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Root and branch rethink for Pride

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• Pride in Brighton & Hove

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Pride's future under review

Monday, 12 October 2009

Trustees of Pride in Brighton and Hove will be having a root and branch review of its activities as a result of the annual community feedback meeting held at the Queen’s Hotel earlier this week.
The recent publicity surrounding Pride’s financial difficulties and the widespread debate about its future and purpose ensured that the meeting held at the Queen’s Hotel attracted a packed audience.

A short presentation from Kath Browne and Russell Allen, trustees of Pride, set out the current financial position, along with action taken to remedy the situation. This was followed by a question and answer session designed to identify the key issues that participants wished to explore in more depth in working groups. Those groups looked at three key areas; Pride’s financing, its core messages and the parade.

Commenting, Yvonne Barker, chair of Pride said:

“I was particularly encouraged by the positive response from the community and the open dialogue which has lead to many constructive comments and suggestions.

“Pride has a planned strategy day for its trustees and employees on Saturday, 24th October and all our thoughts and everyone’s feedback will be on the table for consideration. 

“It is true to say that we will be having a root and branch rethink. Nothing will be off limits, including whether Pride remains a free event, if the main park event is scaled down or even abandoned all together. Our charitable status will be also be under close scrutiny.

“We are at a crucial point in Pride’s development and the financial crisis has certainly helped everyone to focus on the purpose of Pride and how it can best achieve its core objectives.”

Following the strategy day, Pride has committed to a continuing open dialogue with the LGBT community on its plans.

“Pride’s future must be driven by the community if it is to prosper. Trustees are determined that a positive way forward will be found as a result of the feedback meeting and the continuing dialogue with all parts of the community,” said Barker. “In the meantime, our fund raising efforts must continue to ensure that Pride is able to support the infrastructure to deliver whatever the community decides it wants.”

Those wishing to donate towards Pride’s fundraising appeal can do so via its website: www.justgiving.com/brightonpride/donate and can keep up with latest developments via Pride’s Official Facebook site.