Seems that everyone loves an excuse to party and so we did as the 4th Annual Soho Pride took place yesterday in Central London.
Arriving at 2pm at Soho Square I met up with Lee & Matthew & started on a couple of Magners Ciders (Oh my gosh, it just tastes so good, and not alcoholic at all). Made our way down to Rupert Street where we caught up with Scott & Kenton. More Magners and a quick trip to the loo to powder our noses and we were set making our way back up through the packed Soho Streets to Soho Square.
Gary H and miss Fi Fi Lamoure arrived around 3pm and the square started to get very crowded. The Toucan Pub, just off Soho Square served us well, Magners with Ice, Toilets without too much of a queue and in the sunshine,what more could you want.
We watched the masses pass and mad our way to the main dance stage for a bit of a boogie. Peyton came on Stage during Wayne G's Set singing live to "A higher place".
As the music died down and the 8pm curfew came in, we made our way into the egde, where I met Peyton. His such lovely chap, realy down to earth, plus hooked up with the rest of the gang (Gaydar Radio Posse). Thanks for the Music boyz, it was a blast. And really looking forward to Brighton Pride next weekend!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Londons Gay Mens Chorus Party
Further to hearing them at the Royal Albert Hall, Emily and I decided it would be rude not to go and celebrate the London Gay Mens Chorus Party at Heaven on Thursday evening in celebration of their 15th year.
So I met up with Emily Mews Cadmore' Court Saint Court (her name is forever growing) in town and popped into a little wine bar for nice glass of Pinot Grigio Pre Show.
Not wanting to arrive to early we finished our bottle of wine and found our way into heaven for 9PM.
After a quick wander we found our spot (centre stage Front)of course, Opening with four Boys singing Come What May from Moulin Rouge. The whole show was amazing, can these boys sing or what? I got goose bumps all over and loved every minute. Joffrey, a dear friend of mine closed with a Madonna / Seal remix singing as we danced. Was fabulous. Cant wait for the next London Gay Mens Choir Show. Further details at www.lgmc.org.uk
So I met up with Emily Mews Cadmore' Court Saint Court (her name is forever growing) in town and popped into a little wine bar for nice glass of Pinot Grigio Pre Show.
Not wanting to arrive to early we finished our bottle of wine and found our way into heaven for 9PM.
After a quick wander we found our spot (centre stage Front)of course, Opening with four Boys singing Come What May from Moulin Rouge. The whole show was amazing, can these boys sing or what? I got goose bumps all over and loved every minute. Joffrey, a dear friend of mine closed with a Madonna / Seal remix singing as we danced. Was fabulous. Cant wait for the next London Gay Mens Choir Show. Further details at www.lgmc.org.uk
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Time to be Proud
As events go the Pride season is one that I not only look forward to but actually organise my social calendar around. I wouldn’t dream of being abroad during Brighton Pride. It is one of the highlights of the gay Calendar.
I attended my first Pride at the tender age of 24 on London’s Clapham Common. It was the last year it was held there as due to increasing numbers and an official figure in excess of 100,000 people the place became far too crowded.
In those good old days we used to have London Pride which consisted of the March from Hyde Park Corner down to the Embankment followed by a festival in the park. As it got bigger and bigger the park has been moved from Clapham common to paid events in both Finsbury Park & Hyde Park. For the past two years the March & the Festival have been separated and no longer is it a community event but a private enterprise and tickets have soared to around £20 per person.
The constant moving of location and then the separation between dates of the March & the Festival have caused much of what it once stood for to be lost and two different events talking place. The political side of the March and then the party side of the Festival.
Back when I attended my first Pride the March & Festival were combined. Demanding equal rights and then partying like animals into the late hours of the evening. But back then we also had a second gay summer festival, Summer Rites. This was non political and based down in South London at Brockwell Park. With all of the elements of the original festival, Dance Tents, Fun Fair & Market Stalls. Then it all went pear shape. For the first time ever they went from free events to paid for and tickets went from £5 to £10 to the current £20 for entry. To top it all off, one year the company organising it all, then called Pride, went bust meaning we all lost our money and never got a refund. People lost faith.
Summer Rites sizzled out, Pride was no more and Big Gay Out, a completely commercial exercise offering many of the same things as Pride took its place.
For this reason and the rising cost of tickets more and more Londoners have given up on London Pride in preference for Brighton Pride. A once a year, Free Event that as it grows gets better each year. Last year the official figures said some 130,000 revelers partied in Preston Park and then carried on until the wee hours in the first St James Street, street party. Unlike London where until this year the weather has always been drab and grey, in the first week of August, all but one of my Brighton Prides has been beautiful sunshine. (4 years ago it was a Mud bath when the heavens opened for 4 hours and soaked all of those but us lucky few that made the escape into Wild Fruit that was so packed security had to stop additional people coming in).
As of last year I decided that taking the Train down at 0800 on Saturday morning and making the last train home is too exhausting to do and you miss out on the whole weekends fun.
So the new tradition continues this year. Richard, Mark, Stuart and I will all be down for the weekend. We all have accommodation and will be there to enjoy the festivities of possibly Britains biggest and best free festival.
I bought Mark & Richard two nights at the Brighton Grand Hotel as their wedding gift (One way to ensure they spend the weekend and not just the day there). Fingers crossed the weather will be glorious. Cadice, Mikey and a whole gang of us are all in the same city centre hotel and will be there to enjoy the festivities. As if a weekend of fun is not enough this coming Sunday the whole of Soho comes alive for Soho Pride.
Last year was the 3rd annual such event and Police figures say 30,000 people packed out the Square Mile. The streets closed to traffic, restaurants and bars pour over onto additional seating in the street. Dance Tents fill Soho Square, additional bars & washroom facilities will struggle to cope with the demand. My friends and I shall gladly pack out any space we can find with our name on it, no doubt drinking too much, dancing a little and enjoying our second Pride of the Year.
I still feel exhausted from last weekend and I only really hung out with Marcus, Woody, Steve & Carl.
So if you have nothing to do this Sunday, come on down to Soho Square, give me a call and ill meet you for a drink and a dance. The weekend of the 4th – 6th August find us in Brighton.
Happy Pride – Hope to see you there!
I attended my first Pride at the tender age of 24 on London’s Clapham Common. It was the last year it was held there as due to increasing numbers and an official figure in excess of 100,000 people the place became far too crowded.
In those good old days we used to have London Pride which consisted of the March from Hyde Park Corner down to the Embankment followed by a festival in the park. As it got bigger and bigger the park has been moved from Clapham common to paid events in both Finsbury Park & Hyde Park. For the past two years the March & the Festival have been separated and no longer is it a community event but a private enterprise and tickets have soared to around £20 per person.
The constant moving of location and then the separation between dates of the March & the Festival have caused much of what it once stood for to be lost and two different events talking place. The political side of the March and then the party side of the Festival.
Back when I attended my first Pride the March & Festival were combined. Demanding equal rights and then partying like animals into the late hours of the evening. But back then we also had a second gay summer festival, Summer Rites. This was non political and based down in South London at Brockwell Park. With all of the elements of the original festival, Dance Tents, Fun Fair & Market Stalls. Then it all went pear shape. For the first time ever they went from free events to paid for and tickets went from £5 to £10 to the current £20 for entry. To top it all off, one year the company organising it all, then called Pride, went bust meaning we all lost our money and never got a refund. People lost faith.
Summer Rites sizzled out, Pride was no more and Big Gay Out, a completely commercial exercise offering many of the same things as Pride took its place.
For this reason and the rising cost of tickets more and more Londoners have given up on London Pride in preference for Brighton Pride. A once a year, Free Event that as it grows gets better each year. Last year the official figures said some 130,000 revelers partied in Preston Park and then carried on until the wee hours in the first St James Street, street party. Unlike London where until this year the weather has always been drab and grey, in the first week of August, all but one of my Brighton Prides has been beautiful sunshine. (4 years ago it was a Mud bath when the heavens opened for 4 hours and soaked all of those but us lucky few that made the escape into Wild Fruit that was so packed security had to stop additional people coming in).
As of last year I decided that taking the Train down at 0800 on Saturday morning and making the last train home is too exhausting to do and you miss out on the whole weekends fun.
So the new tradition continues this year. Richard, Mark, Stuart and I will all be down for the weekend. We all have accommodation and will be there to enjoy the festivities of possibly Britains biggest and best free festival.
I bought Mark & Richard two nights at the Brighton Grand Hotel as their wedding gift (One way to ensure they spend the weekend and not just the day there). Fingers crossed the weather will be glorious. Cadice, Mikey and a whole gang of us are all in the same city centre hotel and will be there to enjoy the festivities. As if a weekend of fun is not enough this coming Sunday the whole of Soho comes alive for Soho Pride.
Last year was the 3rd annual such event and Police figures say 30,000 people packed out the Square Mile. The streets closed to traffic, restaurants and bars pour over onto additional seating in the street. Dance Tents fill Soho Square, additional bars & washroom facilities will struggle to cope with the demand. My friends and I shall gladly pack out any space we can find with our name on it, no doubt drinking too much, dancing a little and enjoying our second Pride of the Year.
I still feel exhausted from last weekend and I only really hung out with Marcus, Woody, Steve & Carl.
So if you have nothing to do this Sunday, come on down to Soho Square, give me a call and ill meet you for a drink and a dance. The weekend of the 4th – 6th August find us in Brighton.
Happy Pride – Hope to see you there!
Early Bloody Mornings
It wont matter how often I have to get up early, I simply will not ever get used to it. I couldnt get to sleep until gone 11:00 last night and alarm went off to a not very happy me at 0545 AM this morning. I have to get to Canary Wharf to work at a Bank again today. Journey last night took me 1 Hour 45 minutes to go what should have been no more than an hours journey. Add to that the fact that it was over 30 (90) degrees and I was one sweaty bunny.
Have to be back there at 0800 today but will be taking the Laptop today. There will litterally be nothing for us to do and it will be like getting money for old rope. Lucky for some you say? No, it means the day drags and drags. I would far rather be busy and the day fly than sit there bored. At least, on the bright side, Steph will be there with me. Roll on 5PM. Maybe I can hide in the bathroom and have a short nap? Today will be 33 degrees, far too hot to be inside a bank with nothing to do.
Later I should meet Martin and go for a drink or something in town. Tomorrow it is bound to Rain, I am officially off. Yeah, or as they say on Gaydar Radio, Yehness. Whereever you are in the World hope the sun is shineing and fab a fab one. I just wish my weekend had not been so action packed and maybe I would not feel so shattered at the moment.
Big hugs Neil
x
Have to be back there at 0800 today but will be taking the Laptop today. There will litterally be nothing for us to do and it will be like getting money for old rope. Lucky for some you say? No, it means the day drags and drags. I would far rather be busy and the day fly than sit there bored. At least, on the bright side, Steph will be there with me. Roll on 5PM. Maybe I can hide in the bathroom and have a short nap? Today will be 33 degrees, far too hot to be inside a bank with nothing to do.
Later I should meet Martin and go for a drink or something in town. Tomorrow it is bound to Rain, I am officially off. Yeah, or as they say on Gaydar Radio, Yehness. Whereever you are in the World hope the sun is shineing and fab a fab one. I just wish my weekend had not been so action packed and maybe I would not feel so shattered at the moment.
Big hugs Neil
x
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Hot Barmy Summer Nights
To tell you the truth, in this heat, you really dont want to leave the house that often without a good enough reason. However, it being the weekend and all and the fact that on Wednesday when I hosted a Molton Brown Mens Event I went home with Neil C's Bag and he with mine, I had no choice but to go the Gay Essex Dining Summer BBQ in Chelmsford. I say it like its a chore, and far from it. Arriving a little latter than the start time thanks to traffic, I was there by 1545, in time for a glass for a glass of Champagne served by our delishous Butler in the Buff, Paul. This was followed by Canapes and splash rain just to coll the air down. Post appetizers there was huge amounts of BBQ salmon filets, Steak & Sausages with salads & trimmings. The drink was pouring but me being the good boy and a driver, stuck to the two glasses I was permitted and left the party of boys just before 9;00PM. I am a gay you Know, I have to go out, it is a saturday afterall.
Leaving chelmsford for Clerkenwell I met up with Marcus Chops around ten, much dithering & dust later, we found our way to Man Bar and then Central Station. I wasnt intending a late night. We got home around 3AM and sat and chilled to six. As the sun came up and the temperature was a stiffling 80 plus degrees over night we were far from sleepy so sat and chatted and chilled till we finally dozed off around 7AM.
I feel shattered, does anyone else feel they need a weekend to help them get over the weekend?
Leaving chelmsford for Clerkenwell I met up with Marcus Chops around ten, much dithering & dust later, we found our way to Man Bar and then Central Station. I wasnt intending a late night. We got home around 3AM and sat and chilled to six. As the sun came up and the temperature was a stiffling 80 plus degrees over night we were far from sleepy so sat and chatted and chilled till we finally dozed off around 7AM.
I feel shattered, does anyone else feel they need a weekend to help them get over the weekend?
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Barmy Weather - Feeling Hot Hot Hot
Ask any of my friends in the USA about England and they all have this image that it always rains. I think it used to rain a lot more. Infact I dont even own an umbrella right now and the Trench Coat gets pulled out very occasionally but if anything our weather now is colder & Hotter but far from wetter.
In 2003 everyone was in shock at how long and hot the summer was when for over 8 weeks the sun shinned every day and we basked in temperatures over 36 Degrees (103F) the hottest August Day EVER in History.
This year we seemed to have a winter that went on and on and on, no spring and then Bam, in May it went from having the heating on to getting hotter and hotter.
This past Wednesday we beat the record for the hottest ever July day (since records began in 1772, with a mad 36 degrees in London. The one thing that does remain true is that the Brits are obsessed with talking about it. (That and Big Brother). Everyone is being cautious and being sure not to complain about it, but with heat in the mid to Upper 30s and Humidity in the close to 70% mark its getting too hot to sleep. I finally bought Air Conditioning for the bedroom (Lucky Bitch) and its amazing how much nicer it is in that one room. In the mean time the weather men tell us that its going to be cooler for nearly a week. Today was officially Cooler, only 31. Still Hot (90f).
As the heat continues, the droubt worsens. According the news and advertisments from Thames Water, the Water Reserves are at their lowest level since 1976 when there was the Long hot summer that ended with domestic water supplies being turned off and water provided to the whole neighbourhood through Stand Pipes in the Street. I for one, do not fancy the idea of not being able to shower so am doing my bit to turn off taps and stop watering the garden.
I decided to do some reseach into the summer of 1976,
Tomorrow is due for some rain and 28 Degrees and then it hits the 30s again as the sun is back for the rest of the week.
Global warming seems to be closer than we thought. Now where did I put that fan? Im boiling. Keep Cool. Neil x
Thanks for visiting - if you have any comments, please feel free to comment at neil@vauxhallcowboy.com
In 2003 everyone was in shock at how long and hot the summer was when for over 8 weeks the sun shinned every day and we basked in temperatures over 36 Degrees (103F) the hottest August Day EVER in History.
This year we seemed to have a winter that went on and on and on, no spring and then Bam, in May it went from having the heating on to getting hotter and hotter.
This past Wednesday we beat the record for the hottest ever July day (since records began in 1772, with a mad 36 degrees in London. The one thing that does remain true is that the Brits are obsessed with talking about it. (That and Big Brother). Everyone is being cautious and being sure not to complain about it, but with heat in the mid to Upper 30s and Humidity in the close to 70% mark its getting too hot to sleep. I finally bought Air Conditioning for the bedroom (Lucky Bitch) and its amazing how much nicer it is in that one room. In the mean time the weather men tell us that its going to be cooler for nearly a week. Today was officially Cooler, only 31. Still Hot (90f).
As the heat continues, the droubt worsens. According the news and advertisments from Thames Water, the Water Reserves are at their lowest level since 1976 when there was the Long hot summer that ended with domestic water supplies being turned off and water provided to the whole neighbourhood through Stand Pipes in the Street. I for one, do not fancy the idea of not being able to shower so am doing my bit to turn off taps and stop watering the garden.
I decided to do some reseach into the summer of 1976,
Tomorrow is due for some rain and 28 Degrees and then it hits the 30s again as the sun is back for the rest of the week.
Global warming seems to be closer than we thought. Now where did I put that fan? Im boiling. Keep Cool. Neil x
Thanks for visiting - if you have any comments, please feel free to comment at neil@vauxhallcowboy.com
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
BBC Continue to use Homophobic Comments
First Chris Moyles is allowed to use the word Gay on Radio one and now Jeremy Clarkeson does the same. It may be in context with the mind set of some of the viewers but I for one will be turning off from now on. If the BBC is allowed to continuously use Slander and the word Gay in the use of meaning Gay why should we continue to pay a liscense fee. If the term was against people based on Race there would be uproar. Surely the BBC should appologise immediately and put a stop on the continuation of this word in such a manner.
Send your formal complaint at www.bbc.co.uk/complaints
The show went out this Sunday the 16th July! Be a Voice, Be heard, dont stand for such abuse on the Airwaves & Television.
Send your formal complaint at www.bbc.co.uk/complaints
The show went out this Sunday the 16th July! Be a Voice, Be heard, dont stand for such abuse on the Airwaves & Television.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
I wish you could meet my Girlfriend, my girlfriend who is from Canada!
Im just lauging at the song " I wish you could meet my girlfriend, My Girlfriend who is from Canada". Richard called me tonight and was singing it and I cant get it off my brain. Avenue Q has to be my fave Musical and i've not even seen it yet.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Hotwheels - Gay Roller Disco
There are two people in this world that can really bring out the child in me, Richard Mason & Marcus Hacker. So when I asked last night if I could stay over pre having to be at work this Am at 7AM and Marcus said, "Of course, but we are going to the Gay Roller Disco first", I should have known to expect anything but an early night.
A not very well advertised event, last night was the lauch night of the Gay Roller Disco at The Cross, Kings Cross, by Fiction.
Arriving not long after 8PM there were about 30 odd people inside as we collected our boots and hazzardly made away around the main floor with arms swinging for balance. Marcus and I took to it like ducks to a pond as Richard cautiously made his way around the edges before ending at the bar for a nerve settling Vodka & Tonic. As the place slowly filled and the Retro 80s sound girated we all stopped for a Drink and to try to Help Richard find his Roller Legs. After some One to One Tuition and a little bit of coaxing out of his dark corner where he slowly tried to gain confidence and down several more Vodkas he was soon on the main floor with the now packed Roller Disco Crowd. Some were dressed in Leggings & Hot Pants, others 80s Retro gear as all boogied to classics like Michael Jackson and skated the night around and around.
Stopping mid evening for yet another liquid refreshment, three 80s clad Irish gals showing off and doing spins suddenly whipped me out by knocking my feet away from under my skates and Richards with it. Richard falling on me falling on the girl with his Vodka, Tonic, Ice & Lemon Ending up flat on my face and Richard, the girls & I in histerics for the next ten minutes.
Loving it or what we vowed to most certainly be back with our skates next weekend from 8:00PM. The Cross, Bagleys, Kings Cross. Skates are provided. Join us for the most retro & fun night Ive had in years.
More infor at http://www.gaydisco.info
A not very well advertised event, last night was the lauch night of the Gay Roller Disco at The Cross, Kings Cross, by Fiction.
Arriving not long after 8PM there were about 30 odd people inside as we collected our boots and hazzardly made away around the main floor with arms swinging for balance. Marcus and I took to it like ducks to a pond as Richard cautiously made his way around the edges before ending at the bar for a nerve settling Vodka & Tonic. As the place slowly filled and the Retro 80s sound girated we all stopped for a Drink and to try to Help Richard find his Roller Legs. After some One to One Tuition and a little bit of coaxing out of his dark corner where he slowly tried to gain confidence and down several more Vodkas he was soon on the main floor with the now packed Roller Disco Crowd. Some were dressed in Leggings & Hot Pants, others 80s Retro gear as all boogied to classics like Michael Jackson and skated the night around and around.
Stopping mid evening for yet another liquid refreshment, three 80s clad Irish gals showing off and doing spins suddenly whipped me out by knocking my feet away from under my skates and Richards with it. Richard falling on me falling on the girl with his Vodka, Tonic, Ice & Lemon Ending up flat on my face and Richard, the girls & I in histerics for the next ten minutes.
Loving it or what we vowed to most certainly be back with our skates next weekend from 8:00PM. The Cross, Bagleys, Kings Cross. Skates are provided. Join us for the most retro & fun night Ive had in years.
More infor at http://www.gaydisco.info
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Jaffa Joe & Brighton Fun
Today I had a big interview down in Brighton and last night had agreed to meet my friend GJ at Bluewater to go and see a movie. We went to watch Pirates of the Caribean, Dead Mans Chest. How camp is Johny Depp? He seems to play a drunked gay guy throughtout the whole movie that had us almost in laughter half of the time. Its our usual meeting place, GJ and I go for a coffee in Starbucks, make our way around to the movies and induldge in either the luxurious Gallery seats or as was the case this week, a totally sold out theatre, the only few seats remaining.
As I had to be in the South today, Georgi had said that I could stay over last night and so it made the journey down more pleasant this morning.
I arrived nice and early and the interview seemed to go really well. I am through to the last selection process so who knows and WATCH THIS SPACE.
Post the interview I called my friend Jaffa Joe who runs a small business empire of Jaffa Deli, 14 Ship Street Bar & Restaurant and Jaffa catering company. His such a lovely guy. We had a drink together and then he cooked me a fabulous Jerk Chicken. I have to confess I was not 100 % sure what the secret ingredient in Jerk Chicken was, but it was yummy.
(PIX REMOVED)
He had a meeting around 3 so I headed off down to the beach to get some sun and to chill for a few hours and then met him again at 7,00 for another drink and to pop down and see the Delhi. Was a really nice day in good company. Ended up at the Oasis and now am home way too late. Oh well, I always believe life is for living.
As I had to be in the South today, Georgi had said that I could stay over last night and so it made the journey down more pleasant this morning.
I arrived nice and early and the interview seemed to go really well. I am through to the last selection process so who knows and WATCH THIS SPACE.
Post the interview I called my friend Jaffa Joe who runs a small business empire of Jaffa Deli, 14 Ship Street Bar & Restaurant and Jaffa catering company. His such a lovely guy. We had a drink together and then he cooked me a fabulous Jerk Chicken. I have to confess I was not 100 % sure what the secret ingredient in Jerk Chicken was, but it was yummy.
(PIX REMOVED)
He had a meeting around 3 so I headed off down to the beach to get some sun and to chill for a few hours and then met him again at 7,00 for another drink and to pop down and see the Delhi. Was a really nice day in good company. Ended up at the Oasis and now am home way too late. Oh well, I always believe life is for living.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
The future in the palm of our hands
Isnt technology great? Right now I am sat on a GNER Train to Leeds and they actually have Wifi Internet Access on the Train. Travelling up for work can do all the things I could do at home! Im sure it will be on airplanes next and after that, who knows?
Just thought I had to do an intercity Blog. Imagine how the Engineering Revolution changed the country and we are just starting on the technological one. I have a GPS in my car, Wifi on the Train and a Cell Phone and thats just the begining. Its almost like the things we saw on Star Trek are all coming to be!
Im a boy who likes his toys and like to have the latest gadgets and gizmos!
Anyway.... welcome to the Interail Online Blog! Love Neil
Just thought I had to do an intercity Blog. Imagine how the Engineering Revolution changed the country and we are just starting on the technological one. I have a GPS in my car, Wifi on the Train and a Cell Phone and thats just the begining. Its almost like the things we saw on Star Trek are all coming to be!
Im a boy who likes his toys and like to have the latest gadgets and gizmos!
Anyway.... welcome to the Interail Online Blog! Love Neil
Subscribe to Lucky Bitches
Want to know when I have updated the Blog? Just send an email to Neil@vauxhallcowboy.com and put "I want to be a lucky Bitch" in the subject box. Ill send you an email everytime I update the blog. Hope you are enjoying. Be Fabulous! Neil x
Dr Who?
Oh my goodness! Was that a finaly or what? I am a total fan. I dont really know how something that used to scare me as a child, say the Dalek's can still scare me now but that final episode. Wow.
Doomsday comes and we are to loose our Rose, The Doctors assistant. Isnt she just the best Assistant ever? So it came down to Modern Day Earth and the CyberMen & Daleks were about to take over the planet. And they might have got away with it too if it were not for that pesky Doctor. ;-)
It was intense, and my heart was racing at the thought that poor rose would be sucked into Hell with only the Daleks & Cybermen. But thanks to teleportation she was salvaged by Dad (only his not really her Dad, just he is on another dimension.)And finally we get to see Rose & The Doctor saying Goodbye. Maybe Im a poof but that was the best of Doctor Who I've ever seen. And now we have to wait until Christmas for our next installment. Possibly the best television program on the beeb at the moment.
Simply Fabulous!
Doomsday comes and we are to loose our Rose, The Doctors assistant. Isnt she just the best Assistant ever? So it came down to Modern Day Earth and the CyberMen & Daleks were about to take over the planet. And they might have got away with it too if it were not for that pesky Doctor. ;-)
It was intense, and my heart was racing at the thought that poor rose would be sucked into Hell with only the Daleks & Cybermen. But thanks to teleportation she was salvaged by Dad (only his not really her Dad, just he is on another dimension.)And finally we get to see Rose & The Doctor saying Goodbye. Maybe Im a poof but that was the best of Doctor Who I've ever seen. And now we have to wait until Christmas for our next installment. Possibly the best television program on the beeb at the moment.
Simply Fabulous!
Evita On Stage
As a Birthday Treat Emily had kindly booked us tickets to see Evita in the West End. It was one of the Lloyd Webber Musicals that I never saw the first time around but having watched the Madonna version of the movie knew I would love the show. But it certainly beat my expectations. First of all the Apollo Theatre is Air Conditioned. Thanks to the fact that there were no tubes running between Seven Sisters & Kings Cross I was slightly late, meaning that Emily & Gill had left my seat at the box office.
I was ushered in, embarrassed just after the opening funeral scene.
The lady that played the lead was fantastic. Apparently she is Argentinean. The entire cast gave it their all and in True Andrew Lloyd Webber Style it was simply Fabulous.
The way that turned the stage of the Apollo into the Square for a cheering crowd and then a chapel is truly a marvel. It was slightly different from the TV version as there were additional songs added and removed but overall the three of us agreed it was one of the best productions on a London Stage that I have seen. Lloyd Webber at his best and what a joy to share it with both Emily & Gill.
After the show we popped into a pub for a quick drink and while catching up Marcus Chops called me on the telephone and said he was in town and would join us. We soon found ourselves flying around town. Marcus was on a mission, he wanted to go to the Heath! Hampstead Heath the notorious gay cruising ground, but seeing as Man Bar was closer and Marcus had never been there it seemed the decent thing to do. It was like going to the Heath with a Bar & Toilet facilities! Fabulous. Rounded it all up with some music back at Marcus’s, and now about to board the train to Leeds! Roll on the weekend!
I was ushered in, embarrassed just after the opening funeral scene.
The lady that played the lead was fantastic. Apparently she is Argentinean. The entire cast gave it their all and in True Andrew Lloyd Webber Style it was simply Fabulous.
The way that turned the stage of the Apollo into the Square for a cheering crowd and then a chapel is truly a marvel. It was slightly different from the TV version as there were additional songs added and removed but overall the three of us agreed it was one of the best productions on a London Stage that I have seen. Lloyd Webber at his best and what a joy to share it with both Emily & Gill.
After the show we popped into a pub for a quick drink and while catching up Marcus Chops called me on the telephone and said he was in town and would join us. We soon found ourselves flying around town. Marcus was on a mission, he wanted to go to the Heath! Hampstead Heath the notorious gay cruising ground, but seeing as Man Bar was closer and Marcus had never been there it seemed the decent thing to do. It was like going to the Heath with a Bar & Toilet facilities! Fabulous. Rounded it all up with some music back at Marcus’s, and now about to board the train to Leeds! Roll on the weekend!
Friday, July 07, 2006
5 Weeks & Counting
Im in one of those moods tonight, Happy and yet sad. Dusan just called. Its just five weeks before he can come back and visit. His contract ends on the cruise On August 13th and we are now counting down the days.
He will come for two weeks, to catch up and enjoy some quality time. Im still buzzed from the high feeling of fabulousness that came from last weekenad and Euro Pride. Now, Finally, having spoken to my baby on the phone, I guess I have finally come down with a bang.
At the show we they talked a lot about equality and love and dont let them take away the things we have fought so many years for, and rightly so. However, it makes it even harder to bear the fact that my Love, the one man that I want to spend the rest of my life with is not allowed to stay and live in this country because his home country is not a member of the European Union. I guess my bug is the fact that I Have to Marry him to allow him to stay, rather than it be I Marry him because I love him. I love him so so much that there is nothing I would not do for him. It just seems so forced that we have to go ahead and get married formally in order to enable him to stay. Of course there is always the option of him staying and not working, on a long term residency & non working visa. But the thing about love is it means that you will do absoulutely anything for it.
So there are five weeks before my baby returns. I so cant wait to see him, hold him, touch him, feel him, enjoy his company, make him smile. He truly melts my heart.
In 2008 Croatia is due to enter the European Union and he will be able to come and work and live here permanently without the need for wedlock. But until then, my darling Dusan, I love you and Miss you. Keep well, Sail Safe and the 5 weeks will become days will become hours and then we will be together. All my love, Neil xxx
Thanks for visiting - if you have any comments, please feel free to comment at neil@vauxhallcowboy.com
He will come for two weeks, to catch up and enjoy some quality time. Im still buzzed from the high feeling of fabulousness that came from last weekenad and Euro Pride. Now, Finally, having spoken to my baby on the phone, I guess I have finally come down with a bang.
At the show we they talked a lot about equality and love and dont let them take away the things we have fought so many years for, and rightly so. However, it makes it even harder to bear the fact that my Love, the one man that I want to spend the rest of my life with is not allowed to stay and live in this country because his home country is not a member of the European Union. I guess my bug is the fact that I Have to Marry him to allow him to stay, rather than it be I Marry him because I love him. I love him so so much that there is nothing I would not do for him. It just seems so forced that we have to go ahead and get married formally in order to enable him to stay. Of course there is always the option of him staying and not working, on a long term residency & non working visa. But the thing about love is it means that you will do absoulutely anything for it.
So there are five weeks before my baby returns. I so cant wait to see him, hold him, touch him, feel him, enjoy his company, make him smile. He truly melts my heart.
In 2008 Croatia is due to enter the European Union and he will be able to come and work and live here permanently without the need for wedlock. But until then, my darling Dusan, I love you and Miss you. Keep well, Sail Safe and the 5 weeks will become days will become hours and then we will be together. All my love, Neil xxx
Thanks for visiting - if you have any comments, please feel free to comment at neil@vauxhallcowboy.com
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Euro Pride the Show - July 2nd 2006
If you have never been to the Royal Albert Hall, next time you are in London, be sure to book an event there. Home of the Proms it is an architectural masterpiece. Built as a tribute to Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert and opened off Hyde Park in 1871, a palace to her King from a Queen it seemed quite apt that this would be the venue for the closing event of Euro Pride 2006. Euro Pride The Show.
The minute you arrive at the Royal Albert Hall you feel taken in by its beauty. Its not just a theatre it is the master of all concert halls in London. An amazing space with the best acoustics of any venue I have been to. We arrived by Taxi and made our way to our seats in Row One of the Circle. No matter where you sit in the Royal Albert Hall you are guaranteed an un obscured view of the stage.
The show was put together by the team that used to produce the Equality Show at the same venue every year raising funds for Stonewall and equality in Britain. This year it was produced by Hollywood Actor and the number one most influential gay man in England, Sir Ian Mckellen. I had decided to Invite Gill, Lisa & Emily. Knowing that it would be something that they would enjoy too and that they would love being part of Pride weekend.
We took our seats a little before 745 but with so many pouring into the venue it was clear that it would not be starting on time. Our seats, kindly had our free gift, an old fashioned hand held fan emblazoned with Gaydarradio.com. As the Royal Albert Hall (RAH) filled up everywhere you could see there were people fanning. 4000 Plus queens with a fan in hand could not be more Camp and was much needed in the heat of the early evening with temperatures still in the mid 20’s after sun down.
The show started off with top English Actor, Steven Fry as Compeer introducing the acts. First up Tina C, a country & Western style American Drag Queen with all the attitude to go with it and some songs to get us started. We then had famous Gay friendly actresses like Joanna Lumley, Jennifer Saunders & Ruby Wax on stage. The Gay guy, Nick Cotton from Coronation Street & Fizz introducing more acts.
The first half also saw Sir Ian McKellen in Drag as Widow Twankey, and scenes from Top West End shows including Chicago (all that Jazz), Mama Mia (Dancing Queen) and the new top hit, Avenue Q. Graham Norton Outed the Gay Puppet with a Snog on Stage. That was funny and ended the first half in music getting everyone very much in the mood.
Stopping for a drink and to powder our noses in the bathroom Marcus and I were not sure why we should not use the ladies bathroom. After all, we would if we were in a gay club eh?
Second half started with Heather Small from M People getting everyone out of their seats and dancing in the boxes & Circles. More comedy acts including Alan Carr, while Julian Clary & Sandi Toksvig were hilarious as compeers. Introducing Heather, Boy George, The London’s Gay Men’s Chorus whom can only be described as awesome and the ceremonious handing over of the Quilt to next years host city, Madrid. Yes, I did say Quilt. Much like the Olympics have a Torch, the Euro Pride committee have a Quilt that has embroidered into it
Something from each country that has been a host city. We were not sure at first if they were being serious but apparently its true. So the Quilt was passed over by several gay couples whom were picked from the Audience. Graham Norton did an experiment where he made the entire audience stand and then said you could sit down if you were “Not Married”. The experiment leaving standing all of those gay couples that had in the past six months ceremoniously entered into Civil Partnership. Something that Graham rightly pointed out would have left the entire Audience sitting just over six months ago. With effect from December 21st 2005, Gay & Lesbian Couples now have the right to marriage in the eyes of the State by entering into Civil Partnerships. Several Prominent famous couples then came onto Stage including Michael Cashman & his long term Partner and now Husband.
The final gentleman on Stage was Canadian born David Furnish whom Julian proceed to ask about his proposal and how his partner proposed. Apparently it was during a family dinner at their home in Windsor and also in the presence of the Scissor Sisters. After a small delay, David Announced, “Please welcome on to stage, My Husband, Sir Elton John”. The audience went crazy, the atmosphere was electric and Elton proceeded to give us 3 songs from his current tour including a finale with Kiki Dee who’m Sir Elton had his first Number One UK hit with 30 Years ago to the Day.
you can only imagine the atmosphere as the Gay Mens Chorus and all of the previous acts came back onto stage for the grand finale. Heather Small took the Microphone and the entire cast backed to a truly memorable version of “We are Family”.
It was a day to be proud to be a Londoner, Proud to be Gay. Proud to be out and involved in a community that is so filled with Love for one another. A community that I have made my home. My friends are both Straight & Gay but as this year proved, I can share my gay life with my straight friends and vice versa. With the introduction of civil partnerships there is very little but marry in a church that we the Gay & Lesbian community can not do. You certainly don’t see them celebrate “Straight Pride”. A huge Thank you to all the volunteers, organisers and committees of Euro Pride and Euro Pride the Show. It was a weekend I shall remember for a long time and listening to the callers on Gaydar Radio this week the proof is in the fact that I, like so many of my friends agree, “It was the BEST Pride we have ever been fortunate enough to attend” May it be a beacon to those worldwide that events like Pride can change the way your country see you as a community. Never stop the fight for equality and after so many years of Struggle may England forever fly the Pink Union Jack.
See hyperlink at Top for more Details.
Thanks for visiting - if you have any comments, please feel free to comment at neil@vauxhallcowboy.com Or for an Email everytime I update my Blog, email me, Neil@vauxhallcowboy.com
The minute you arrive at the Royal Albert Hall you feel taken in by its beauty. Its not just a theatre it is the master of all concert halls in London. An amazing space with the best acoustics of any venue I have been to. We arrived by Taxi and made our way to our seats in Row One of the Circle. No matter where you sit in the Royal Albert Hall you are guaranteed an un obscured view of the stage.
The show was put together by the team that used to produce the Equality Show at the same venue every year raising funds for Stonewall and equality in Britain. This year it was produced by Hollywood Actor and the number one most influential gay man in England, Sir Ian Mckellen. I had decided to Invite Gill, Lisa & Emily. Knowing that it would be something that they would enjoy too and that they would love being part of Pride weekend.
We took our seats a little before 745 but with so many pouring into the venue it was clear that it would not be starting on time. Our seats, kindly had our free gift, an old fashioned hand held fan emblazoned with Gaydarradio.com. As the Royal Albert Hall (RAH) filled up everywhere you could see there were people fanning. 4000 Plus queens with a fan in hand could not be more Camp and was much needed in the heat of the early evening with temperatures still in the mid 20’s after sun down.
The show started off with top English Actor, Steven Fry as Compeer introducing the acts. First up Tina C, a country & Western style American Drag Queen with all the attitude to go with it and some songs to get us started. We then had famous Gay friendly actresses like Joanna Lumley, Jennifer Saunders & Ruby Wax on stage. The Gay guy, Nick Cotton from Coronation Street & Fizz introducing more acts.
The first half also saw Sir Ian McKellen in Drag as Widow Twankey, and scenes from Top West End shows including Chicago (all that Jazz), Mama Mia (Dancing Queen) and the new top hit, Avenue Q. Graham Norton Outed the Gay Puppet with a Snog on Stage. That was funny and ended the first half in music getting everyone very much in the mood.
Stopping for a drink and to powder our noses in the bathroom Marcus and I were not sure why we should not use the ladies bathroom. After all, we would if we were in a gay club eh?
Second half started with Heather Small from M People getting everyone out of their seats and dancing in the boxes & Circles. More comedy acts including Alan Carr, while Julian Clary & Sandi Toksvig were hilarious as compeers. Introducing Heather, Boy George, The London’s Gay Men’s Chorus whom can only be described as awesome and the ceremonious handing over of the Quilt to next years host city, Madrid. Yes, I did say Quilt. Much like the Olympics have a Torch, the Euro Pride committee have a Quilt that has embroidered into it
Something from each country that has been a host city. We were not sure at first if they were being serious but apparently its true. So the Quilt was passed over by several gay couples whom were picked from the Audience. Graham Norton did an experiment where he made the entire audience stand and then said you could sit down if you were “Not Married”. The experiment leaving standing all of those gay couples that had in the past six months ceremoniously entered into Civil Partnership. Something that Graham rightly pointed out would have left the entire Audience sitting just over six months ago. With effect from December 21st 2005, Gay & Lesbian Couples now have the right to marriage in the eyes of the State by entering into Civil Partnerships. Several Prominent famous couples then came onto Stage including Michael Cashman & his long term Partner and now Husband.
The final gentleman on Stage was Canadian born David Furnish whom Julian proceed to ask about his proposal and how his partner proposed. Apparently it was during a family dinner at their home in Windsor and also in the presence of the Scissor Sisters. After a small delay, David Announced, “Please welcome on to stage, My Husband, Sir Elton John”. The audience went crazy, the atmosphere was electric and Elton proceeded to give us 3 songs from his current tour including a finale with Kiki Dee who’m Sir Elton had his first Number One UK hit with 30 Years ago to the Day.
you can only imagine the atmosphere as the Gay Mens Chorus and all of the previous acts came back onto stage for the grand finale. Heather Small took the Microphone and the entire cast backed to a truly memorable version of “We are Family”.
It was a day to be proud to be a Londoner, Proud to be Gay. Proud to be out and involved in a community that is so filled with Love for one another. A community that I have made my home. My friends are both Straight & Gay but as this year proved, I can share my gay life with my straight friends and vice versa. With the introduction of civil partnerships there is very little but marry in a church that we the Gay & Lesbian community can not do. You certainly don’t see them celebrate “Straight Pride”. A huge Thank you to all the volunteers, organisers and committees of Euro Pride and Euro Pride the Show. It was a weekend I shall remember for a long time and listening to the callers on Gaydar Radio this week the proof is in the fact that I, like so many of my friends agree, “It was the BEST Pride we have ever been fortunate enough to attend” May it be a beacon to those worldwide that events like Pride can change the way your country see you as a community. Never stop the fight for equality and after so many years of Struggle may England forever fly the Pink Union Jack.
See hyperlink at Top for more Details.
Thanks for visiting - if you have any comments, please feel free to comment at neil@vauxhallcowboy.com Or for an Email everytime I update my Blog, email me, Neil@vauxhallcowboy.com
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Euro Pride, London, July 1st 2006
Euro Pride – July 1st 2006
London Pride is traditionally one of the highlights of my year and a chance to catch up with friends and celebrate the fact that we are gay with a March through central London and a party in a park afterwards filled with fun fair, dance tents and festive fun. This year however it was to be slightly different as London was to be host city to Euro Pride. A similar event but hosting the festivities on a grander scale in representation of the gay community of London and the United Kingdom. For some reason that meant that there would be no main event in a park but instead a number of things going on during a two week festival across the city. Kicking off two weeks ago with a huge street party in Clapham and coming to a highlight on Saturday the 1st July with a massive street parade and March that included some 40,000 participants and over 500,000 visitors to the Heart of our city.
I met up with Kenton & Marcus at noon and made our way to Gary’s House for a traditional Champagne Reception to kick off the day before jumping into a taxi into town to watch the Parade. It seems even the most simple of Plans can go to Pot and my sincerest apologies to those that waited for me outside Hamley’s. As my group grew and grew throughout the day we lagged later and later behind and in the end with all of the closures of roads we were unable to make it to Hamley’s! Please forgive me. I did endeavour to catch up with everyone as some stage during the day. We made our way up to Soho Square and found a nice quiet pub just off the main square where we could use Toilet Facilities, powder our noses and get served without too much of a problem. Having finished some 4 bottles of Champagne in under an hour between 6 of us we were some what trollied by the time we got there. The heat causing the alcohol to seem far stronger than normal. We spend some 5 or six hours in the sun drinking and enjoying company and catching up with friends. I managed to catch up with some of the lads I have chatted to in the past in the chat room including the lovely Jaffa Joe whom I met back in Brighton earlier this year after Little Britain and Partytone & Pojo. Plus had a chance to chill with the very sexy Gary who seems to be looking even hotter than ever. I so would and so would Kenton. The way he was virtually drooling over him!
Kenton managed to find Cadice & Stu on the far side of the Square and we also found Mark & Richard & Stu before we had to start to rush to make it down to the Embankment to catch up with the rest of possy. Emily Mews Cadmore’ Court Saint Court was waiting with Marcus down by the River and we hooked up with the rest of the gang at the Savoy pier ready to board our boat for the 8pm Discothèque Night Club Chartered River Cruise.
Oh my Gay Goodness. What a surprisingly fantastic event. 4.5 hours of sailing, dancing and such site seeing like I have never seen before. In all of my years living in London I have never done a cruise like it and seen so much of London. From the houses of Parliament to Greenwich, Tower Bridge, The Thames Flood Barrier. (I will attach pictures as soon as I get them off Kenton) He kindly leant me his camera after mine died on the day. What bad luck. We saw it all, danced our tits off and in the best of company. I have to say it made it one of the best events I have ever done at any Pride in my 8 years of doing them and so glad I could share it with so many of my close friends.
Disembarking at around 1230AM and without a taxi in site Marcus & Kenton went back to crash at M’s and I walked back to the Hotel ending a perfect gay pride day.
London Pride is traditionally one of the highlights of my year and a chance to catch up with friends and celebrate the fact that we are gay with a March through central London and a party in a park afterwards filled with fun fair, dance tents and festive fun. This year however it was to be slightly different as London was to be host city to Euro Pride. A similar event but hosting the festivities on a grander scale in representation of the gay community of London and the United Kingdom. For some reason that meant that there would be no main event in a park but instead a number of things going on during a two week festival across the city. Kicking off two weeks ago with a huge street party in Clapham and coming to a highlight on Saturday the 1st July with a massive street parade and March that included some 40,000 participants and over 500,000 visitors to the Heart of our city.
I met up with Kenton & Marcus at noon and made our way to Gary’s House for a traditional Champagne Reception to kick off the day before jumping into a taxi into town to watch the Parade. It seems even the most simple of Plans can go to Pot and my sincerest apologies to those that waited for me outside Hamley’s. As my group grew and grew throughout the day we lagged later and later behind and in the end with all of the closures of roads we were unable to make it to Hamley’s! Please forgive me. I did endeavour to catch up with everyone as some stage during the day. We made our way up to Soho Square and found a nice quiet pub just off the main square where we could use Toilet Facilities, powder our noses and get served without too much of a problem. Having finished some 4 bottles of Champagne in under an hour between 6 of us we were some what trollied by the time we got there. The heat causing the alcohol to seem far stronger than normal. We spend some 5 or six hours in the sun drinking and enjoying company and catching up with friends. I managed to catch up with some of the lads I have chatted to in the past in the chat room including the lovely Jaffa Joe whom I met back in Brighton earlier this year after Little Britain and Partytone & Pojo. Plus had a chance to chill with the very sexy Gary who seems to be looking even hotter than ever. I so would and so would Kenton. The way he was virtually drooling over him!
Kenton managed to find Cadice & Stu on the far side of the Square and we also found Mark & Richard & Stu before we had to start to rush to make it down to the Embankment to catch up with the rest of possy. Emily Mews Cadmore’ Court Saint Court was waiting with Marcus down by the River and we hooked up with the rest of the gang at the Savoy pier ready to board our boat for the 8pm Discothèque Night Club Chartered River Cruise.
Oh my Gay Goodness. What a surprisingly fantastic event. 4.5 hours of sailing, dancing and such site seeing like I have never seen before. In all of my years living in London I have never done a cruise like it and seen so much of London. From the houses of Parliament to Greenwich, Tower Bridge, The Thames Flood Barrier. (I will attach pictures as soon as I get them off Kenton) He kindly leant me his camera after mine died on the day. What bad luck. We saw it all, danced our tits off and in the best of company. I have to say it made it one of the best events I have ever done at any Pride in my 8 years of doing them and so glad I could share it with so many of my close friends.
Disembarking at around 1230AM and without a taxi in site Marcus & Kenton went back to crash at M’s and I walked back to the Hotel ending a perfect gay pride day.
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