Gscene finds out how the Gay Elderly Men’s Society (GEMS) are moving forward together in 2014.
This year has been a busy year for the Gay Elderly Men’s Society (GEMS). Following the departure of Peter Otto in June after 16 years of service to the group, GEMS has renamed itself Brighton GEMS, designed a new logo and have established a new four man volunteer admin team to run the organisation to deliver a range of activities to the membership.
The team consists of Robert Douglas, an artist and former interior designer to the stars, who in his youth styled the homes of David Frost and Paul McCartney to name a few; Peter Amos, formally in advertising but now a full time artist; Stephen Grainger, a former communications officer in the banking industry; and Wolf Boecher, a tour rep who still takes parties of German visitors all over the UK.
Brighton GEMS has no religious allegiances and meet regularly for a social get together from 7-10pm on the last Friday of each month at the Dorset Gardens Methodist Church in Kemptown. Guest speakers regularly address the group on issues ranging from safety to health and exercise. Day trips to stately homes, gardens, museums and the theatre have proved very popular while the walking group has proved an extremely healthy activity for members.
Brighton GEMS is a group for the over 50s which was formed to enrich the lives of older gay men who reside in Brighton & Hove, giving them the opportunity to socialise and meet new friends. They aim to celebrate, empower and support the independence of all gay men over 50 in the city, to reduce isolation and provide a safe environment for them to meet and socialise. The work of GEMS was recognised in 2011 when they were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services to the Community.
Membership to GEMS is free, however the organisation relies on support and donations from members.
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