Editorial

There has been quite a long gap between the last News letter and this. No point in apologising, things have been outside our control, we wanted to let you have the most up to date info, and things kept on changing regularly.

Extension 2

Most of you will have noticed that Ron’s “Extension 2” has closed. As you know Ron had a heart attack and has not felt able to carry on. He has surrendered his lease and the landlord has granted a new lease to Danny and Graham. Subject to complying with the onerous requirements of the Licensing Court, Police and Fire Service they hoped to open in May.

However not all is plain sailing. After selling the business and licence Ron surrendered it behind their backs. They now have to make a completely new application, a more onerous requirement than transfer. The Brewery have taken it upon themselves to object to the application for a Public House Licence with late opening due to alleged Saturation of the market with licensed premises in that area.

Assuming they go ahead they are to spend over £30,000.00 on updating, decorating etc as well as safety such as an emergency escape from 1^st floor level. The idea is a Cabaret bar upstairs and a food servery downstairs. There will be a stage and light and sound equipment.

It will operate as a mixed venue Thursday to Saturday and Sundays are reserved for us plus one Saturday per month for a LesBi Gay promoted show, strip, cabaret, disco. Danny will compere.

The problem is they cannot now open before the middle of July at the earliest

And the name:

Guys & Dolls

Just remember you read it here first.

Fiesta Havanna

continues on Sundays so please go along and support especially as it is the only venue just now.

Pride

This was due to be held over the weekend of 4^th 5^th and 6^th July. We had an act booked, Ida Barr old time music hall star, aka Chris Green, aka Tina C Country and Western Artist. We hope it will be held at Guys & Dolls perhaps over the August Bank Holiday. . We also plan on a barbecue at Thie Awin on the Bank Holiday Monday.

Web Site

All refreshed and updated, problem is as soon as we do the situation changes! New leaflets and cards coming out soon.

Community Comment

The Isle of Man Sexual Health Strategy, into which Carrey Friend put a lot of hard work, making original submissions and reviewing drafts, was finally issued late last year. As a result a Sexual Health Strategy group has been set up. The Original document has been marked confidential, for internal departmental use only. Not much good to set standards for health and then keep them hidden so that compliance cannot be measured.

Key Objectives

Ø Improve access and public awareness

Ø Reduce sexually transmitted infections by 25% by 2006.

Ø To reduce unintended pregnancies by 25% by 2006

Ø To increase testing and offer pregnancy screening for HIV to all expectant mothers by 2004

Ø To provide accredited training in sexual health for all relevant staff

Ø To encourage those at risk of HIV, Hep B and C to follow harm reduction strategies

Ø To ensure all affected by HIV, Hep B and C are offered appropriate counselling, support and treatment and care on Island

From our communities point of view the penultimate one means spending on out reach and education. A budget for safer sex education. The department has recognised the need support voluntary groups and to encourage peer education and user involvement, even down to recognition of the need “to provide condoms, lubricants and info in… nightclubs…”

Education

The sex education policy is to be reviewed and reissued. Health Promotion is to be integrated. There is to be a re assessment of the sexual health education needs of young people on the Island.

Holiday Home in Sitges

4 bedrooms, large lounge/diner, balcony, fully equipped kitchen, central heating and air conditioning, with use of communal pool. 5 minutes from beach, scene and shops. 2 minutes from trains/buses and only 20 minutes from Barcelona Airport. All year round scene, easy access to Barcelona, convenient for Tarragona. Only €105 per night, low season, €130 shoulder and €173 high season. www.isisholidays.com/accomodation/apart/jpoasis/index.htm

5% commission paid to CF funds for any bookings made through the web for this apartment only and notified to the agents at time of booking:

“Please tell owner that you are Manx” at time of booking.