Friends make return to community cottage

THE arid months of lockdown have disrupted regular LGBT meetings at Belper Community Cottage. To keep things going, my husband Terry and I have, several times, opened up our garden at Dovedale Crescent, advertised as a Garden Gathering event.

The last one was on September 8. It proved useful in establishing the principles and values of forming a new group we call Belper Friends.

Essentially, it will be business-asusual from familiar faces who have looked after gay people over the last four years by this LGBT support group.

Terry will provide his usual highquality sandwiches. Hot and cold drinks will be served followed by delicious cake. As always, everything is paid for by Terry and myself – totally free of charge.

We always ask the group what they would like to do over future months including popular guest speakers and local walks.

We’ll continue to be assisted by our friendly hate crime monitoring police officer Fred Bray, who has always electrified each meeting with his dazzling, powerful personality and eloquent delivery.

Fred came like a breath of fresh air to our 2017 November meeting and has attended nearly every meeting since. He has always taken time and trouble giving counselling, comfort and has solved numerous problems for attendees.

Belper Friends will be back at the Community Cottage [opposite Belper Bus Station] on Wednesday, October 13, and thereafter on the second Wednesday of each month from 1 to 3pm.

There is free car parking behind the Community Cottage located on the A6.

Narvel Annable, Belper