Sister Act - Darlington Operatic Society

There's usually a story to tell when we go out for the evening, and, last night was no exception. We set off in plenty of time to go and see Sister Act, however, thanks to some road closures that we didn't know about in Aiskew blocking access to the A1, we had an enforced detour. It would have been nice  to see a road closed warning (Bedale) and a detour sign, but no - there weren't any. Then the A1 had roadworks. Then low and behold when we got to Darlington...roadworks again! We were five minutes late for the start of the performance, but managed to creep in without causing a disturbance. The show definitely made up for the awful journey. 

Photo copyright Darlington Operatic Society

Well, the Sisters were certainly having a great time last night at Darlington Civic Theatre, and so were the audience. What a spectacular performance of Sister Act by Darlington Operatic Society. If Whoopi Goldberg had been there she would have been well impressed with Deloris (I think last night was played by Rhiannon Williams) she is apparently sharing the role (alternate performances) with her sister Claire Willmer. The dancing, the singing, the music and the acting, absolutely brilliant. Every one of the cast exceptional. You felt as if you were on the stage with them.

Photo copyright Darlington Operatic Society

And, I've heard through the grapevine (their Facebook page) that the society has received over fifty applications for their next set of New Member auditions. I'm not surprised, if I could sing I'd be auditioning :-)

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Plus, a huge thank you to our good friend Kathy Boyer of KB Equine Therapy for animal sitting :-)

Beyond Midnight - Hyacinth Dickinson Series - Book two

Beyond Midnight, from best-selling author Ellen Dean, is the second book in the Hyacinth Dickinson Series. Two years on from a tragic helicopter crash charismatic Dr. Hyacinth Dickinson, world renowned gynaecologist/obstetrician and Mistress of the Amethyst Coven, is out for revenge.

Those who betrayed her must pay, including the beautiful Sofia Roberto-Sabatini, who is in line to be a Mafia Don.

Sofia has a rare blue diamond, knowledge that is supposed to be secret. But, secrets have a way of leaking. Hyacinth is determined to possess that diamond by fair means or foul. If magic needs to be used, then so be it.

But things don't always go according to plan. Hyacinth has enemies who want the diamond as badly as she does, and so the chase begins. The two women end up running for their lives. 

Will they survive? Will love conquer all?

Publishing date 24th July 2014

Available to pre-order

Smashwords

Albert Kennedy Trust - Press Release

I am proud to be a Patron of this amazing charity and thrilled to be able to share this press release with you all.

Ellen Dean

Remembering Albert - 25 Years On

Later on this year, on 7^th July, The Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT) celebrates its 25^th anniversary. Since 1989 AKT has supported lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) young people aged 25 and under who are homeless or living in a hostile environment.

Cath Hall, a foster carer based in Manchester, was already aware of the rejection and ejection of young LGBT people from their family homes and was spurred to action following the tragic death of Albert Kennedy on Sunday 30^th April 1989.

Albert was 16 years when he tragically fell to his death from a multi-story car park in what is widely regarded as a homophobic hate crime. Albert was very much loved by his family, but whilst spending some time in a children’s home he experienced rejection and homophobia from other residents, and sought solace in Manchester’s gay village. Albert’s mum, Mary, is a very proud supporter of AKT’s work.

Cath decided to set up a trust in Albert’s name to provide safe homes for LGBT young people who had faced rejection from their families and from society at large. Initially providing safe spaces with volunteer carers in Manchester, the Trust now works in three cities (London, Manchester and Newcastle) providing mentoring, advocacy and training as well as safe homes with carers and within our own Purple Door project.

On the Trust reaching its 25th Anniversary Cath said: “I had a vision, a passionate vision, that no young LGBT young person should live in fear at home. Like a baton, that vision had to be passed on.

“Over 25 years passionate and dedicated LGBT men and women have taken up the baton to ensure that thousands of young people have been touched by that dream and could live in safety, or with guidance, into adulthood.”

In order to commemorate Albert’s life and the work being undertaken in his name we are asking users across social media to use the hash tag #rememberingalbert on this 25th anniversary of his death.

Supporters can also send the special text giving code "ALBT25 £10" to 70070 to give the Albert Kennedy Trust £10, and help them continue their work helping young people made homeless purely for being brave enough to come out.

To celebrate the 25^th Anniversary the Trust has commissioned a new logo to highlight the milestone which, from today (30^th April), will be used across the website, social media and promotional material throughout the 25^th Anniversary year.

A number of special events will also take place including a Lord Mayor’s Reception in July, the AKT Party which will give the opportunity for supporters to host their own fundraising event in September and the Young Person’s Question Time in July which will give young people the opportunity to ask questions to housing ministers and shadow ministers.

Tim Sigsworth, Chief Executive of The Albert Kennedy Trust, said: “My hope for the next 25 years is that AKT will no longer be needed. I hope that society will reach a level of equality and fairness where young people are accepted by their families and mainstream provision truly recognises and meets their needs. Until then AKT intends to grow to meet need nationally.”