Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 18:42:08 +0100 (BST)
From: Stu
Subject: Re: btlist: Gavin

Hi Gavin,

Just one word comes to mind now at the moment in time, envy, even my mail
setup has been changed to green, so I admit, I envy you all for making it
there, but promise you this, I WILL MAKE IT NEXT YEAR, I promise !!!!! As
god is my witness, no work, nothing to stop me, I will achieve my goal, my
mission, to attend BT Gathering NEXT TIME !! ha ha ha (psychotic laughter
!)

I'm feeling better now.

stu
x

On Wed, 17 Jun 1998, Jean wrote:

> Gavin, Gavin, Gavin. I've read each account of the Beautiful Weekend
> hungrily and have happily partaken of each participant's enthusiasm and I
> can even gaily admit to going grrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeen more than once (at
> least I have the consolation of it being my best color ever) but yours is
> something very special.
>
> I was very touched by it. Truly. I could literally feel the generous
> affections you described and it made me so happy for you and not even a hint
> of green in that, although I would love to have basked in such moments with
> all of you. (next time?)
>
> Thank you for your description of being amongst the "nicest, warmest,
> kind-hearted people I could ever hope to meet".
>
> That's precisely the way I would describe all of you, too.
>
> Thanks Gavin.
>
> Jean.
>
>
>

*****************************************************

Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 18:45:46 +0100 (BST)
From: Stu
Subject: Re: btlist: Hi you all!

Hello Alex, and one and all

It's amazing how many people belong to this BTList, even more, it's
amazing how popular this site is becomming.

Alex I'm sorry I missed meeting you, I only hope, that I can meet you irl
someday, not just you, but everyone.

I'm getting that down feeling again, and need some tender pampering.

stu
x

On Wed, 17 Jun 1998, Alex  wrote:

>
> Hi you all out there!
>
> I'm Alex, for those of you I didn't talk to during our great meeting in
> London!
>
> Well, I can't tell you how I felt beeing there with so many BT fans from
> all over the world! I'd like to kiss you all and say ...thank you.
>
> Sandra, you're right: Linda asked us not to put pics of her on the
> Internet! That's what I heard too. I was close to her so I'm sure of
> this.
>
> Hear you soon!
>
> Alex :-) XXXX
>
>

*****************************************************

Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 18:48:29 +0100 (BST)
From: Stu
Subject: Re: btlist: ADMIN: please remember this

Hi Admin,

Sorry if the messages are too long, but we all have so much to say, it's a
bit difficult to cut our messages down, unless, we exclude the original
message, when we reply to these emails.

stu
x

On Wed, 17 Jun 1998, Andre  wrote:

> Hello folks!
>
> Might I remember you of the fact that message may not be longer than 40.000 chars? (including header information etc.)
> If you intend to post a large submission, please cut it into smaller bits, to prevent bouncing of the message.
>
> Andre
> admin.
>
>

*****************************************************

Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 18:50:33 +0100 (BST)
From: Stu
Subject: Re: btlist: Miss you alll

Hi Martijn

We at BT look forward to seeing you in October, and have made a note of
the date.

stu
x

On Wed, 17 Jun 1998 JP wrote:

> Martijn and all,
>
> Eric, Jeff, and myself are planning to be there in October, so mark your
> calendars!
>
> Love to all,
>
> Jay
>

*****************************************************

Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 18:55:14 +0100 (BST)
From: Stu
Subject: btlist: Re: Hi folks

Hi there, in response to this email, yesterday afternoon, I was unable to
connect to this account, but am gonna subscribe the btlist to my other
email account incase this happens again. I hate being locked out of the
email !

I'm back online if anyone want's to write.

reguards

stu.
x

On Wed, 17 Jun 1998 sd wrote:

> Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 13:42:48 +0000
> From: sdt
> Subject: Hi folks
>
> Hello all you budding bt'ers
>
> I seem to be unable to connect to my usual email account, so I
> can't access the btlist today, until then I will have to go home,
> which means not being able to chat to you guys.
>
> I appologise for this, but will be back asap. prob's next week.
>
>
> Thanks for your comments, and take care of yourself, and keep those
> stories running !
>
>
>
>
> with love
>
> stu
> x

*****************************************************

Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 18:56:45 +0100 (BST)
From: Stu
Subject: Re: btlist: Miss you alll

Sorry I read the email wrong, what I meant to say was,

Hello Jay

Look forward to meeting in October, with any other bt'ers.

But I need dates and times,

ok,

stu.
x

On Thu, 18 Jun 1998, Stu wrote:

> Hi Matijn, stu here,
>
>
> Just a message to let you know I would be proud to meet in October this
> year, as will everyone else.
>
> I need the details of what's planned, can you give me any ?
>
> i.e. times and what we're doing,
>
>
> with love
> stu
> x
>
>
> On Wed, 17 Jun 1998, Martijn  wrote:
>
> > Hiya Everybody,
> >
> >
> > I'm missing everybody a lott since last weekend...................
> >
> > And i still miss the persons of the meet in october last year.........
> >
> >
> > So you all have to come in october for the next meet:-))))
> >
> >
> > Martijn
> >

*****************************************************

Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 19:01:39 +0100 (BST)
From: Stu
Subject: Re: btlist: Miss you alll

Sorry, I cocked up again,

Ok, start again stu, let's see..

Martijn wrote she would love to meet up, I got that bit, and Jay wrote
meet up in October, so I put 2 and 2 together and got 7.

Sorry for the mix-up guy's.

I would still love to meet you all someday, someplace, sometime.
Overlooking a rainbow as it hangs over the sky !

A rather confused and mixed up

stu
x

On Thu, 18 Jun 1998, Stu wrote:

> Sorry I read the email wrong, what I meant to say was,
>
>
> Hello Jay
>
> Look forward to meeting in October, with any other bt'ers.
>
>
> But I need dates and times,
>
>
> ok,
>
>
> stu.
> x
>
>
> On Thu, 18 Jun 1998, Stu wrote:
>
> > Hi Matijn, stu here,
> >
> >
> > Just a message to let you know I would be proud to meet in October this
> > year, as will everyone else.
> >
> > I need the details of what's planned, can you give me any ?
> >
> > i.e. times and what we're doing,
> >
> >
> > with love
> > stu
> > x
> >
> >
> > On Wed, 17 Jun 1998, Martijn  wrote:
> >
> > > Hiya Everybody,
> > >
> > >
> > > I'm missing everybody a lott since last weekend...................
> > >
> > > And i still miss the persons of the meet in october last year.........
> > >
> > >
> > > So you all have to come in october for the next meet:-))))
> > >
> > >
> > > Martijn
> > >

*****************************************************

From: jmcs
Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 19:54:05 +0000
Subject: btlist: Thank you all!

Hi everybody!

A bit late but these last few days I feel as if I floated in a cloud. I'm
still under the effects of our London pilgrimage, I suppose.

Rich, oh Rich, what a sweet story!! I LOVED your idea of Jamie and Ste
watching as all of us wandered about Thamesmead (shivers!). Thank you for
such a beautiful little jewel!!! Andy, yes, YESSSS, up your site, it's a
MUST!!!!!

Gavin dear, thank *YOU* for being so lovely!!! I know the feeling. I was
also pretty shy about the meeting (OK, scared to death!). But after
Kent's comforting bearhug (and Joe's and Rich's and your's) I felt I was
home. And when the rest of the BT gang arrived and Gav lifted me up and
started spinning me around (I wasn't the only one nor it was the only time
he did it!) I felt I belonged there, with all of you. The entire day was
everything I had hoped for, and more!!!! So beautiful, so GREAT!!!!

Despite the bad weather... (did I mention I *HATE* rain?) oooh, do you
remember when we were waiting for the 180 bus on our way back to the
Gloucester and that car stepped on that enormous pool and it soaked you
all????? (I was standing on the walkway and the 'wave' missed me.
Ho-Ho-Ho! :) )

So many memories and emotions and friendships... I'll never forget it!!!!
THANK YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take care, my friends.

Sandra.

*****************************************************

Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 16:31:05 -0400 (EDT)
From: Eric
Subject: btlist: London Pix

At 06:26 PM 6/18/98 +0100, you wrote:
>Hi Eric, I see that you are alive, still.
>
>
>
>In reply to the letter, below, I wouldn't mind seeing these london pics,
>are you gonna put them on the web ?
>
>stu

I will put up London pix if anyone sends me some (I'm sure Sandra will).
However, Linda Henry has asked that any pix of her NOT be posted to the
web, so I won't do that. However, I'm sure some pix of her can be emailed
to anyone who would like to see them, as long as it is agreed they will not
be put up on any website, and are only viewed in the privacy of your own home!

-Eric

*****************************************************

From: "Steffen
Subject: btlist: ticket for Edinburgh stageplay
Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 14:11:29 PDT

Hello everybody,

my name is Dirk. I'm new on the bt-list.
I'd like to say "hello" to everybody on that list.
I'm on holiday in UK in August.
I've heard about the BT stageplay in Edinburgh.
Does anybody know, if it's possible to order a ticket right now ?
I'm so happy if I get the chance to watch it!

Bye,
Dirk.

*****************************************************

From: DL
Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 18:31:50 EDT
Subject: btlist: Edinburgh

Hi Dirk, welcome to the list!

About the play at the Edinburgh Festival, it's on from Aug 9-22 (not 16) , and
it's being put on by the Absolute Banana Theatre Company. It's at venue 123
(South Bridge Resource centre, Infirmary St). It's at 13.15 and tickets are
£6. The number for the venue is 0131-229-9991, but the best number to ring
would be 0131-226-5138, which is the central number for the fringe festival.

There's another Jonathan Harvey play on at the festival as well - 'Rupert
Street Lonely Hearts Club'. If you want details, contact me!

I hope to be up there to see both plays during the festival. I hope you enjoy
them!

Regards,

David

*****************************************************

Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 18:44:22 -0400
From: MGB
Subject: Re: btlist: Hi you all!

I say ditto!!!!
MGB

David  wrote:

> Alex  wrote:
> > Sandra, you're right: Linda asked us not to put pics of her on the
> > Internet! That's what I heard too. I was close to her so I'm sure of
> > this.
>
> She doesn't want these pictures on a website, but you can still share
> them with us, right ? I would be very plesed to receive some of them by
> email... I'm so sad to have missed this meeting, some pictures would
> comfort me ! :)
>
> Dave

*****************************************************

Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 19:56:14 -0400
From: Eric
Subject: Re: btlist: Edinburgh

>About the play at the Edinburgh Festival,

Hi everyone... I've got the lastest info for BT at Edinburgh.... just
uploaded, including pix of the cast. I've rearranged the site a bit as well.

Look in The Play section. Scroll down on the left side till you come to the
UK section and click on the "Updated information."

Nothing else is really new on the site except a rearrangement to make
navigation a little easier (I hope). Marc's maps have been moved to the Pix
section.

Best,
Eric

*****************************************************

From: jmcs
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 01:48:41 +0000
Subject: Re: btlist: London Pix

Hi everybody!!

> At 06:26 PM 6/18/98 +0100, you wrote:
> >Hi Eric, I see that you are alive, still.
> >
> >In reply to the letter, below, I wouldn't mind seeing these london pics,
> >are you gonna put them on the web ?
> >
> >stu
>
> >I will put up London pix if anyone sends me some (I'm sure Sandra will).

You can bet!!!!! I only took a couple pics of Linda, but as soon as I
develop them (this Saturday), I'll send them to Eric. As for the 60 pics
I took at Thamesmead, the Gloucester and the Cutty Sark, I'll choose the
more 'artistic ones', so to speak!!!

Take care.

Sandra.

*****************************************************

From: "Kent ."
Subject: btlist: Dear Diary (Part One-- Pre-Meet Meetings)
Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 19:55:41 PDT

Hi!

At Andre's request (and he may come to regret it! :)) I am sending in my
recollections about this past weekend. I tried to spare no detail,
hoping that way you may vicariously live through that most wonderful
weekend through the experiences and eyes and ears of one of us in
attendance (that would be me!) I am dividing it up so that if you only
want to read about the Saturday stuff, you can skip/delete the other
things. (Enough intro, get to it, Kent!!)

Thursday, June 11

Dear Diary,

Well today was our first day in Britain-- we arrived in mid-afternoon at
our hotel (only somewhat delayed, and not as much delayed as our luggage
was at the airport! don't ask, Diary dear!) and by dinnertime I had my
first-ever IRL meeting with a friend from the Internet. Joe and I had
dinner with Rich G., aka "Lurker Rich" from the btlists. It was so
nice to be able to see a face behind an email addy, and more-- to talk
to him (I'd say "converse", but since I'm such a blabbermouth even under
normal circumstances, that under *these* circumstances poor Rich
probably got few chances to say much-- a pattern I fear I may be unable
to avoid repeating!) But to talk about BT-- the movie, the emails, the
stories and so on-- in person with someone we already kinda "knew" (and
now got the pleasure to know better) was a blast! Rich has a very
soothing and warm voice and welcoming eyes. This is so neat!!
Tonight I plan to sleep well, because we left so late last night that I
got far too little sleep. We have no early plans at all for Friday
anyway.

Friday, June 12

Dear Diary,

I am writing this by the little light by the bed because, well, because
it's still dark. I only got 4 hours sleep before springing wide awake
and anticipating what this weekend would bring. I'm more excited and
that makes it impossible to get back to sleep...

Friday evening. Hi again, Diary dear! Well, this day was another
great one for Joe and me. In the morning, we practiced using our
travelpass to see where Sandra's hotel was located, as it is only one
Tube stop from ours. Also, I need to see how well my travelpass will
work since I accidentally managed to bend it-- only a little, I swear!
(It works OK-- whew!) We find the posh palace she's at and leave her a
note to say we plan on meeting in the afternoon, and then going for
dinner with her and her friend after they settle in. We meander back
through Hyde Park. Just as we get to the room, who should be calling
but Sandra! She's just checked in, but is already out and about and
won't be free today, but will meet up with us tomorrow-- it is so
strange to hear her voice from so close-- less than a mile away, yet due
to traffic, it sounds like a worse connection than NYC-Madrid does! We
are right back out the door because, this afternoon, we go to Paddington
Train Station where we are to meet Gavin L., with whom we'd been in
regular email (and phone! You know, me, Diary, I'm not one who's shy
about calling people!) contact. Actually, since his train came in at
a different time and track and from a different originating place than
we understood, it's lucky *he* found *us*. (I guess I still *somewhat*
resemble the 4-year old pictures he'd been able to see!) He looks
exactly the same as his photos. Except taller. Of course.

We go back to our Hotel (yes, Diary, I managed to convince Gav to stay
at the same location, and for a few extra days framing the meeting,
too). On the way, I spare no punches about the (unfortunately)
less-than-deluxe digs we've ended up at. The Hotel is called the
Julius Caesar, but think less Roman, more Greek (as in "Spartan".
Let's just say in our room, only the assistance of gravity causes the
water to fall with any force at all-- and not much, either!) Well, we
didn't plan on spending much time there. And *especially* not after we
saw it!!!

<snipped description of a lovely warm and sunny afternoon's walk by some
of London's most famous landmarks, as we three get to know each other in
person-- needless to say, my mouth yakkety-yaks nonstop-- thank Heaven
neither Joe nor Gav are the "chatty" type-- not that I give them much
chance to be! I have too much nervous excitement!>

Since beloved Sandra (the Madrid one!) won't be joining us for dinner
(something about wanting-- okay, being convinced to-- walk her feet off
the day before the meet, as a kind of "warm up" or some such), it ends
up being the four of us: Rich, Gavin (who haven't previously met,
either), Joe, and I who have the good fortune to share another "getting
to know you" dinner; this time, at a gay restaurant called "Wilde
about Oscar", which Rich (bless him!) has recommended. The food is
very good, the company is excellent, the conversation is more BT-fun,
the waiter is cute enough, and the garden-view setting is lovely.
After such a full day, I hope to get in at least 6 hour's sleep so I 'm
not a total zombie (in appearance, at least!) for the Official BT
Weekend. Wish me Luck, Diary! Goodnight-- from me.

continued...

Kent (and his Silent-by-Necessity Partner, Joe)

*****************************************************

From: Sven
Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 23:04:58 EDT
Subject: Re: btlist: Hi you all!

<She doesn't want these pictures on a website, but you can still share>
<them with us, right ? I would be very plesed to receive some of them by>
<email... I'm so sad to have missed this meeting, some pictures would>
<comfort me ! :)>

Ditto, y'all!

Steve

*****************************************************

Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 07:44:43 +0200
From: Martijn
Subject: btlist: Linda Henry Pic's

Hiya All,

At this moment a request is going out of the door
to ask the permission of Linda Henry (or her agent)
to use some pictures on the net. Linda said she
didn't want any pic's on the net when she just came
in. It could be possible that she has changed her
mind after spoken to everyone en saw that people
care about Beautiful Thing.

We will inform everybody if that is Possible, whe
hope so.....

Luv,

Martijn
Andre

*****************************************************

Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 15:50:54 +1000
From: Andy
Subject: btlist: [UPDATE} BT-Stories Fan Fiction Archive

Firstly, welcome back to those whose had a splended weekend in London last
week. From the personal accounts I've read, everyone had a great time.

The site is zooming along at nearly 140 hits pre-week and with over 30
story titles now, there's alot of variety to suit all tastes.

In this update:
*New stories
*Amazon links
*Statisics

New Stories
-----------
It took a trip to Thamesmead to do it and now, finally, Rich has graced us
with his first story. (loud applause!) A crossover between fiction and what
it's really like to be wet in London, "A Rainy Day" can turn out to be a
special day for some.

In "The Gay Times", Jean does some in-depth thought analysis with Jamie.
This is a slightly shorter version from the one posted to the list. Jean
thought it best NOT to be sued by Gay Times!

Read Joan's first story called "The Walkway". Jamie's moving out and Ste's
left wondering who's going to move in.

Graham takes us through part 13 & part 14 of "The Club". Our favorite pair
are about to do some redecorating.

Amazon links.
-------------

This week BT-Stories launches the Bookstore. No, our wonderful fan fiction
is not for sale. It's basically a pointer to Amazon.com. What you'll find
listed in the Bookstore are the Beautiful Thing screenplay and stageplay,
and a few other titles by Jonathan Harvey. Take a look even if you don't
want to buy anything.

It's not my intention to commercialise the site, I'm just providing a
service to those looking for BT merchandise. All sales are handle by
Amazon, not by me...I just point you there.

Here's a message from Amazon's President...

Amazon.com is pleased to have BT-Stories Fan Fiction Archive in the
family of Amazon.com associates. We've agreed to ship books and
provide customer service for orders we receive through special links on
BT-Stories.

Amazon.com associates list selected books in an editorial context
that helps you choose the right books. We encourage you to visit
BT-Stories often to see what new books they've selected for you.

Thank you for shopping with an Amazon.com associate.

Sincerely,

Jeff Bezos
President
Amazon.com

P.S. We guarantee you the same high level of customer service you
would receive at Amazon.com. If you have a question about an order
you've placed, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Stats.
------
Visitors 1726
Daily Average 22
Guestbook 16
Stories 32

Happy reading,
Andy.

*****************************************************

Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 03:09:16 -0500
From: Jean
Subject: Re: btlist: Dear Diary (Part One-- Pre-Meet Meetings)

Welcome back, Kent! It's been like waiting to open a Christmas present,
waiting for your return and your account of the meet. I'm so glad you did
exactly what I hoped (and somehow knew) you would... you've brought us
details, details and more details. Ahhhhh, my faith was well placed!! Thank
you. Please continue to exhaustively send us exhaustively chronicled
details.

> I tried to spare no detail,

thank you and could it be otherwise?

> The Hotel is called the Julius Caesar, but think less Roman, more Greek
(as in >"Spartan". Let's just say in our room, only the assistance of
gravity causes the
>water to fall with any force at all-- and not much, either!)

Somehow I knew it would read like a really good story

>needless to say, my mouth yakkety-yaks nonstop

Somehow having trouble imagining this

>I have too much nervous excitement!

Ah, that would explain it, now I understand <g>

Keep it coming, Kent! Thanks.

The experience of sharing in these collective memories gets better and
better all the time. Thanks all for thinking of the rest of us!! I promise
to do the same if/when my turn comes. Jean.

*****************************************************

From: Gavin
Subject: btlist: My Outing in London by Gavin Larkin!
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 08:46:07 +0000

It was Friday when I set out from Southampton heading for Paddington, I
was nervous, anxious and excited all at once.

Nervous because it would all be new too me, meeting friends I had not
spoken too in person before and being in a large group of openly gay
people.

Anxious because I didn't know what to expect and because I had to
literally run from platform to platform to catch my connecting trains.

Excited because, well, need I say why? Ok I will, I was excited because
I was going to see places I never dreamed I would and meet people I
always hoped I could.

I was trying to play things down a bit so as not too be disappointed if
things weren't as good as I hoped they would be. Stupid me, as if
anything connected with such a beautiful movie could be anything but
beautiful in itself. In fact things turned out to be far better than I
could ever have imagined they could.

I stepped off the train at Paddington already feeling much freer in
myself, I was a stranger to most and so their opinion of me was not
important. Then I saw two people who I wasn't a stranger too, they
knew me quite well but better still after the time we spent just being
together. They got to know a more confident British guy with a strange
sense of humour. I got too know two people who were both like big
brothers to me. We will always be friends.

They helped me carry my bags back to our hotel and then we(!) decided
to go out for a stroll. It didn't seem to matter so much where we
walked just the people I was walking with. We joked with each other as
if we were old friends, I was so comfortable with them. I didn't need
to stop and think all the time. Should I say that or should I be
staring at that guy for so long etc.

We walked for a couple of hours without really noticing the time, it
passed so quickly, normally my feet would have been aching by then but
not now I was lifted so much by the sheer presents of Kent and Joe.

Kent told me that he had arranged to meet another American for dinner I
was nervous all other again. I didn't know this guy really and I had
made a bit of a stupid comment about something he had said before in an
email, I was worried he'd still remember. After changing for dinner we
walked too his hotel which was close by, nicer than ours which we all
noted some what jealously. It was nice too see how the upper class
traveller lived anyway.

Well after shaking hands with a very handsome guy and being introduced
at great length by Kent I said hello to Rich Green. I think I
instantly felt comfortable with him, he was so unassuming in his manner
and had such a kind face and a lovely voice. However when we
accidentally jumped into the revolving doors at the same time this was
not some smart tactic to get too know him better quickly. It did break
the ice though and he took it so graciously.

We had a great dinner at the gay restaurant Mad About Oscar (The
Philbeach Hotel). Thanks too BT we had a great starting point for our
conversations however we were all soon talking about our own life
experiences so openly it was amazing.

When it came too saying goodnight to Rich at his hotel I was
practically glowing with happiness. We each hugged him in turn right
there in the lobby. This was my first time hugging another man in
public and it felt just so right some how, why shouldn't we show
affection like this?

Anyway if the weekend had finished there and then I would still have
been so happy. I had spent the evening with a group of gay friends and
I was one of them now. They helped me too feel that I belonged, I was
part of a very special group of people.

I couldn't sleep that night, I was so excited thinking about the events
of that and the next day. We had breakfast at 7.30 and then set off, I
was nervous again more new faces, more new places.

However feeling a part of a group made me stronger, it seemed that the
larger that group became the stronger I grew inside. Making our way to
the Docklands railway we were a group of four Kent, Joe, Rich and
myself. We sat and waited for our other friends too arrive, who should
walk in then but the Goddess of Spain herself.

There was a sudden explosion of motion from Kent as he and Sandra met
in each others arms. If I didn't know better I would have said they
were lovers from the reaction to seeing each other. It was quite funny
seeing how long either of them could speak without taking a breath.
The other four of us (including Sandra's friend) stood in ore for a
few minutes as the best writing duo in the world said hello in person
for the first time.

Then it was my turn at last to introduce myself I'm Gavin I said in a
quiet voice. An instant look of familiarisation came into her face as
if she was recalling all the parts of my story in her mind all at once.
I bent down and she kissed me twice once on each cheek and we hugged.
I was so pleased to meet the person behind all those moving words.

We waited little longer and who should literally come bouncing up the
escalator but the blonde bomb shells themselves. If I was nervous
before I was terrified now, all these cute guys looking so happy too
see us. I was taken a back by the greeting they gave us, this was my
country but I felt as if I was being welcomed into a little part of
Holland they had brought with them. Their special world which was
happy and free, I was a little hesitant but soon I was learning fast
how too be more like them.

We boarded the train which was a bit of a mad rush but done so
gracefully, well what do you expect for a 20 + strong group of gays and
the two Spanish ladies. We took our seats and I started looking
around, there were people here from 5 different countries at least.
America, England, Holland, Singapore and Spain. I was pleased that
all these people felt so strongly about the film and it's fans that
they were here now. I was quite humbled by my own effort, having only
travelled two hours to get to London. However it wasn't the
geographical distance I travelled that mattered this weekend it was the
metaphysical distance I travel that surprised me more than anyone. I
stopped being the shy repressed guy from no where special and became a
confident guy in the best place on earth.

I was chatting, telling jokes, slipping in little innuendoes like there
was no tomorrow and generally feeling free to say and do anything.

We alighted from the train and set off to the place I so much wanted
too see. I was not disappointed, no sooner had we stepped inside the
Gloucester than the BT theme was being played. They were so welcoming
which was even more appreciated when we learnt that the owner had
passed away a couple of days before. They did us proud and themselves,
it showed me that the kindness I had already received was not just a
special case but could be openly shared by so many. I spent ages just
looking around in total disbelievement it was a long time before I
could even speak to order a drink from the bar. Then I looked around
at everyone, they were all smiling even the regular drinkers not part
of our group. What sort of strange world was this I thought to myself
where everyone is so happy all the time. I don't care I thought I just
want too be a part of it forever.

We left the Gloucester knowing that we'd be back so there was no need
for us to be unhappy at all. As if we could. We walked round too the
Cutty Sark pub, which was The Anchor in the film. Yet again we were
welcomed, even though we were not expected here. We basically took
over the whole place but I didn't see one regular complaining or
looking uncomfortable. We took note of certain details for are next
stories and then just talked with as many people as we were able. By
then we had been joined by more people some Germans and a few more
English guys. There was one German guy who just kept smiling at
everyone and his stare well, it could melt butter. It was as if he
could stare in to the dark recesses of your mind and know everything
about you. Kent introduced me to him, his name was Wolfgang and
although he said his English is not very good, it's darned better than
the small amount of German I know.

I was feeling a bit knackered by then so I took a seat next too Rich
who also seemed to be in total ore of everything. Just then I heard
Kent talking to someone, his accent was familiar too me but I just
couldn't place it. I thought how embarrassing it would be if Kent
asked me to place his accent and I didn't know. Guess what, he did,
"Gavin will know I heard him say" I looked up too see a well dressed
guy with shortish hair. Umm I thought too myself, and I wasn't just
umming because I didn't know the answer either. I tried to play for
time and acted as if I hadn't been listening to the whole conversation
anyway. I couldn't get out of it, I made a feeble stab at an answer,
Liverpool I said tentatively nah Newcastle he said without the
slightest hint of disgust and being moved from one part of the country
too another. That was the cue and I knew it, we just started talking
asking each other questions at first and then just chatting easily. I
feel a bit guilty because I basically forgot about everyone else for a
while it was just me sitting there chatting with Ian.

Then we set out on the real pilgrimage, to Thamesmeade and Tavy Bridge.
I sat next too Ian on the bus which I was quite please with. We
chatted some more and sooner than I had thought possible we were there.
At the bus stop that Jamie and Ste had used too board the 180 bus in
the film. One guy asked me if I'd been here before, I said don't I
look in ore of everything then. However I did feel at home, I did feel
like I'd been there before, of course I did because I had so often when
watching the film and when dreaming about BT.

It was great too see things I could recognise from the film and I'm
sure that if Marc and Sarah hadn't been there too show us round and
point things out I'd have missed a lot. Because although lots of
things looked familiar there were lots of things that didn't. One
thing I noted and may have said to someone was just how tough the
estate did look and it made me appreciate just how difficult it would
have been for Jamie and Ste to be gay on this sort of estate. On
seeing one tough male resident march through a puddle the size of a
small lake without even batting an eye lid I thought what a tough guy
he is.

We saw the flats where it all happened and I had my photo taken in
front of Ste's, however it all seemed to be far too real for me. I
mean it wasn't as nicely portrayed in real life as in the film gone
were the hanging baskets and the tricycle. Most importantly gone were
the three teenagers standing around outside, and yes I did really think
they existed.

Just when I was thinking it was beginning too loose it's magic, we saw
the lake were they all dived in after a football. I reminded of one of
Ste's smiles and I was back again in the wonderful world of BT. Marc
told us that Thamesmeade would never look the same as it was soon to be
redeveloped. So as we set off in the 180 bus I looked back with a
little sadness but a lot of happiness that I had made the right
decision to come and see it before it all got changed. I sat next too
Rich on the way back too the Gloucester, we didn't say much we didn't
need too we all shared an experience never to be forgotten and what
more could we say for the moment.

We arrived back at the Gloucester to another great welcome a
complimentary buffet had been laid on for us and we were all very
grateful I think. We sat there munching and watched BT, this was a
great experience for me as I'd never watched it with anyone else. I
sat with Ian and David and we whispered comments too each other at
points we liked or just things we had noticed. It would have been
great to have watched it with just one other person but too watch it
with so many other fans was an experience I'll never forget. The other
drinkers seemed to all be watching it too, laughing and crying in the
appropriate moments. When it got too the line "and I suppose they all
get called queer bent bastards n'all" someone shouted out "well I do".
It was one of those moments when you just had to be there, it was so
funny. When the film was over and Jamie and Ste were left to dance
into the night there were more than a few teary eyes to be seen I can
tell you. However the entertainment was not other, we had Catrina and
the boy too entertain us then. They were both so good, and she must
have learnt the BT songs just for us. It seemed to come as no surprise
when we all shouted more and she sang "Stars shinning..." it was an
emotional moment for us all.

However the best was yet too come, we were beginning to think our
surprise guest would not make it. I was not really disappointed I was
just so happy with everything that I didn't need anything else.
However when Linda Henry walked in I thought I'd pass out. It was
Sandra, I was going to get too meet and maybe talk too Sandra oh my god
was what I was thinking, or perhaps oh my goddess. She was so humble
it was very nice to see she hadn't let fame affect her. I stood there
just watching her talk to the others they all seemed to have something
to say and I just thought I'm going to make a complete fool of myself
here because I haven't got a clue what too say. However I just asked
her too sign my booklet and then went from there, I made her laugh when
I commented she did her G's similarly to the way I do, she asked why
and I said just for the flare of it. She laughed and I laughed I'll
never forget that laugh, it reminded me of Sandra in the film but this
wasn't Sandra this was Linda and this Laugh wasn't acted it was real
and just for me. As more and more people told her their stories I
could see the tears welling up in her eyes. We were in ore of her but
also she was in ore of us too. (Thanks Ian). I felt this sense of
pride coming from her, that she had helped affect so many in such a
nice positive way.

And there the most wonderful evening of my life so far ended, there are
three more days for me too talk about yet but I'll send this now and
write the rest over the weekend. I just couldn't hold this back any
longer.

Thanks again too everyone who felt in their hearts that too come too
London was just something they had to do. I'm already planning for the
October visit so I'll see you all there I hope and many many more
people who couldn't make it this time even those people who don't know
about us yet but will find us in due course. And not a moment too
soon.

Laters then,

Take care,

Gav XXX.

*****************************************************

Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 07:36:57 -0400
From: Eric
Subject: btlist: Bagsy your hat

Say all you UK listers. What does "bagsy your hat" mean?

In BT the play, when Jamie and Ste are talking about going to the Gloucester:

Jamie: So d'you fancy it?

Ste: I dunno. Someone might see us.

Jamie: We'll go in disguise. Wear sunglasses.

Ste: Bagsy your hat.

That term does not appear in the BT glossary. Anyone know?

-Eric

*****************************************************

From: "Gray"
Subject: btlist: RE: Bagsy
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 15:06:44 +0100

Hi Eric
=20
The term you refer i.e. 'Bagsy your hat' means.=20
=20
I've got first choice of your hat if you don't want it.

Gray

*****************************************************

Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 09:50:28 -0500
From: Gary
Subject: Re: btlist: RE: Bagsy

> Gray wrote:
>
> Hi Eric
>
> The term you refer i.e. 'Bagsy your hat' means.
>
> I've got first choice of your hat if you don't want it.
>
Gosh, after almost two years of BT lists and discussion, there's still
room to learn something new! And I thought I was quite the Anglophile
and was pretty much up on Brit slang. Thanks, Gray.

Gary

--

*****************************************************

From: "Joshua
Subject: btlist: Oh thank you Gav
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 11:21:46 -0400

I can't say that I've been very active in the list lately. I've been
fighting many personal problems and haven't been up to writing very much of
anything, so I apologize to you all for that. I feel that soon I will be
able to start writing a few short stories, and maybe edit and complete my
Every Road story...

Gav, luv, you've made me cry. Reading your experiences actually brought
tears to my eyes because I could feel you opening up to us and telling us
something real an very personal. Coming out is never easy for anyone and
hearing your coming out (to yourself) story was very good. I could see that
this was the first time you said "I'm gay and it's not a bad thing," to
yourself and felt good that you were who you are. That was so touching and
beautiful and I hope that now that you're feeling this good about yourself
you're writing will become more like what I just saw.

You have an amazing talent as it is, but you've always seemed to distance
yourself from it, trying to access it as if it was something you couldn't
understand. After reading your little story about the weekend has shown
that you're finally coming to terms inside yourself with who you are, and
this is letting out a more personal and touching side to your writing that's
making it much more meaningful and beautiful. This is gonna really be an
asset to us in the group because you're already amazing as it is, and to
think that you could get better is giving me butterflies!

We all love you and hope to hear some good stories from you soon. As for
me... he's a little story I just wanna write for the heck of it =o)

--------

Jamie lay half in his dreamland and only faintly felt the warmth of the sun
on his cheek. As he slowly floated toward the heat of the gentle ray
caressing him, he began to hear more of what was going on in the room, too.
He heard breathing, but it wasn't his own. As he became more awake, he
remembered the previous night's adventures to the Gloucester and the dancing
in the plaza. A smile formed on his face so bright that the sun stood back
in awe and then intensified it's effort to warm this beautiful creature.
Jamie opened his eyes and nodded at the window, thanking the sun for waking
him.
Slowly Jamie turned to look at Ste.
God he's lovely, Jamie thought to himself, watching Ste's chest rise and
fall to the rhythm of his dreaming. Jamie sat in silence watching Ste.
After a few minutes, Ste began to stir as if he'd sensed Jamie's
wakefulness. Jamie watched, the smile still glowing on his face, as Ste
began to surface.
Ste awoke slowly and opened his eyes, seeing Jamie sitting up on his elbow
and watching him. The morning sun was shining behind Jamie giving him a
glow like the angel he was. Ste involuntarily smiled and sat up to kiss
Jamie.
The kiss was long and loving. In the few minutes that their lips touched
and their tongues explored, the two boys sent messages of love and
admiration across the channel of their shared thoughts. As if they'd become
one person, or two people joined together, they "talked" about all that had
happened the previous day and came to the shared conclusion that no matter
what the future held, they'd found the most beautiful thing anyone could
have ever imagined. They realized that people would see them together and
envy them. They briefly toyed with the idea of people writing about them
and sharing their lives with the couple, but this caused them to laugh and
Jamie accidentally bit Ste's bottom lip.
"Sorry, Ste," Jamie said in-between giggles.
"S'oright, Jamie."
They sat back and just looked into each other, feeling together a sense of
right and beauty that none other could have reproduced, but only echoed.
"I love ya, Jay," Ste said suddenly. Neither of the two boys had actually
said the words yet, and Ste being the first was almost as shocking as when
Jamie first kissed him in this very bed not four days ago.
"Oi, Ste," Jamie said, the tears starting to well up in his soft eyes. "I
love ya, too, Ste."
The two shared a smile and a feeling and both of them cried silently and
held each other, comforting one another and letting the feelings of doubt
ebb out of them into the sheets, (where they were better needed since we all
know beds have their doubts about two boys in love and how clean the sheets
will be afterward), and the feelings of love and beauty and security were
all that remained.

--------

=o)

Love y'all,
Joshy

*****************************************************

From: "Joshua
Subject: btlist: EEEEEEK!!
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 11:47:55 -0400

Sorry, mates!! I meant to send it to the btFANlist, hence the story bit,
and sent it to the wrong one!! For those of you that are upset, I really,
sincerely apologize and for those of you on both lists, I apologize for the
two copies. Jeez I'm thick! hehe

Love ya'll,
Joshy

*****************************************************

From: "Gray"
Subject: btlist: RE: Gary
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 17:19:19 +0100

Anytime mate

Gray

*****************************************************

Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 18:30:59 +0200
From: Andre
Subject: btlist: Possible next meeting in October

Hiya folks!

Currently we are trying to set up another BT-meeting and since ppl have been asking about

dates and stuff, here's what I already can tell you:

IF there will be another BT meeting, the most likely date would be October 3rd 1998.

The Gloucester will be closed for refurbishments from october 5th onwards, and therefore

any later date would be just not possible.
So if you'd care to put that date in your diaries, please be my guest, I'd sure would

like y'all to be there.

As soon as things have been 'really' set up, I'll let you know.
Just watch this space (and the website....)

Andre
Chairman of the Dutch BT fanclub.

*****************************************************

From: ep
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 12:38:17 -0400
Subject: Re: btlist: RE: Bagsy

<html>
Thank you Gray!<br>
<br>
In America, we would say &quot;Dibs&quot; on your hat! &quot;Dibs&quot;
deriving&nbsp; from a children's game called dibstones. (Or so says the
dictionary!).<br>
<br>
-Eric<br>
<br>
<br>
At 03:06 PM 6/19/98 +0100, you wrote: <br>
<blockquote type=3Dcite cite>Hi Eric<br>
=A0<br>
The term you refer i.e. 'Bagsy your hat' means. <br>
=A0<br>
I've got first choice of your hat if you don't want it.<br>
=A0<br>
=A0<br>
<div align=3D"center">
Gray<br>
</div>
</blockquote><br>
<BR>
</html>

*****************************************************

From: "D. X."
Subject: Re: btlist: My Outing in London by Gavin Larkin!
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 05:56:25 PDT

Hi Gavin,
thank you for sharing your feelings with us ! It's so beautiful.
I wish I had done the trip to the london meeting.
I hope I'll meet you next time.

Dirk.

*****************************************************

Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 23:15:42 +1000
From: Andy
Subject: Re: btlist: My Outing in London by Gavin !

Gavin,

May I say you write better about your own life experiences than you do with
your fiction stuff. I was over joyed reading about your "Outing in
London"...clever title too. You seem to have discovered a whole new person
within yourself. I'm greatful you shared your feelings amongst us, your
friends. I'm really happy for you.

Andy.xxx

*****************************************************

From: "Dirk XX."
Subject: btlist: Edinburgh festival
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 14:57:43 PDT

Thank you, David for your help.

I found the website with all information about the festival.
http://www.edfringe.com
Ticket selling starts on June,22 .
I hope I'll get a ticket, maybe I can meet somebody of you there ?

Dirk.

>Hi Dirk, welcome to the list!
>
>About the play at the Edinburgh Festival, it's on from Aug 9-22 (not
16) =
>, and=0Ait's being put on by the Absolute Banana Theatre Company. It's
at=
> venue 123=0A(South Bridge Resource centre, Infirmary St). It's at
13.15 =
>and tickets are=0A=A36. The number for the venue is 0131-229-9991, but
th=
>e best number to ring=0Awould be 0131-226-5138, which is the central
numb=
>er for the fringe festival.
>
>There's another Jonathan Harvey play on at the festival as well -
'Rupert=
>=0AStreet Lonely Hearts Club'. If you want details, contact me!
>
>I hope to be up there to see both plays during the festival. I hope you
e=
>njoy=0Athem!
>
>Regards,
>
>David=0A
>

*****************************************************

Date: Sat, 20 Jun 1998 09:13:04 +1000
From: Andy
Subject: Re: btlist: Oh thank you Gav

Hi Joshy,

Lurker mode is good for you if you can stand not touching the keyboard.
Hope you've soughted your problems out...I for one have missed you.

Yes I felt the same thing about Gavin's London experience. I was very moved
by it all. I woke up in the middle of the night to realise that all the
story accounts from everyone that went on the Thamesmead trip are slowly
creating this three dimensional image in my mind. It's like virtual reality
built on words and expressions with each new story casting light into the
shadows. It'll be even better when I get to see some of the pictures.

I liked your story too. It was nice to wake up in the morning and read a
"good morning" story. Thanks.

Love Andy.

--

*****************************************************

Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 19:02:30 -0500
From: Gary
Subject: Re: btlist: RE: Bagsy

ep wrote:
>
> Thank you Gray!
>
> In America, we would say "Dibs" on your hat! "Dibs" deriving from a
> children's game called dibstones. (Or so says the dictionary!).
>
> -Eric

And the learning goes on. Any American boy (or girl) knows what "dibs"
mean, but I doubt _any_ of us knew its origin until Eric consulted his
dictionary.

Who says the internet isn't educational?

Gary
P.S. - By the way, everyone - go see Disney's "Mulan." It's great.
Besides the fact that two of the voices are provided by gay men - B.D.
Wong and Harvey Fierstein. Disney's best animated feature in a long
time.
--

*****************************************************