Welcome to VELVET-CLUB the club that enables members to connect with 1,000’s of lesbians around the world – at home, in the office, on their travels!! Link up with new friends, increase your business contacts or find the perfect partner and much, much more!!

Come and join us for complimentary wine (for members and guests who arrive between 7-8pm).

Enter our LUCKY DRAW for “SUNSET BREEZE” a superb oil painting on canvas (24”x20”). Entry is easy and there is no charge - just pop your business card in the hat on the night. Everyone has an equal chance of winning !! - the painting will be on view and available for collection on the night.

Tracy your Host and Co-Hosts – will be meeting and greeting, so there will be no excuse for you to be shy or stood on your own…

Our members and guests are all ages and professions, a great place to network, flirt and make new friends. There is NO admission charge and the drinks prices are very reasonable … the lighting is low on this decadently designed lounge bar, the atmosphere will be mellow and chilled so enjoy!!!

Guest List places are limited to 150 members and their guests. Please click here for further information - to add your name and the names of up to 3 guests to the March Guest List please email Susie at susie@velvet-club.com

Rouge Noir at Jewel is located in the West End (Piccadilly Circus): 4/6 Glasshouse Street, W1B 5DQ - http://www.jewelbarlondon.co.uk /bars/ rougenoir.php

HEY BIG BENDER! GREAT BRITISH U-TURNS!

Had your fill of gay hate? Then meet these Top 5 British ex-Homophobes! We salute ‘em!

1. Michael Portillo
Our now cuddly, grinning media darling used to vote against an equal age of consent, endorse Section 28 and - as Defence Secretary - witch-hunt gays in the military. Happily, he then pissed off Ann Widdecombe by transforming from hard-line Tory to caring, compassionate Conservative, following his Enfield constituency ousting. Then - in the summer of 1999 - came his shock-horror disclosure of an oh-so-distant homosexual past! Apparently, he’d ceased homosexual activity before entering public life, so no hypocrite he. Now supremely pro-gay, we just hope you are happy Michael.

2. Peregrine Worsthorne
The former right-wing editor of the Sunday Telegraph famously goaded actor Ian McKellen into coming out on live radio in 1988 but has more recently hinted at homosexual experiences in his own past and even shown support for same-sex marriage. A gifted writer, wrote “Perry” after Portillo’s admissions: “Whereas there is no satisfactory substitute for alcohol drinking at university there is, mercifully, a kind of satisfactory substitute for heterosexual love - as Michael Portillo was lucky enough to discover.” … more...

The PAST is done, the FUTURE is unknown, the PRESENT is called the PRESENT because it is a GIFT so enjoy !!!

Chat and exchange ideas with other members ….. .. start your own topics.

You speak, we listen - you ask, we act. Other sections include: Social Networking, Lifestyle, M2M Advice, Have Your Say, Business Network, Thought for The Day ...more...

Her marriage to Diego Rivera was turbulent and stormy. The couple divorced briefly, and remarried in 1940. This is said to have been due to Rivera's affair with Kahlo's younger sister Cristina, after which both Kahlo and Rivera rarely remained faithful to one another.

Kahlo never hid the fact that she was bisexual, and had many affairs with both women and men. Rivera is said to have been less understanding about her male lovers than her female ones. They had many mutual friends, including the exiled Russian communist, Leon Trotsky. It is alleged that Kahlo had a brief affair with him while the couple were harbouring him in Mexico. It is also alleged that Trotsky's murder some years later was committed by another friend of Rivera and Kahlo...more...

Detailed biographies of world famous lesbians from the worlds of Art, Literature, Film/tv, Sport, Politics and Music … broaden your knowledge by clicking here!

SHOPPING MALL

Exclusive designer scented candles delivered direct to your door. Kiarie has a gift for everyone, they are constantly adding to their range and broadening the choice for their customers. Look out for their special offers for special occasions! Gift baskets made to order, Incense sticks, Sofa Cushions, Potpourri, Kiarie Fire Bowls, Gift Ideas. FREE oriental Infusion Candle worth £6.95 (extra large) when you place your first order on their new website

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS CONTACTS

Get your website noticed with a free link from VELVET. Weblinks is a fast growing section, categories include: art, business, leisure, personal services, travel and holidays and more … You can search our current Weblinks categories or submit your own link by clicking here. Any questions just email susie@velvet-club.com

All Member Profile Searches give top listing to Member Profiles that include a main photograph. Photographs that are 400x400 pixels or 64 kb can be accommodated. Should you wish to have a modesty flash across your face for privacy then please email your photograph with your Screen Name to photos@velvet-club.com and we will do this for you. Photographs will maximise your chances to connect with other members. Please note that Gallery Search is a search by main photograph only, so if you do not upload a photograph you will not be able to be included.

MEMBERS NOTICE BOARD

The Festival got off to a fantastic start with their Opening Night screening of “Itty Bitty Titty Committee” at Odeon West End, followed by an after-show party at Mint Leaf in Haymarket.

The assembled crowd was then treated to the first public airing of this year's Festival trailer, inspired by Paul Harfleet's Pansy Project. Itty Bitty... proved itself to be the perfect choice for Opening Night - an anarchic, politically charged adrenaline rush of a film, with a stunning all-girl cast, a deadpan sense of humour, and a final comic set-piece that had the crowd applauding and cheering.

For more details of the Festival Calendar, Film Reviews, Competitions or to take the Festival Home with you by exploring their selection of books and dvds please click here for the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival website.

Please help raise money for Stonewall whenever you search the web. Just go to http://www.everyclick.com/uk/circauklimited and search as you normally would. You will be raising money for Stonewall with every search. It does not cost you or Stonewall any money - so it is a great way to help Stonewall everyday.
“Everyclick.com is a simple and highly effective way for Velvet-Club members and visitors to raise money for Stonewall as we search the web” Patricia Madden, Velvet-Club.
“We’re delighted that Velvet-Club and everyclick.com are supporting us in this way. The money raised will help our campaigning work, such as our Education for All program to tackle the homophobic bullying that is endemic in our schools” - Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive, Stonewall
Everyclick.com is the fastest growing search engine in the UK and one of the busiest charity websites - go give it a try! http://www.everyclick.com/uk/circauklimited

Delighted to say that Mark will be taking all our photographs. Mark Weeks creates beautiful images for corporate and creative purposes. Mark’s simple and clean style, coupled with his background in business as well as his penchant for portraying real people and products in cheeky situations, separates him from the pack.

Mark Weeks’ whimsical style and eye for beauty are a natural fit for creating images of people that are used for advertising and editorial purposes. Frequently combining the absurd with skilled lighting and execution, Mark Weeks Photography creates beautiful photos that bring on a smile. Mark’s experience in the world of business also provides insight into company dynamics and creates a comfort level for corporate clients. To see Mark’s work visit his Website: www.markweeksphotography.com