|
Ref: tn_12305 Date: 20th December 2005 |
|
|
Wigan's Jewel to Host First Civil Partnership Ceremony |
|
|
Wigan’s first same-sex Civil Partnership ceremony will take place at the
borough’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’, Haigh Hall, on Wednesday December 21st. Rodney Hill, Chief Executive of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and Christopher Wright, an Equality and Diversity Adviser, have been partners for over 30 years and have selected the illustrious Haigh Hall as the venue for their special celebration. The purpose of the Civil Partnership Act is to enable same-sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship by forming a Civil Partnership. In February 2005, the Department of Trade and Industry announced that ‘Civil Partnerships’ would be introduced on 5th December 2005 with the first “formations” taking place on 21st December 2005. Rodney Hill, 53, was born in South Africa but grew up in Brighton (he still supports the football team), worked in London and came to the North West in 1990. Rodney is passionate about art, music and sport and has been a prominent figure in local and regional government for 15 years. Christopher, 50, was born in Nottingham and shares Rodney’s interest in the arts and is renowned for his knowledge of equality and diversity issues and legislation. Christopher and Rodney met at Cambridge University over 30 years ago. In a joint statement issued today, the happy couple state: “This Civil Partnership is a very happy and significant day for both of us. This new legislation is a great advance in social justice, recognising the value of committed same-sex relationships and giving equal rights and responsibilities to gay couples, particularly with next-of-kin issues, inheritance, survivor pensions and benefits.” The couple continue: “Thanks to the courage and determination of many campaigners we have seen a long road travelled where relationships like ours have changed from something to be kept secret, ignored or tolerated to partnerships which can be publicly recognised and celebrated. This is hugely important in changing the discrimination, bullying and harassment which gay and lesbian people still commonly experience. We have been overwhelmed by the warmth of the reaction to our Civil Partnership from friends and colleagues and thank everyone for their support. We are delighted to hold our special day at our favourite place in Wigan.” Rodney and Christopher would like to make it clear that they have paid for the hire of Haigh Hall in full, in line with any other private hire arrangement. The event on Wednesday 21st December is a private celebration for invited friends and colleagues only. -ends- NOTES TO EDITORS: Please note that no further interviews will be offered prior to, or during, Rodney and Christopher’s Civil Partnership ceremony at Haigh Hall. PHOTOGRAPHS: Photographs of the couple or Haigh Hall are available on request, although there will not be a photo opportunity taking place on the day of the ceremony. Official photographs will be made available after the event. For further information, or to obtain photographs please contact Chris Dunbar, Public Relations Officer on 01942 486937 or via c.dunbar@wlct.org Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust: Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is a charitable trust working on behalf of Wigan Council to manage and support Leisure and Cultural facilities, initiatives and events for 300,000 residents across the Wigan Borough. The Trust manages Haigh Hall and Country Park. |
|
|
Trust Home Page | About Us | Leisure | Culture | Tourism | Sport | Arts | Libraries | Contact Us |
|
