I just wanted to write after attending the launch of Pride in Brighton and Hove 2005 last Sunday (May 14) to say how much I enjoyed the occasion.

It has been marvellous to witness the growth of this organisation during the last two years into a fully fledged public institution, having attained charitable status this last year.

It was great to see so many deserving local LGBT groups receive grants again as well as those that offer an opportunity to LGBTs to explore common interests in a safe environment.

Particularly commendable was the award of a £4,550 grant to Mind Out which supports LGBTs with mental difficulties - some of the neediest in our community.

To see £14,000 worth of grants awarded to groups who support the less able in our community was quite moving and thanks must go to those who gave so generously at last year's festival to make this happen.

I regret to say that the missing thanks was to the volunteer trustees for so ably steering the charity to its present position.

I suppose its only right they shouldn't thank themselves but I hope this letter will go some way to representing an expression of particular thanks from some of us in the community who have noticed and witnessed the hard work and occasionally super-human efforts that "so few have put in for the benefit of so many".

Thanks to their efforts and the small group of round-the-year volunteers who give of their time and energy to shake buckets and organise fund-

raising events, we as a community, perhaps even as a city, can be proud of our annual LGBT festival.

It promotes a unity and sense of purpose that puts to shame the derision of our lifestyles that we still occasionally suffer and are berated for during the rest of the year.

To the board of trustees and all those faithful volunteers and supporters (business and individual), thank you for all that you have done to reclaim our Pride festival and give it back to the community.

Let's hope we can achieve more again this year and more of us will follow your example and give time as volunteers to ensure your efforts are not lost but instead built upon for future Pride festivals.

Here's to another bigger, better, exciting, pleasurable and rewarding Pride in Brighton and Hove 2005.

-Jerome Lloyd, Managing Director, LRAPA Events Ltd