I've lived in London all my life. As a Reform Jew I took an active part in Synagogue activities. As a gay man with a non-Jewish partner for many years, Alan and me were regulars at the Jewish LGBT+ group too. Although we met in 1974 we were not Civilly Partnered until 2006 when the law changed to allow it. We found the most welcoming shul in London was Beit Kla'al Yisrael started by Rabbi Sheila Shulman. We attended there for over 20 years.

Alan and me also had strong links with Bournemouth. My mother, Joyce, lived here until 2000. She was a member of BRS and I went with her on occasions to their services. When Alan and I got our own place in Poole and found we were living there half the year I looked for a Shul that was friendly and especially welcoming to a gay couple.

Wessex LJC absolutely fitted the bill. From the first contact and service we went to we found an especially welcoming and warm atmosphere. Our Rabbi René is very important to the community. He loved Wessex so much that when he became Rabbi for Kingston LS, it was also agreed that he could continue his commitment with us for two services every month. The huge diversity of its members meant that we felt totally at home. During the second Kiddush at Wessex's synagogue we went to we heard a shout across the room 'Russell, Alan!' It turned out to be an ex-member of the Jewish LGBT+ group who had moved to Bournemouth some years earlier.

Since joining Wessex I've taken an active part in its services and activities, made many new friends and have now joined its Council. I would certainly recommend anyone in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area and in the neighbouring counties of Wiltshire and Hampshire who has yet to find a welcoming home for their Judaism to come along to one of our services and see what you think.