Hello everyone, time for another update. Proud didn’t hold an AGM in 2008 as per the motion passed at our last AGM in 2007, so my role as the South West Regional Rep for Proud continues until our next AGM in February 2009. This year the seminar is being held in Leeds. Despite my efforts to host it here in the South West, we were unable to find venues suitable that were within the budget available. Will try again next year!!

Well, 2008 did see some activity on the celebration front in Gloucester, Plymouth and Cornwall. Bristol Pride never happened again, but I know that it is hoped that it will be resurrected for 2009 along with an additional event in Exeter. Lets just hope that we get a proper Summer in 2009! The South West also hosted the 2008 World LGBT Health Summit early in September. Although I was on the organising committee, I was unable to attend to event due to a prior holiday booking in Greece – would have loved to have been there as it promised to be a really good event, but sun was needed after so much rain and my partner would have never forgiven me if I tried to change our holiday plans.

I am still working at home, for the Department for Children, Schools and Families (snappy little name don’t you think). I am also still working full time as the Departmental Union Learning Rep Co-ordinator as well as serving as an Officer of what was the DfES Group Executive which is about to be split into 2 groups to cover the new Departments. I seem to have adopted the group brief on training, skills, development, equality and diversity, human resources, pay and just about anything else that needs representation on the Departmental Trade Union Side, so quite busy and constantly travelling to London for meetings. I have also been elected to the TUC Disability Committee via PCS to fill the LGBT reserved seat. I am the chair of Unions Out West, the regional TUC LGBT Group, Co-chair of the SW LGB Network and the Vice Chair and Director of Equality South West representing LGB issues on the board. These roles enable me to network and influence at a considerably high level throughout our region.

I am now back in my remodelled and rebuilt house, so things are getting back to normal (apart from the garden which is being landscaped as I write). I am still racing my cars most weekends, travelling the country to attend the biggest and best meetings being held (weather permitting). I am still ‘addicted’ to the gym and try to get there most evenings to do spin cycling, body step and/or body pump (organised classes).

Don’t be shy, get in touch if I can be of any assistance, but make sure you use my new e-mail address as there will come a time when the old one will not redirect.