Logo
Would you like to discover more about the people who attend the group and what keeps them coming back week after week?

I asked some members a few questions

Let's start with Barrie

Q) My favourite memory of the group is…
A) Revealing the secrets of my life (even at my age) in desert island discs

Q) If I could tell people one thing about the group it would be…
A) How genuinely friendly it is - I don't imagine any other gay group goes on holiday en mass

Q) The reason I keep coming to the group is…
A) To hear what the people I'm beginning to know have been up to

Q) Did you find what you were looking for at when you came to the group…
A) Yes, people who would accept me for what I am, a shy gay man and give me the confidence not to be shy

Q) The reason the group is different from other groups or the scene is…
A) The camaraderie

Q) Is there anything you especially like about the group…
A) The incredible scoring systems for the games, particularly by "young" Mike

Q) What you can expect if you come along to the group…
A) Lots of fun, earthy repartee and real friendship

 

Let's ask another member what he thinks
Peter (The group has more than one Peter let's call this one Peter W)

Q) What can people expect from coming along to the group?

A) Many new friends, share common interests, expand local social network. Fun at meetings, nights out. Socialize mid week when there is nothing on TV on a Wednesday! Gay but not gay just normal every day guys

"Young" Mike what would you like to say?
The best thing about coming to the group is seeing new people arrive who are shy and concerned about being gay. Then, over the weeks seeing them come out of their shells and begin to relax in gay company.

It's also nice to meet friends in a relaxed atmosphere and talk about different things such as gay rights and even Madonna!!

 

"Small" Paul (he's not as tall as big Paul)
I started at the group about nine years ago; it's not a place to meet a possible partner although that's where I met mine. But that's not what the groups about.

It's a place to have a laugh to meet with friends and play stupid games. I can not promise it will change your life but if you want a night out then you never know you may just meet some fantastic friends like I have.

 

"Big" Paul

My reasons for going to the group
Having been going to the group for over 17 years, I have found the group to be a stimulating and educational group.

It has been a stable part of my life, through the trials and tribulations and emotional rollercoaster of coming out and living as a gay man. The friendships I have made at the group have formed a big part of my social life.

I feel relaxed and at ease in the company of fellow gay men, and feel part of a family unit.

 

Mike S (Group founder)
When I started the group 30 years ago, I never imagined we would still be going in 2004. We must be doing something interesting.

I have made good friends through the group which have lasted a long time.

Peter (another Peter)
I have been coming to the group for many years. I have made many friends there over the years. I enjoy the company, the conversation and the camaraderie. I still look forward to Wednesday nights as a good social night out.

 

"John Boy"

Q) The types of people I think would enjoy the group are...
A) People who have things bottled up, you can be your self

Q) If I could tell people one thing about the group it would be…
A) The more often you come the more at home you feel

Q) The reason I keep coming to the group is…
A) It's a rock in my otherwise turbulent world

Q) What can people expect from the group? Is there anything you especially like about it?
A) To meet real people like me where I can socialize and feel safe

Q) The reason the group is different from other groups or the scene is…
A) It is not based around sex and there are no expectations placed on people

Q) What you can expect if you come along to the group…
A) To make a lot of friends and a sense of belonging

Some more comments people made

My thoughts on Hagg

Being a teenager is a difficult time, fitting in at school with friends, trying to be cool hanging out with your mates and revising for your exams; trying to get good grades for college. Everything all at once then on top of all this your hormones are thrust upon you.

I found during my late teens and early twenties admitting to my self I am gay and feeling confident with myself quite difficult, luckily a friend introduced me to Hagg.

I find the support from Hagg's social group very reassuring, knowing there are likeminded people out there and I am not on my own! Yes, there are other gay people out there living a happy life. The support and friendly atmosphere the group creates is marvellous. I can relax and talk openly to the group, which is important as well as enjoying the various events each Wednesday evening.

Each Wednesday I look forward to meeting up with my new friends at Hagg and taking part in the evenings entertainment; a music quiz, a discussion or slideshow just a few of the many events covered.

I always learn something new in a creative, friendly atmosphere.

A big thank you to everyone at Hagg for your wonderful support. Keep up the good work!!
(Anon)

 

Q) My favourite memory of the group is…
A) Battle ships

Q) The types of people I think would enjoy the group are ...
A) People who like structured activities in gay surroundings

Q) If I could tell people one thing about the group it would be…
A) Feel comfortable doing the above

Q) The reason I keep coming to the group is…
A) I find it supportive

Q) Has the group been a success for you?
A) Yes

Q) The reason the group is different from other groups or the scene is…
A) One can attend the group without the need for alcohol unlike the scene, but if you desire alcohol you can join the social trip to the pub afterwards

Q) My favourite event at the group is…
A) Doing the games
(Anon)

 

"The group is a social get together where individuals can feel comfortable and at ease. Within the group I have met and developed friendships which are supportive and enjoyable in maintaining my personal life.

It's not easy taking the first step but unless you make the jump as an individual you may never realise what you are missing."
(Anon)

 

Well, I hope this gives you a better idea of why the group is so enjoyable. If you think you would like to give the group a try why not get in touch?

P.S. After I collected these quotes for you someone brought me a piece about what it takes to be a man. I think it's rather good what do you think?

Just be yourself

I think what it takes to be a man is courage. Having the courage to listen deeply to your inner voice and live your own life, regardless of what anyone else thinks, or of what society thinks a man should be. And I think the greatest barrier to being a man is machismo, the view that all men should be testosterone fuelled hunter-gathers, or his modern equivalent.

It takes courage to break away from gender stereotyping and just be yourself.

A real man is just that, himself.

 

www.hagg.org.uk