James Ledward

In their annual awards, Pride in Canterbury have inducted Gscene magazine and their editor, James Ledward into their newly created 'Hall Of Fame' award category.

These new category of awards have been "created to celebrate those, who have worked significantly towards bringing about an active, strong and thriving LGBT community in Canterbury and those who have supported those working towards those ends".

Gscene editor James Ledward, said:
"I am flattered and thank the organisers of Pride in Canterbury for these two awards. All the contributors who donate their time to write for Gscene share my principles of equality and social justice for all LGBT people whether they live in Brighton, Turo or Canterbury.

"It is important that LGBT people in emerging LGBT communities in the South of England feel supported by the magazine in their inevitable battles with statutory authorities who lack a 'respect agenda' when dealing with the communities of interest. This has been particularly evident in how the work of Pride in Canterbury have been ignored by the City council in Canterbury.

"I wish Pride in Canterbury good luck for the future and keep up the good work."

PRIDE IN CANTERBURY AWARDS FOR 2011

HALL OF FAME

James Ledward:
For his tireless work on behalf of the LGBT communities, and his generous support, through GScene magazine, for Pride in Canterbury over 8 years

Gscene Magazine:
The South East magazine for LGBT community news, entertainment and coverage of all important issues


ANNUAL PRIDE IN CANTERBURY AWARDS

CELEBRITY OF THE YEAR
Russell Grant:
For bringing camp entertainment back into our lives, at a time, when the men in grey suits would have us all homogenised into clones of themselves.

WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Lemon Otter:
For making it possible for Pride in Canterbury to initiate the City’s first LGBT singing group, The Nine Bob Notes.
   
SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR
Michael Wheatley-Ward:
Manager of the Sarah Thorne Theatre, for the diversity of entertainment seen there and especially for his determination in bringing  'Twinkle Little Star' to the area.

ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR
AGE UK, Canterbury:
For their willingness to recognise the needs of the LGBT community in their policies and publications.

SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Steven Davies:
The world’s first professional cricketer to come out in the homophobic world of sport.

PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR
Kentish Gazette:
For their continuing interest in, and support for, LGBT issues.

FILMS OF THE YEAR
'Loose Cannons/Mine Vaganti'
Screened at the Palace Cinema, Broadstairs by the Thanet Film Society

'Beginners'
Screened at the Gulbenkian Cinema, Canterbury

DRAMA OF THE YEAR
'Twinkle Little Star' by Philip Meeks:
Performed at the Sarah Thorne Theatre, Broadstairs, Kent

PLAYWRIGHT OF THE YEAR
Philip Meeks:
For his play “Twinkle Little Star” seen at the Sarah Thorne Theatre, Broadstairs, Kent

ACTOR OF THE YEAR
Douglas Mounce:
For his performance as Harold Thropp in “Twinkle Little Star” at the Sarah Thorne Theatre, Broadstairs

BEST MUSICAL
Stephen Cresswell’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s 'Into the Woods':
By Canterbury Operatic Society

MOST FRIENDLY GAY BAR
Presented to the staff and customers of The Marine Tavern, Brighton:
If only Canterbury had a bar like this!

THE MUSICAL THAT CANTERBURY NEEDS TO SEE
“Priscilla Queen of the Desert”
The hit show, that sings, dances and laughs prejudice and homophobia away.


THE DEAD CANARY AWARDS
These awards draw attention to those who could, and, should with the Equality Act, be working on behalf of LGBT people in the Canterbury and the surrounding area.
 
Colin Carmichael:
Chief Executive, Canterbury City Council
The buck stops with him!

Janice McGuiness:
Head of Culture and Enterprise, Canterbury City Council
For her failure over 8 years to respond to the need for LGBT culture in Canterbury!
 
David Wood:
OBE, BA, AKC, Chartered FCIPDS, MInstF, MBIFM
Chief Executive of Attend
For his failure to respond to the needs of LGBT people nationally and locally

Canterbury City Council declined to be quoted on the accolade.