Looking Back On Pride

In the build up to Pride I found myself watching the weather forecast hoping for a fine and sunny day (nothing to do with eye candy). As the day dawned and started to rain, I felt we would be lucky just to get a break never mind sunshine. Not to be put off, I attended the parade and was heartened to see lots of people lining the streets watching and celebrating with me.

Our spirits were not dampened by the weather and the atmos- phere was great. And it was wonderful to see representations from the various Forces who received applause as they progress down the march. I later joined the rest of the Pinkies in Trafalgar Square as we prepared to sing to the masses. Backstage, the handsome John Barrowman soon found himself beseiged by Pinkies as we crowded round for photos.

Finally on stage, it was fantastic to see such a big crowd under a sea of umbrellas in the pouring rain as we belted out our number "Big Band Bash" - maybe "Don't Rain On My Parade" would have been more appropriate! The highlight of our performance was when John Barrowman started singing with us (well - it was for Carol as he was standing next to her). The crowd was supportive and we have to say well done to Lynne for organising this not to forget Mladen and Michael for their usual expertise in getting us through the song.

Wimbledon was a washout as usual but I suppose we'll have a water ban later in the year as our old and leaky pipes drain all the water from our systems. Oh I forget, it's the wrong type of rain for filling the system. However there is hope on the horizon with the streets of London being dug up all over the place apparently to replace our pipes. No doubt, they'll be dug up again next month to replace cables followed by gasworks the month after...

For me this long and enjoyable day ended with a quiet drink at my local with a handful of friends - one of whom had his last cigarette indoors before the smoking ban came into force - hurrah!