Thank you for coming yesterday!

Forgive the round robin but thank you for attending GPN yesterday at The Village.  Your support is really appreciated and it was great  to see you. 

I invite you to join the LGBT Social group every 2nd Wednesday of the month for the Gay London and the Gay Walthamstow every first Friday of the month. FREE Registration for Gay London  FREE Registration for Gay Walthamstow

GPN & GBA meet EVERY 3rd Thursday of the month. Registration

GPN supports our gay pubs and venues  as they otherwise disappear. The Village has been very welcoming for the past year or so. We like the VERY central Location, however if you have any other suggestion or if you could host yourself in your offices, home or venue, it is richly rewarded as advertised to over 6 millions of our members worldwide, read the statistics of  GPN here.  

It was a lovely evening yesterday when we met new and old friends and people who we made business or introduced each others to make really meaningful and successful business and social contact. You know that the quality of your contacts is better than the quantity. 

GPN is probably the biggest network anywhere: in London, we are about 10,000 and growing steadily. 

Have you looked recently at gpn.one (because there is only one Gay Professional Network) which gives you a lot more information, such as how far fetching we are,  about our Network?

You can communicate with all the registered members through these media: Facebook Page,  Group and LinkedIn. I invite you to join this groups if you have not already done so.

GPN is a membership organisation and I would like to invite you to take advantage of this special offer of £ 200 a year payable on a recurring basis, this gives you FREE registration to all the networking events named above and from April an additional one that will be open to all LGBTS, yes S stands for Straight, this opens up more windows to our networking. 

If you look at the events section of our website you will discover other very exclusive events, like a lunch in the Guildhall's Crypts with the Lord Mayor and other dinners in private  members clubs. You can still pay monthly too but the on/off facility is now withdrawn. All new members are able to use the one off facility 3 times, this give them time to find out if they want to join or not.

Please go to http://gpn.one/online%20payment.html to make up your choice. 

Members of GBA get another direct link, ask the coordinator, Stephen Cootes.

The Gay Professional Network is your platform to promote your cause, your business, venue and yourself. It  helps your further your business or career and makes meaningful business and social contacts. You get connected, proactive and productive.

It is also a get together of like minded people who enjoy meeting other people. All very nice people in a relaxed atmosphere.

There are many advantages to be a member such as free legal, financial, property or events consultation and free entries to many clubs, discount and other perks, posted on a regular basis on our newsletter, where you will find also news about our members. 

GPN operates since 2010 on a non profit basis. The excess from the membership fees after drinks pays for websites, promotion, stationary, transport & banners.

 

GPN is proud to be associated with myGwork. Register on this platform(Free) to look for employment in a company free of prejudices. Employers also find the best available from the LGBT Community to ensure diversity in their workforce.

I trust you have made some useful and meaningful contacts. Do keep in touch with them and I.  I was dubbed at an official dinner in the City of London as the most well connected person in London so try me: if I don't know someone I am sure I know someone who does. 

As you may know, I have been in business in UK since 1987 and have a very extensive network of businesses and contacts in the world. I don't speak much about me and my enterprises at the gathering as I give you the opportunity to do so but if you want to know more about me, have a look at my website. 

Finally, I have put the list of attendees with their websites, when known, here, if yours does not show and would like to appear, please let me have it.

I very much look forward to seeing you again soon. 

Best wishes, 

Jean-François. 

0783178220

Your success is my ambition.

ww.gpn.one

www.jfdor.co.uk

Attendees 16-03-2017

First Name	Surname	Website	Profession
Andrew	Ross	www.global-garden.co.uk	CEO
Chris	Ferguson	www.trimontrea.com	Asset Management
Daniele	Ciferri		Film Maker
Darren	Hutchinson	www.hutchinsonmoss.com	Accountant & Business Advisor
David	Steiert	www.randdtax.co.uk	Entrepreneur
David	Sloan		Theatre Producer
Henry	Field	www.jenrickcommercial.co.uk/henry-field	Recruitment Partner
Ian	Dodds	www.iandoddsconsulting.com	Coach
Jean-Francois	Dor	www.jfdor.co.uk	Events organiser
Laurie	Powell	www.powdin.co.uk	Chartered Accountant
Mark	Weeks	www.markweeks.com	Photographer
Michael	Daniels		Yoga Teacher
Nick	Kientsch	www.evolvingminds.org.uk	Mindfulness Tutor
Niels	Du Preez	http://www.nieldupreez.eu	Pianist
Stephen	Cootes	www.gba.org.uk	GBA
Thomas James	Baden-Clare	www.badenclare.com	Photographer
Tudor	Lancaster		Civil servant (DWP)

Ross Barr-Hoyland, our member in the news.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/ross-barr/

Ross Barr-Hoyland: Inspired to design menswear with elegance

Founded in 2015, this UK fashion house is championing British knitwear for men

Image courtesy of Ross Barr

David Gandy for Ross Barr

14 March 2017

by David Calderon

  

Using wool from Scotland, Ross Barr-Hoyland began his fashion brand with a classic piece of men’s knitwear called The Spencer.

Inspired by the elegance of the Regency Period, Barr-Hoyland has reinvented the garment, which was originally a woollen outer tail-coat with the tails cut off, worn as a short-waist-length, double-erased man’s jacket in the 1790s.

Elegant knitwear for men remains Barr-Hoyland’s passion. We spoke with the designer recently for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to design clothes for the men of today.

Image courtesy of Ross Barr

Ross Barr

Where do you draw your inspiration for your line?

I draw upon the history and culture of the UK. It can come from something I read – which is where The Spencer originated from – or from photographs, art work or just something I see.

Suddenly something pops into my head and then I spend time drawing out the concept, and then it’s made, where things are tweaked, to the final garment that you see.

Do you plan to continue to focus on wool or will you move to other materials?

I do plan to expand and work with other materials, but wool is so key to what the brand is about and will always be a key material.

My home city of Wakefield in West Yorkshire was once such a big part of the wool industry, but now doesn’t have anything. Wool was, and is, such a big part of the industry of the UK and its uses continue to grow and are becoming prominent once more with the Slow Fashion movement, and the British Wool Marketing Board.

But as Ross Barr continues to grow and evolve, other materials will come into the brand. So, watch this space.

Who are your role models?

I have many people whom I see and whom inspire me in different ways. But I draw upon three individuals whom I know and whom I have seen over the course of several years.

One of them is the author Juno Dawson whose writing and thoughts I find so completely inspiring. She is a legend.

Then there are two in the corporate business world: Daniel Winterfeldt and Simon Rodgers. Both of them have championed and worked tirelessly for the LGBTI community within their working environments and have made immeasurable achievements.

I have several role models, but these three are key. We draw strength from individuals and events that happen to others, as well as our own struggles and experiences. My own have shaped and will continue to shape the person I am now.

Do you have any designers and models you’d like to work with?

I think I am so incredibly lucky to work with the people I have already worked with. From the gracious and amazing David Gandy, to designers and brands such as Timothy Everest, Emma Willis, Cheaney, Goodwin Smith and Taylor Morris.

The models and photographers I’ve worked with have been the best and most brilliant people.

I have met so many other incredible brands and designers too. To single out anyone else would be cheeky, but this is an incredible community where everyone is warm and friendly so we will see. I can tell you there is something coming with a lady celebrity. Who and how, I can’t say.

Two designers though I would love to meet one day are Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren as they are personal idols. But I think I have some way to go if ever I cross paths with them.

You showed your collection to The Queen. How was that experience?

That will go down as one of the most surreal experiences of my life. I was asked to be part of an event to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Prince’s Trust.

I was only told a few days before that Her Majesty as well His Royal Highness would be attending. As composed as I am, in that moment of my initial reaction I really was not.

I had no idea what to expect, but strangely when they came into the room, I wasn’t nervous. However, I nearly committed a faux pas when I almost did a curtsy instead of a bow. Luckily, I quickly corrected myself.

The Queen and indeed The Prince of Wales are two people who I, like many of us, have grown up with them in our mindsets. She was incredibly warm and engaging, asking several questions and actually feeling the garments for their texture and buttons.

Inside I was like: “OMG! Is this actually happening?’ On the outside I hope I was giving off the impression of being composed.

His Royal Highness was incredible. Joking, laughing and asking how we were all doing. I think and hope he was proud of all the people who there to represent the fruits of the hard work of him, and the large army of employees and volunteers who support all the people who come to the Trust for help.

Both of them have an incredible aura about them which makes everyone relaxed to be in their company.

How does your sexuality shape who you are?

They say everything you experience makes you the person who you are, and that’s certainly true for me.

My coming out wasn’t easy, and it was a long process due to my experiences and background.

I grew up in quite a conservative environment, and the only person I had knowingly met who was gay is one of my oldest and dearest friends from school who’s attitude of ‘I am who I am, love it or go away’ has been so inspiring for me.

When I was learning who I was, I turned to someone whom I thought I could trust and who could be a source of solace. But I was young and incredibly naive and sadly, their intentions were different and when that became clear, I felt betrayed and I went back into the closest because I thought that wasn’t me.

I was so scared to lose my family as I felt like they wouldn’t accept me. This led to years of depression and a battle within myself which, in all honesty, nearly cost me my life.

However when I came out, the world started to open up.

Besides feeling free and living for the first time in complete honesty about myself, it allowed me to meet some amazing people who have become some of my closest friends.

But all of what has happened has made me appreciate the struggle those who came before us, and indeed the struggle we still face for those who want to judge us.

My own struggle, and the struggles of others, I think brings us all together and gives us strength. Something we saw so beautifully orchestrated all over the world after the immense, unfathomable tragedy we saw in Orlando last year when the LGBTI community came together and held hands across the globe.

Being out of the closet, do you feel more free in your designs?

I can’t say that being gay effects my designs. My designs are very much based upon British heritage and culture, and how they fit the wants and desires of men today.

However, I do have more flamboyant designs in my design books, but I think they would be one-off pieces rather than something you would find selling in a store. Maybe I should do Haute Couture for men?

Have you ever felt any anti-LGBTI sentiments before or since you’ve become a designer?

In the industry, absolutely not, and none of my customers particularly care either to be honest. There is sometimes playful ‘flanter’ when people know. But I have never experienced any anti-LGBTI sentiments and I think that’s mainly because my industry praises and encourages individuals just to be themselves and your sexuality or gender is not important.

With your success do you think you will be giving back to the LGBTI community?

Absolutely. I have supported, and will continue to support, the community I am a very proud member of and which has done so much for me personally, whichever and whatever ways I can.

I’m asked regularly to support causes ranging from children with cancer, AIDS charities, charities supporting injured servicemen and women, and The Prince’s Trust. For whatever kindness you receive, it’s always important to pass it on and spread it.

This is what will always be important to myself and the brand.

Margarita Rumble

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#Lightbulb150 16th March

Margarita Rumble Fiesta like there's no mañana Much like pigs rolling around in their own faeces, it's no secret that us Londoners are always happy to find ourselves in any sort of bottomless drinks scenario. And boy do we love a cocktail. Keeping those two things in mind, we're relatively confident you're going to want to know about the impending Margarita Rumble, which arrives at our fair shores on 30th April. Bringing together over 15 cherry-picked, best-of-the-best bars from all over the city, this festival will see each venue send their strongest, most creative mixologist to compete for the title of the 'Best Margarita in London'. ...as chosen by you. Your ticket secures two hours (or three if you go for the VIP option) of 'testing', whereby you'll draw on your years of cocktail-guzzling expertise to try as many margaritas as you can handle, before voting for your favourite. Taking place at The Yard in Shoreditch, this Bank Holiday Sunday session will see the likes of DF / Mexico, The Alchemist, Flight Club and Barrio Bars all competing for the title, alongside live music, plus tasty eats courtesy of hot-chef-of-the-moment, James Cochran. It's a tough gig, sure. But we think you're up to it. Margarita Rumble takes place at The Yard on Sunday 30th April. Tickets are £35 for a two hour slot (or £55 for three hours) and include entry and unlimited margaritas. More Info & Tickets »

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Tower Hamlet LGBT Community Forum

WELCOME TO OUR MID MARCH '17 NEWSFLASH A WARM WELCOME TO ALL OUR NEW SUBSCRIBERS! MARCH FORUM MEETING Our next Forum meeting is on Monday 20th Marchat Positive East, 159 Mile End Road, London E1 4AQ from 6pm - 8pm We look forward to seeing you there! EVENTS COMING UP Our next Forum Social Event will be going along to the monthly Queers Without Beers meetup onThursday, April 6th at 6:30pm at Paper and Cup, 18 Calvert Avenue, Shoreditch, E2 7JP Queers Without Beers describe their meetups as 'an evening to meet up with others without the stress of having to drink loads as well' and 'a social space for queers of all persuasions that doesn't revolve around booze'. Read more about Queers Without Beers here  https://www.meetup.com/Queers-Without-Beers/ We think it sounds like just our cup of tea, so we look forward to seeing you there! Gay Men's Dance Company (GMDC) Charity Gala: A Celebration of Love, Sex, Community & Pride Saturday 8th April at 18:30 at Troxy, 490 Commercial Road, E1 0HX The Gay Men's Dance Company's first annual variety showcase, starring The GMDC members from London & Brighton, our Choir and Pole dancers; also featuring special guest acts Conleth Kane, Aura-J & National Pole Champion Sam King. Join them for an uplifting evening of fun and frolics, joy and jazz-hands, as they take you on a journey through song, dance and spoken word reflective of gay life in 2017 Get tickets here: http://www.eventim.co.uk/tickets.html?fun=erdetail&doc=erdetaila&erid=1823633&affiliate=OXY IN THE NEWS This week is National Lesbian and Bisexual Women's Health Week 2017!    Check out The National LGB&T Partnership to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/NationalLGBTPartnership/ https://nationallgbtpartnership.org/ OUR PHOTO COMPETITION IS NOW OPEN! ELOP and Tower Hamlets Council are inviting YOU to send us your photographs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender + ‘queer’ (LGBT+) life in the borough of Tower Hamlets - capturing a rich visual record of the community in all its diversity. All of the photographs submitted will be added to the collections of Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives, meaning your image will be preserved permanently as a contemporary historical document. The best photographs will be displayed in a big exhibition at Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives between July and September 2017, forming part of London’s annual Pride celebrations! Find the full competition info, terms and conditions here: https://thlgbtvoices.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/photo-comp-brief-2.pdf YOUR VIEWS NEEDED FOR SURVEY -JUST A FEW MORE RESPONSES NEEDED! We are looking to gather the views of LGBT people who live, work or study in Tower Hamlets on what they might want from adult social care services as they get older. We’d like to find out how people who identify as LGBT in Tower Hamlets feel about situations in which they may need extra care as they get older, such as being cared for in their homes or moving to care homes.  You don’t need to be an older person in order to give your views; we would like the views of LGBT people of all ages, so although these situations may not affect you in the present we want to hear how you feel about them as you think about your future. The survey takes a couple of minutes - take it here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/L7NP6BD

Join the Forum! Joining the Tower Hamlets LGBT Community Forum is free and all you have to do is live, work or study in Tower Hamlets and fill out this form or simply email LGBTforum@elop.org with a request to join!  Until the next time... thank you for reading!