On first sight this looks like a lovely commemorative coin – it’s even roughly similar to that of the UK 50 pence piece – but on closer inspection there are so may problems it is hardly believable. It’s supposed to … Continue reading Equal marriage celebrated across the UK, er GB, and Ireland…
As of today, anyone using a single-use carrier bag from a retailer must pay five new pence for the privilege. The main aim is to help protect the environment by cutting the number of carrier bags we all use. Anyone who … Continue reading It’s not just plastic bags: carrier bag levy hits N.I. streets
Once again, the BBC has equated the UK with England…. To mark her Diamond Jubilee, the Queen handed out money to people from all of the UK’s 44 Christian dioceses. – BBC News I think that this should read, from all of the Church of England’s 44 dioceses. There are many more dioceses in the whole of the UK, listing only the Anglican ones you get 19 more: Church of Ireland (Dioceses with territory in N. Ireland) Armagh Clogher Connor Derry Down & Dromore Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh Scottish Episcopal Church Aberdeen & Orkney Argyll & the Isles Brechin Edinburgh Glasgow … Continue reading Maundy money reporting goes awry at the Beeb.
The Tyddyn Bach Trust respite centre in Penmaenmawr in Wales which has provided much-needed respite care for over 2,000 individuals and families affected by HIV since 1997 closed its doors. As a former trustee of Northern Ireland’s leading HIV charity, The HIV Support Centre, I have some idea of how difficult it can be to get funding from health authorities and others to support your work. The MP for Aberconwy, Guto Bebb, said that it was a tragedy the centre had to close. He suggested that the closure is an unintended result of devolution within the United Kingdom. Clients coming … Continue reading HIV Charity closure seems to be result of devolution
Last weekend, I was away in Wales with Scouts. It was the first outdoor activity event run by FLAGS – Active Support Unit for Lesbians & Gays in Scouting which whilst not overly well attended, to put it mildly, did bring four of us together for some craic and some good exercise in Snowdonia. Being a Scouting event we were prepared for most eventualities.
I set off on foot to catch the bus to Belfast Central Station with Andrew. In the station, we waited until the barrier opened, I crossed beyond it, looked back – hoping to get a hug from him – but he was walking away… Turns out we were both nearly in tears: it was the first time we’ve been apart for quite some time, and certainly since our marriage just over a month previously.
The journey from Belfast to Dublin was uneventful, Continue reading “Snow, Sunshine, and Scouts: part 1”
Michael talks of leaving Andrew and missing Andrew. A Celtic nations post – Ireland, Wales, Scotland. Continue reading leaving Andrew and missing Andrew
Just after I watched the CNN interview with Bishop Andrew Burnham who is leaving the department of state called the ‘Church of England’ to be received into full communion with the Holy See, I noticed an advertisement for The Portal Magazine. I thought that I should subscribe to it. Sadly, those who have put the ordering form together, have made it difficult for those of us who recognise the country in which I live as Northern Ireland, and not Ireland. Indeed the choice given for country was: England Wales Scotland Ireland Not in the UK Now despite the bail-out by … Continue reading The Portal Magazine – ignoring the reality
update: 5.50p.m., Guest Editor of Lib Dem Voice today, Caron Lindsay, says: I specifically asked both candidates to write 500 words on what they could do for Scotland so it’s not surprising that her article is specific to Scotland. Therefore it should be noted that this post was originally posted at 11.14 a.m., prior to this clarification from Caron. I am maintaining the substance of the article, however, as it reflects the articles as they were posted. In setting out her stall on Lib Dem Voice today, Lib Dem Presidential hopeful Susan Kramer MP, from Richmond, appears to have forgotten … Continue reading updated 5.50pm – Kramer forgets the Welsh – oops
Gyronny Herald 