreshments will be served before and after this event. In addition to being addressed by Guest Speakers we shall be having a screening of a DVD showing the effect of homophobia.

Our second event will be held on the same day (Sunday 17th May) at Clapham Common Bandstand from 2.30pm where we shall be remembering 50 victims of Homophobia and Transphobia, culminating in a multi-faith prayer.

We would be delighted if you would join us for the IDAHO events. You are invited to both, but we are aware of time constraints and availability.
Attendance by Invite only please RVSP to John Frame at
John.C.Frame@met.police.uk
Places are limited so will be on a first come basis

Friday 17 April 2009

For Your Information


For your information and circulation.


Mind Champion of the Year Award 2009‏




In addition

http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/what-were-doing/get-moving/blog/my-wade-water




***

The forthcoming course- ‘Making sense of Voices”. is as follows.

Workshop date 20th April 2009.

Registration from 9am workshop start 9.30am finish 4pm

Facilitator:
Dirk Corstens

Venue and dates: Hibernian football club conference centre, Easter Road . Edinburgh

***


London Borough of Lambeth:
Dear Reader

It will soon be May and time again for Lambeth Libraries annual Readers and Writers Festival – a month long programme of inspirational events in Libraries throughout the borough. The festival includes something to appeal to all tastes. There will be talks and discussions with a wide range of authors – from the well-known to the up and coming. And it’s all free of charge!

This year we have some of the best, funniest and most interesting authors around such as Helen Oyeyemi, Gillian Slovo and Stuart MacBride – and make sure you don’t miss Arthur Smith and Mark Steel on Comic writing for the Mid-life crisis – you can see a full listing or download the brochure at http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/Services/LeisureCulture/Libraries/ReadersWritersFestival.htm - I hope there’s something of interest for you.

***

Cricket:



***

LGBT Matters

- three years on
Did you take part in the LGBT Matters research in April 2006? Do you want to hear about progress made following this detailed piece of research? Or maybe you want to learn about what Lambeth Council is doing to ensure its services reflect the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans communities. On 21 April 2009, senior representatives, including the Chief Executive, Derrick Anderson and the Leader of Lambeth Council, Steve Reed will be hosting an event to discuss the findings of the research, and highlight how the council has improved services as a result. Whether you live, work, study or play in the borough come along and contribute to ensure that our services are LGBT inclusive and that LGBT residents are more actively involved. LGBT Matters: three years on event will be held on Tuesday 21 April between 6.15pm and 9pm at the Oval House Theatre, 52-54 Kennington, Oval, SE11 5SW. Disabled Parking facilities are available and the venue is fully wheelchair accessible and all theatres are fitted with induction loops. Refreshments will be provided. Please state if you any specific dietary requirements. Places are limited, email equalities@lambeth.gov.uk if you would like to attend.

***

SGI Year of Youth and Victory

Absolute Freedom Group of SGI-UK

www.sgi-uk.org/
Kick off and Inspiration Day
taking Buddhism to the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender Community

Sunday 17 May 2009 – 10.00am – 4.00pm
Josei Toda Hall, Taplow Court



Saito: Generally speaking, there are many different theories of organisation. But I think that many in body, one in mind is the ultimate organisational principle for helping each person manifest his or her abilities to the utmost degree.

President Ikeda: Exactly. Many in body, one in mind is indeed the supreme organisational principle that cherishes each individual and enables them to realise their full potential.

‘Many in body’ reflects the understanding that each of us has a unique mission, talent, and set of circumstances. ‘One in mind’ means that despite our individuality, we need to be united in spirit.

In contrast, ‘many in body and many in mind’ is a situation of utter disunity, while ‘one in body and one in mind’ is one controlled by group thinking in which individuality is ignored and totalitarianism ultimately results. Neither situation allows people to manifest their unique abilities.

Morinaka: The ideal organisation is one in which many different people are united by the same spirit. And, with this spirit as their foundation, they engage in activities as a diverse group.

President Ikeda: Everyone, without exception, has a mission. Each person has enormous potential. The question is; how do we actualise that potential?

When one carries out his or her human revolution, it gives others courage and hope. It gives them confidence. Inspiration gives rise to inspiration, setting off a chain reaction that generates tremendous energy for change.

Saito: In that sense, I feel that the Soka Gakkai is a truly democratic organisation based on the profound spirit to treasure each person.


The World of Nichiren Daishonin’s Writings, Vol 1, page 137-138

President Ikeda: The Daishonin urges his followers to practise “just as Nichiren,” (Gosho Zenshu, pg 1589), and to “spread the Lotus Sutra as he does.” (WND, pg994). Disciples who wait for the mentor to do something for them are disciples of the pre-Lotus Sutra teachings. True disciples of the Lotus Sutra are those who struggle just as the mentor does.
The World of Nichiren Daishonin’s Writings, Vol 1, page

Wednesday 15 April 2009

Revitalised by Vitalise


St Brevita




Holy Well
www.pilgrimsall.org/placesofpilgrimage/b/StBrevita.html







Emma


Kevin, Ian & Rich


Sam


Monique


John



Ian feeding the Cornish Blacks




Today on my return to London, from

Vitalise www.vitalise.org.uk/




, I purchased the Special 15th Birthday May 2009, issue of Attitude www.attitude.co.uk which features the World Exclusive 'Tony Blair - the former Prime Minister discusses legacy, homosexuality and religion, exclusively' Plus 'GAY MPs - A historical portrait of the current out gay members of parliament...