Ramblings from Radcliffe

• Posted by Pauline Smith July 2, 2014 #sparkle  #  #Safety  1,957 views
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  This is my personal update about happenings in the transgendered world - mainly in Manchester - plus some advice about staying safe over the Sparkle weekend or any other time you are visiting Manchester to spend time in the Village enjoying the freedom to go out and about as a girl.

   

  Debbie's video gives us all a great overview about what Sparkle is about and how Sparkle 2014 will be special for so many of us.

  http://www.transtastic.com/se4/videos/5989/4048/sparkle-2014

   

  

   

  Above is Beckie and Darla

   

  If you haven't ever been then do try and come along - its now 2 and a bit full days as against 1 day when it started 10 years ago. In my view its almost 3 full days. And if you decide to stay outside the city centre its still possible to get hotel rooms at a reasonable price. See the links just below for more Sparkle details. 

  http://www.sparkle.org.uk/ and https://www.facebook.com/sparkletg

  http://www.sparkle.org.uk/index.php/the-weekend/where-to-stay

   

   

  

  Dee and friends at Sparkle 2013

   

  Earlier this week Ashleigh Taylor was interviewed on Mike Sweeney's morning radio programme on Radio Manchester. So what I hear you say?

  Well Ashleigh is in transition and she told all the listeners about how she first saw her GP 2 years ago and now after therapy sessions in Manchester, via the Manchester Mental Health body, she is awaiting her first appointment at Charing Cross and hopes to have surgery within the next 2 years. She is already living full time as Ashleigh and came across as very warm and likeable woman. She explained the process she is going through, and also has agreed that she will be on Mike's programme during the rest of her journey on a regular basis and will answer questions from the general public. So we will all get to hear about her ups and downs during her journey.

  In my opinion it's programmes like this which help all of us TG people to be better understood. It also illustrates the tolerance of ordinary people towards trans gendered people and will help them to understand us better and accept us better.

   

  Also this week there has been quite some debate here in Manchester on Radio Manchester and local television about how safe Manchester city centre is at the weekend,espeacilly at night when people have been drinking. About 250,000 people visit Manchester city centre every weekend just to take advantage of the night life, and some bars - especially in the Village area stay open till about 6 am. Please be aware that there are very few police in the city centre after midnight - the police federation claim there as few as 6 policemen in the city centre after midnight.

  So please do be careful when out and about late - and if you can stay with your friends. I won't say dont drink too much, as that would be the pot calling the kettle black.

   

  

  Pauline, Marianne and Jo

   

  Please stay safe at Sparkle or whenever you visit Manchester and have a great time

   

  hugs

   

   

  Pauline xxxx