Keep in touch

SDCA is contacting all our members by telephone to gauge their views on SDCA; what we do, how they like to communicate with us and to what level they would like to be involved in promulgating our activities.  It will be a useful barometer of political involvement in the constituency and I am looking forward to the feedback.   

When our government is making difficult decisions that they know will be unpopular but necessary it is vital that we are the advocates for all that is best in our administration.  The last government tried only to make popular decisions, by throwing money and words at everything, and look at the trouble they caused us.  In difficult times it is easy, and a little understandable, to keep one’s head down and look after number one but we are all in this together and we must look after each other, make the case for these difficult decisions, and keep the momentum of change going.  Would we really want a return to a Labour Chancellor who is advocating the same programme as Gordon Brown?

It is very easy to relax after an election victory but after a well earned rest we must return revitalised.  If we let our distribution networks lose touch, our committee meetings lapse, our fundraisers fail to take off we are storing up more work for ourselves.  We must continue to keep our machinery going and our parties enjoyable.  We must never forget that all political work is voluntary, paid for by local subscriptions but it is the congregation of people that keeps the party alive.  Please keep in touch and join up. 

SDCA has given an internship to a local girl who is keen to progress in marketing to plan, write, execute and evaluate the project which we aim to complete before the end of November.  I am delighted that we are able to provide some practical assistance that will help to improve employment chances in our area.  If someone is looking for a graduate to fill a marketing role please get in touch.  Our last intern has started her training to be a barrister so we are trying to do our bit!

Conservative Party Conference

I found it a great conference; it was a good venue and there was much that was illuminating.  But three experiences stood out. 

A splinter of three middle aged TUC campaigners on their way home crossed the road to shout and spit at me.

An emotion stirring speech in the education presentation

A few stolen minutes in the Lowry exhibition

Obviously there was much else that was good and I spoke extensively to the party about Membership and constituency business but I would like to concentrate on these three.

The TUC activists were so riddled with hatred that they could not contemplate allowing me to speak let alone listen to me.  They vented their spleen and went home.  I fear that as we address our economic problems that people will shrink into their comfort zones and not engage in the debate that will rescue them and us.  It is not easy to reach those who will not listen but we must be a listening and reasoning people to become a community.  Now is the time to become engaged in politics, to talk, and listen and support the principles we believe in.   

Of much greater import were the speeches on education adn to hear from teachers and pupils.  It is wonderful to see what this government has achieved in the last eighteen months; how political acts are changing the lives and prospects of children and families throughout their lives.  Even if we are able to right the economy in record time this administration will be remembered and thanked for its Education Act.  These are the reasons why people get involved in politics; to make things happen; to improve our society and create opportunities.  It is not to close down debate, spout slogans and generate hatred.

We all have memories of Lowry pictures but looking at them in situ, not far from where they were painted, and seeing them in proportion to all his other work was wonderful.  The gallery was impressive, the regenerated docks impressive, the tram brilliant but I saw few of Lowry’s people.  The area was one step from being deserted. It needs Lowry’s crowds.  I hope they come and give life to that which was built for them.

Birmingham next year, please get involved, it is always rewarding if your eyes and ears are alert.