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Weymouth Gay Group People On this page we focus on news about our guys, and friends of our Weymouth Gay Group, including sadly a few who have passed on. |
Here you will find news and info about some of the guys who you might meet at our pub evenings. We hope this will help to introduce you to some of them before you join us.
We all have a wide and varied background and interests, and these are reflected in our group. It may well be that someone in our group has the same or similar interests as you!
Below are a few fun comments about our regular guys ..... with out wishing to name them all, here is an ABC+ list. More detailed news stories about a few of our guys who are happy to share below, you can scroll down to see them.
We often get 12 - 18 guys attending our twice weekly pub meet ups, you are most welcomed to join us too!
We all have a wide and varied background and interests, and these are reflected in our group. It may well be that someone in our group has the same or similar interests as you!
Below are a few fun comments about our regular guys ..... with out wishing to name them all, here is an ABC+ list. More detailed news stories about a few of our guys who are happy to share below, you can scroll down to see them.
We often get 12 - 18 guys attending our twice weekly pub meet ups, you are most welcomed to join us too!
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A - lego man
A - lawn mower man A - football man B - in Manila - not here yet! B&D - busy in their shop (see below) C - started WGG 15 years ago D - loves birdwatching & alotment G - Real Ale fan / History / Politics G - Charity shop worker I - Therapy & Spa J&B - Dorch couple (See Jonai below!) |
J - often on shift (NHS) work / study
M - "Only here for one" M - from Somerset, miss him N one - loves Wine N two - also loves Wine R - see bottom of this page S - Teddy bears in B&B window! S - Spanish - Man well? S - Musician & Dog Walker! (see below) T&M - The Woolly boys. Trains / Railways / Buses T - often on (NHS) shift work |
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John Hyde - a tribute (posted first on our news page- 18/11/2023 updated 25/11/2023, updated with funeral details 30/11/2023)
John Hyde, also known as Father or Canon John Hyde recently passed away.
John Hyde, also known as Father or Canon John Hyde recently passed away.
He was known to many of us in Dorsets LGBT+ community through his voluntary work, where he often took a leading role. To his credit he always made time to meet LGBT+ people to help them with any problems whenever he could. He was a really kind man, and full of love and care for those he met.
We knew him from his time years ago with Dorset Mind when he used to run the Bournemouth based Mind Out LGBT mental health support group. A small group of us from Weymouth would attend most weeks.
Always very bubbly, his smile and humour helped to lift the spirits of those of us in darker places. He genuinely cared about individual people, and empathised with people struggling with "the system", which he was so keen to help change.
It's a brilliant living tribute to him that the groups he was involved with, sometimes helping to start up - including Dorset Mind Mind Out, Dorset LGBT Network, Space Youth Project, Silver Moments, and his Church commitments - are still running and many have become key organisations in Dorsets LGBT+ community. He was also involved with World AIDS days and Transgender Day of Remembrance services.
An amazing man who will be missed by many. Weymouth Gay Group are very shocked and saddened at this loss, and our thoughts are with his Husband Peter, his family, and friends at this time.
The Memorial Service for Father John Hyde will take place at 1pm on Monday, 18th December 2023 at the Sheila Kendrick Ceremony Suite, A.E.Jolliffe & Son, 17, Victoria Road, Ferndown, BH22 9HT.
The LGBT+ Network for Change (formerly LGB&T Dorset Equality Network) has this below (before his passing) about John on their Network Team page -
The Memorial Service for Father John Hyde will take place at 1pm on Monday, 18th December 2023 at the Sheila Kendrick Ceremony Suite, A.E.Jolliffe & Son, 17, Victoria Road, Ferndown, BH22 9HT.
The LGBT+ Network for Change (formerly LGB&T Dorset Equality Network) has this below (before his passing) about John on their Network Team page -
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John, is a proactive and greatly respected LGBT community figure across the Bournemouth/Poole/Christchurch conurbation and the Dorset County area. His reputation for community support in the pan-Dorset area has been developed over decades. John and his husband Peter are Poole residents. John though semi-retired, still continues to provide carer support services at Bournemouth/Southbourne area care homes. Amongst many more areas of LGBT community service Fr John has for many years been providing annual World AIDS days services (such as at Bournemouth Triangles LGBT venue DYMK) and Transgender Day of Remembrance services (Bournemouth and Dorchester). Fr John was the first to answer the call of Network Lead Officer, lead initiator/architect Alan Mercel-Sanca, when Alan through his NHS engagement work first raised call for the need to support often overlooked or especially vulnerable community sub-population groups. |
Above from Bournemouth Echo via LGBT Network for Change website.
Click on image to enlarge. |
John was the Network’s first Chair from the Network’s creation as a Charity Commission recognised charity in early 2016. He has and continues to provide through the Network support activity for HMP The Verne’s (Portland) LGB and Trans residents and staff. John was also a veteran Trustee at the Dorset area Space Youth Project for many years before retiring due to poor health. He was also a senior advisor when the ground-breaking Rufus Stone Film was developed, and he was founder and is lead of the Silver Moments LGBT social meeting group.
Links:-
Speaking Out on end of life care - Bournemouth Echo interview with Network Chair Fr John Hyde lgbtnetwork4change.com/speaking-out-on-end-of-life-care-bournemouth-echo-interview-with-network-chair-fr-john-hyde/
The LGBT Network for change have published their tribute to John.
See - https://lgbtnetwork4change.com/very-sad-news-of-first-chair-of-the-network-fr-john-hydes-passing/
If you knew John, and would like to post a tribute here, please contact us - [email protected]
Speaking Out on end of life care - Bournemouth Echo interview with Network Chair Fr John Hyde lgbtnetwork4change.com/speaking-out-on-end-of-life-care-bournemouth-echo-interview-with-network-chair-fr-john-hyde/
The LGBT Network for change have published their tribute to John.
See - https://lgbtnetwork4change.com/very-sad-news-of-first-chair-of-the-network-fr-john-hydes-passing/
If you knew John, and would like to post a tribute here, please contact us - [email protected]
Posted on X (aka twitter) by DWFirepride @DWFirepride
We would like to pass on our condolences to the family and friends of Canon John Hyde who passed away - John was a fantastic person who was a great friend of DWfirepride and who was always eager to see us at events .
"Dorset Mind is so sad to hear the news, Father John was inspirational and supported so many in his time - as you may know he started our MindOut group many years ago, which continues today and is more needed than ever.
It is a great loss to the local community, may he rest in peace. Our sincere condolences to his husband Peter and his family and friends."
Dee. Dorset Mind.
Our LGBT community has lost a best friend, as Father John Hyde recently passed away. We remember him with great affection. May he rest in peace.
Jonai and Brian
Father John was such a gentle, compassionate and generous soul and gave so much to so many people, particularly and often the people who had the least to give.
He achieved so much in helping so many people through setting up the Dorset Mind Support groups including Mindout and Turbary Park Lunch club at a time where LGBT+ groups were very few and far between. This group continues to this day and is thriving.
Father John also started Silver Moments a social group for older LGBT+ people understanding too well the isolation and the experience of being othered, particularly, within the older LGBT+ communities.
Father John have so much of his time to his spiritual service also befriending and being with people in their final moments and conducting funerals for people who couldn’t afford them or who might not have any loved ones they were leaving behind. He was with so many people in their darkest hours and greatly encouraged me throughout my time working within the LGBT+ community.
I will greatly miss his wicked sense of humour and knowing that his light no longer shines so bright in this world makes me feel very sad.
You are loved and missed Father John Hyde and I wish you the very sweetest of dreams x (wink emoji)
Mandy Nicholson
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We would like to pass on our condolences to the family and friends of Canon John Hyde who passed away - John was a fantastic person who was a great friend of DWfirepride and who was always eager to see us at events .
"Dorset Mind is so sad to hear the news, Father John was inspirational and supported so many in his time - as you may know he started our MindOut group many years ago, which continues today and is more needed than ever.
It is a great loss to the local community, may he rest in peace. Our sincere condolences to his husband Peter and his family and friends."
Dee. Dorset Mind.
Our LGBT community has lost a best friend, as Father John Hyde recently passed away. We remember him with great affection. May he rest in peace.
Jonai and Brian
Father John was such a gentle, compassionate and generous soul and gave so much to so many people, particularly and often the people who had the least to give.
He achieved so much in helping so many people through setting up the Dorset Mind Support groups including Mindout and Turbary Park Lunch club at a time where LGBT+ groups were very few and far between. This group continues to this day and is thriving.
Father John also started Silver Moments a social group for older LGBT+ people understanding too well the isolation and the experience of being othered, particularly, within the older LGBT+ communities.
Father John have so much of his time to his spiritual service also befriending and being with people in their final moments and conducting funerals for people who couldn’t afford them or who might not have any loved ones they were leaving behind. He was with so many people in their darkest hours and greatly encouraged me throughout my time working within the LGBT+ community.
I will greatly miss his wicked sense of humour and knowing that his light no longer shines so bright in this world makes me feel very sad.
You are loved and missed Father John Hyde and I wish you the very sweetest of dreams x (wink emoji)
Mandy Nicholson
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Jonai - Dorch's "one man Rio Carnival", up for award! (posted here 22/06/2022)
Photo:- Jonai De Silva at the recent Weymouth Pub Pride
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Dorchesters Jonai, sometimes described as "a one man walking Rio Carnival'' (!) has been nominated for an award, and had Royal recognition!
The NHS mental health support worker, originally from Brazil, has been put forward for the Dorset Echo award by one of his clients. Writing in The Dorset Echo they said:- "Jonai is mine and many others mental health support worker. He works in the community and I was introduced to him about 2 years ago. Before I met him I was struggling with my mental health and didn't go out much and was very lonely and isolated. Two mornings a week he picks me up from home and we go to a cafe for coffee and a chat. When I see Jonai it's like chatting to a friend, he's loud, funny, vibrant, and caring. He goes the extra mile to help people.Once seen he's never forgotten.My daughter often says how much better (mentaly) I am since meeting him. He's amazing. I often say we need lots of Jonai's. He's made a huge difference to mine and many other lives." |
Jonai, who sometimes attends the Weymouth Gay Group pub meet ups, recently organised an Art exhibition with a mental health (and LGBT input) theme. The NHS has recently released a fantastic video highlighting the exhibition and its mental health benefits.
We highly recommend that you take a look here - https://youtu.be/vdMghdwQ4oU
Weymouth Gay Group wish Jonai best of luck with his nomination, and look forward to seeing him at the many local LGBT events.
Update - Jonai was thrilled to receive a letter from The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge supporting his efforts. They had been invited to the art exhibition, but unable to attend due to other commitments.
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We highly recommend that you take a look here - https://youtu.be/vdMghdwQ4oU
Weymouth Gay Group wish Jonai best of luck with his nomination, and look forward to seeing him at the many local LGBT events.
Update - Jonai was thrilled to receive a letter from The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge supporting his efforts. They had been invited to the art exhibition, but unable to attend due to other commitments.
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United Church Dorchester (posted here March 2022) From Jonai & Brian Brian and I regularly worship at the United Church in Dorchester. Brian was a member there before I came to England, although until last year my own links with the Church had been occasional. However, in 2021 when Brian was very ill and in hospital, Church members would frequently contact me to ask not only how Brian was, but also how I was coping too. I really felt then that I had found a place of real warmth and welcome, and since then have attended as regularly as my NHS work shifts allow. We are welcomed as a couple. (Picture on right of Jonai. He said "One of the patients within the NHS Dorset HealthCare Trust designed this picture for me.") |
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The Church has United Reformed and Methodist traditions, but many folk there have simply joined the congregation without previous denominational allegiances. In recent years both denominations have approved same-sex marriages on a national level, giving autonomy to local churches. At the moment discussions are continuing in Dorchester about how this might be moved forward on a local level. When Brian and I were married in a religious ceremony in Dorchester Town Hall in 2005, one of the ordained clergy taking part was from a United Reformed background.
Last year there was some concern that people in the Church community, particularly the Trustees (Stewards) and Leaders, felt they needed more basic training in de-escalation, as there can be unexpected challenges often associated with the Mental Health issues of some of the folk who newly visit the premises. In January this year I led a training evening at the Church and Brian chaired the meeting. Twenty people were present and they appreciated the practical advice offered as well as the chance to discuss and clarify issues. While this was not specifically an LGBT event, it did show that the Church community is willing to welcome all and will do its best to make newcomers feel at home, whatever their background.
My husband has taken on the task of keeping people at Church aware of issues of Hate-Incidents and Hate-Crime in Dorset and how we can fight against all forms of discrimination, including disability, religion, race and ethnicity, misogyny against women, and LGBT. In February the Church window, which fronts on to South Street in Dorchester, displayed posters about each of these protected characteristics, indicating positive ways in which we counter bigotry. The LGBT display contained small rainbow flags and included this comment: “Our LGBT Members and Friends help us all to understand better the breadth of human love”.
Jonai Da Silva, March 2022
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Last year there was some concern that people in the Church community, particularly the Trustees (Stewards) and Leaders, felt they needed more basic training in de-escalation, as there can be unexpected challenges often associated with the Mental Health issues of some of the folk who newly visit the premises. In January this year I led a training evening at the Church and Brian chaired the meeting. Twenty people were present and they appreciated the practical advice offered as well as the chance to discuss and clarify issues. While this was not specifically an LGBT event, it did show that the Church community is willing to welcome all and will do its best to make newcomers feel at home, whatever their background.
My husband has taken on the task of keeping people at Church aware of issues of Hate-Incidents and Hate-Crime in Dorset and how we can fight against all forms of discrimination, including disability, religion, race and ethnicity, misogyny against women, and LGBT. In February the Church window, which fronts on to South Street in Dorchester, displayed posters about each of these protected characteristics, indicating positive ways in which we counter bigotry. The LGBT display contained small rainbow flags and included this comment: “Our LGBT Members and Friends help us all to understand better the breadth of human love”.
Jonai Da Silva, March 2022
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Art Display by NHS Mental Health Clients
Weymouth College, Cranford Avenue, Weymouth DT4 7LQ Tuesday, April 26th 2022 from 9am to 5pm
Weymouth College, Cranford Avenue, Weymouth DT4 7LQ Tuesday, April 26th 2022 from 9am to 5pm
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On behalf of NHS Dorset HealthCare Trust and our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager Laura Barrow, I invite you to publicise this long-awaited event, and to send one or more representatives to see the display itself. All the art on Display will be the work of Mental Health clients in Weymouth and Portland. We in the Weymouth and Portland Community Mental Health Team wish to celebrate the talents and achievements of our clients, rather than focusing only on the challenges which they have faced and overcome. We have wanted to support such an exhibition for several years, but only now has it been possible to mount this display which we are proud to do. Visitors are welcome at any time between 9am and 5pm, and admission is free. The exhibition will be in the foyer / reception area of Weymouth College in Cranford Avenue; the College number is 01305 761100. Mr Jonai Da Silva, [email protected] 07717 816040 |
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You can read a report about this event, with photos, on our news page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/lgbt-news-weymouth-dorset-2022.html
You can read a review about this art exhbition when it took place at Shire Hall, on our website page here: - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/reviews-of-events-you-may-have-missed.html
You can read a review about this art exhbition when it took place at Shire Hall, on our website page here: - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/reviews-of-events-you-may-have-missed.html
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Weymouth in Lockdown - amazing video & song by a WGG member.
(posted first on our news page 06/01/2022 )
Simon, one of our Weymouth Gay Group (WGG) members has produced an amazing video and song reflecting life in Weymouth during Lockdown.
(posted first on our news page 06/01/2022 )
Simon, one of our Weymouth Gay Group (WGG) members has produced an amazing video and song reflecting life in Weymouth during Lockdown.
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"A Clown With Out a Face" - from the album The Cost of Living - written and performed by Simon Felton is a song of our time and very professionally produced. With filming by himself and his father Tony, they capture the atmosphere in a similar way to the Specials 1981 hit "Ghost Town".
Illustrating loneliness, Simon is seen "Kicking around runaway town", with many of Weymouth's landmarks and places that you will know. Simon runs the indie label Pink Hedgehog and also fronts power-pop combo, Garfields Birthday. More recently he joined harmony-fuelled roots band Wilson and released his own “therapeutic trilogy” of albums. November 2020 saw the release of his latest collection of bittersweet pop, and as ever he remains nervously optimistic. |
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In an email to Weymouth Gay Group he said:- "I’m recording some new songs at the moment, for a possible new release, mostly around the themes of mental health and failed relationships. All the fun stuff; it should be a big hit at parties and clubs all over the world, guaranteed to fill the dance floor! Music (writing, recording, performing and listening) it’s definitely therapy for me."
Simon attends some of our Weymouth Gay Group social pub meet ups during the year, when he is not to busy making music!
As Simon said to his fellow WGG friends, "This might put a smile on your face; my lockdown song/video".
So check it out here - https://youtu.be/aQvh_fmXGyw
Oh, and yes we love the nice ending! Thanks Simon!
Links with more music and info - https://simonfelton.bandcamp.com/album/the-cost-of-living
https://www.pinkhedgehog.com/
(Above written by Colin 06/01/2022, Weymouth Gay Group, with thanks to Simon, and is a copy from our 2022 news page)
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Simon attends some of our Weymouth Gay Group social pub meet ups during the year, when he is not to busy making music!
As Simon said to his fellow WGG friends, "This might put a smile on your face; my lockdown song/video".
So check it out here - https://youtu.be/aQvh_fmXGyw
Oh, and yes we love the nice ending! Thanks Simon!
Links with more music and info - https://simonfelton.bandcamp.com/album/the-cost-of-living
https://www.pinkhedgehog.com/
(Above written by Colin 06/01/2022, Weymouth Gay Group, with thanks to Simon, and is a copy from our 2022 news page)
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“A Whole World Of Calm” has arrived in Weymouth! (Posted first on our 2021 news page 01/09/2021)
“A Whole World Of Calm” has arrived in Weymouth with the opening of a new shop – run by Barry & Danny.
Barry has attened our group pub meet ups.
“A Whole World Of Calm” has arrived in Weymouth with the opening of a new shop – run by Barry & Danny.
Barry has attened our group pub meet ups.
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The shop, “Baan 57” in Weymouth’s picturesque St Alban Street sells a range of Equal Earth, Spiritual & Mythical gifts and crafts, New Age, Aromatherapy, Essential Oils, Buddha inspired gifts, Incense, and lots more. The shop also has a range of rainbow-coloured gifts, making it an idea place to find that birthday or Christmas gift for your LGBT friends. |
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Colin from Weymouth Gay Group was particularly impressed with the range of Asian gifts and the couple’s knowledge of Asia. Hardly surprising as Danny has his roots there.
We wish partners Barry & Danny (in picture above) well with the new shop, and hope they will join our Weymouth Gay Group social pub meet ups, once the busy summer season ends. But do pop in their shop before then and check it out, or if you are not local, their website. |
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“Baan 57 was born with one goal in mind: To provide a friendly, approachable store. Our passion for our products has driven us from the beginning, and continues to drive us into the future. We know that every visit with us counts, which is why we strive to make experience as rewarding as possible. Come & say hello and check it out for yourself!”
Address:- Baan 57 7-8 St Alban Street Weymouth DT4 88Z
Website:- www.Baan57.co.uk
Email:- [email protected]
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Address:- Baan 57 7-8 St Alban Street Weymouth DT4 88Z
Website:- www.Baan57.co.uk
Email:- [email protected]
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Sad news ... Good bye Rodney
It is with great sadness that we ended Thursday evening (Sept 13th 2018) with the very sad news that one of our much loved guys died in his sleep. It had been a brilliant evening in the Swan pub with Gay West guys visiting. Just the sort of evening our Rodney would have enjoyed chatting with everyone.
TRIBUTES TO RODNEY September 2018
From some of his many friends at Weymouth Gay Group
Oh Roddderrrrs !
Look at that lovely pudding – but you might wish to check if God's restaurant needs an apostrophe before you start!
Such a wonderful man, you will be greatly missed. You lived life to the full, so it was always a huge pleasure in between your globetrotting when you joined your friends in the pub. Hope the wardrobe there is to your satisfaction!
Colin
WGG
Rodney, we will all miss you. The talks about your trips around the world, the rants about some shop down the road missing an apostrophe' and the "discussions" with Graham about Brexit. It's true what they say all the good ones die young and your no exception. I can't help thinking the age you decided to go was on purpose though ;) . Enjoy the ultimate trip before us and maybe put in a good word for me up there.
Ashley Towers
"Rodney was so full of life. Our spirits always lifted when he walked through the door!" T & M
Our Rodney
As I wend my way up the hill to Portland on the Number one bus, I look over the remarkable view towards Preston, and I think we shall never again see our Rodney. We shall all miss you, and wish for ourselves the same gentle end, going to sleep in our beds – an exemplary way to depart from your inconsolable friends.
Rest in Peace
Stuart Draycott
Rodney was a really nice guy, he was very easy going and nice to chat with.
Mark Hillier
It was sad saying a final goodbye to R. His coffin looked much too small to contain someone with so much vim and zest for life. He was, in every sense of the expression, a larger than life character. I don't think we'll ever forget him; and we'll probably never see his like again.
Byron
This tribute was first posted on our website 13/10/2018 on a seperate page.
It is with great sadness that we ended Thursday evening (Sept 13th 2018) with the very sad news that one of our much loved guys died in his sleep. It had been a brilliant evening in the Swan pub with Gay West guys visiting. Just the sort of evening our Rodney would have enjoyed chatting with everyone.
TRIBUTES TO RODNEY September 2018
From some of his many friends at Weymouth Gay Group
Oh Roddderrrrs !
Look at that lovely pudding – but you might wish to check if God's restaurant needs an apostrophe before you start!
Such a wonderful man, you will be greatly missed. You lived life to the full, so it was always a huge pleasure in between your globetrotting when you joined your friends in the pub. Hope the wardrobe there is to your satisfaction!
Colin
WGG
Rodney, we will all miss you. The talks about your trips around the world, the rants about some shop down the road missing an apostrophe' and the "discussions" with Graham about Brexit. It's true what they say all the good ones die young and your no exception. I can't help thinking the age you decided to go was on purpose though ;) . Enjoy the ultimate trip before us and maybe put in a good word for me up there.
Ashley Towers
"Rodney was so full of life. Our spirits always lifted when he walked through the door!" T & M
Our Rodney
As I wend my way up the hill to Portland on the Number one bus, I look over the remarkable view towards Preston, and I think we shall never again see our Rodney. We shall all miss you, and wish for ourselves the same gentle end, going to sleep in our beds – an exemplary way to depart from your inconsolable friends.
Rest in Peace
Stuart Draycott
Rodney was a really nice guy, he was very easy going and nice to chat with.
Mark Hillier
It was sad saying a final goodbye to R. His coffin looked much too small to contain someone with so much vim and zest for life. He was, in every sense of the expression, a larger than life character. I don't think we'll ever forget him; and we'll probably never see his like again.
Byron
This tribute was first posted on our website 13/10/2018 on a seperate page.
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Please make sure you check out all our other pages, lots of local lgbt events, local lgbt news, helplines and Prides in Dorset info!
This page was last updated 30/11/2023 Weymouth Gay Group 2024
email :- [email protected] X (akaTwitter) https://twitter.com/WeymouthGayGrp and some where on facebook too!
Looking for a helpline or support? Check out our Helplines page we have lots of helpful links, both local and national for you or someone you may know. See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
Please make sure you check out all our other pages, lots of local lgbt events, local lgbt news, helplines and Prides in Dorset info!
This page was last updated 30/11/2023 Weymouth Gay Group 2024
email :- [email protected] X (akaTwitter) https://twitter.com/WeymouthGayGrp and some where on facebook too!
Looking for a helpline or support? Check out our Helplines page we have lots of helpful links, both local and national for you or someone you may know. See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
