A Founder Member's View
There had been a local Surrey CHE (Campaign for Homosexual Equality) Group in the early 1970s but this had finished by about 1975. There was still thought to be a need for a group in the area but it should be local. A general meeting of all interested persons in the Guildford area was held on 16 February 1977 and from this GAGS was formed.
Early on it was agreed (not formally but more by mutual consent) that GAGS was to be essentially a social group to provide a meeting ground for like-minded gay people in the wider Guildford area. This did not preclude activists. GAGS marched under its banner on the Gay Pride Marches in the days before they became a largely carnival event. But there were national organisations which could accommodate the needs of the activists. The need in Guildford was for social activities. So GAGS was established and has continued with a programme of social events at the core of its activities. It was however recognised that GAGS would function best within the framework of a few ground rules and a proper system for electing officers and committee members. A constitution was agreed in 1977 which has stood the test of time. Essentially it has ensured that the members have control of the society and small groups of enthusiasts for particular ideas could not take control against the wishes of the membership at large.
Membership has been open to all, gay or straight, gay or lesbian. Although there are no formal restrictions, all membership applications are put before the committee for acceptance. In practice the committee will be cautious about applications from persons under age 18 and from persons who have been to less than two or three events before making application for membership. Most have found membership rewarding, enabling them to make friendships and to have some very enjoyable times.
The programme of social events aims to reflect the wishes and interests of members. Clearly not all members are interested in the same things and there has to be variety to have wide appeal. Over the years tastes and needs have changed. Commercial venues exist where they did not previously and the need for the GAGS programme to provide for some events has disappeared. Thus discos are not longer held nor is there an annual day trip to Boulogne to taste the delights of France and to stock up with duty-frees. Awayday trips by train to such places as York or Bath are now quite an expensive option; gone are the days of the cheap special excursion. Other events have included weekends in Devon, weekends on narrow boats from Guildford, bicycle rides (Tour de GAGS), and on one occasion a Miss GAGS beauty contest where members paraded in fancy dress before a panel of judges. The core of the social diary has however remained constant over the years in the regular weekly/fortnightly meetings on Wednesdays either at a member's house for coffee and chat or at a pub for drinks, food and chat together with a garden party in the summer and an annual dinner in the winter which we prepare ourselves.
More than 25 years of activities has established GAGS as a group of people who like socialising with each other, both within and without the framework of the programme of events. It is of course not to everyone's taste, but those who like to put in to the society usually find that they get much pleasure and enjoyment in return.
(Thanks for this article to Charles, a founder member of GAGS)