I was really pleased to be invited to this event today by the Oxford Pride Organising Committee, mainly because as the ward councillor it’s important that I know what’s going on in the area so I can make sure residents and neighbours are kept in the loop.  The secondary reason is that I was one of the main organisers of the first ever Oxford Pride back in 2003.  This year is the 10th Oxford Pride and I can’t believe how quickly the time has passed.

Viewing the draft plans with Simon House project workers

All neighbours had been leafleted a few weeks ago by the Pride Chair so we were expecting a few to turn up.  Not many did but that might be something to do with the snow that’s in Oxford at the moment.  It was great, however that two of the project workers from A2 Dominion’s supported housing at Simon House came and spoke to us – they were incredibly supportive of Pride and very happy that it is happening this year in their immediate neighbourhood, Paradise Street and Paradise Square.  We talked about plans for the day and I was impressed at how well Mazz Image (Oxford Pride Festival and Event Coordinator) explained everything and how well organised Pride seems to be.  It’s a far cry from those early efforts in 2003!

I hope Oxford Pride this year is a huge success and I’m looking forward to what will be a great day.  It’s on 16th June and I’m touched that I’ve been asked to get as many of the original 2003 organisers together as possible to go at the front of the parade.  What fun!