I decided to head away from the Conference centre on Tuesday morning to take part in the Conference version of ‘Challenge Anneka’. Local MP, Tobias Elwood, wanted to see our Conference leave a true legacy in the Bournemouth community. All week local party members and delegates having been travelling to beautiful St Mary’s Church on the outskirts of the city.
The de-consecrated church had been approved for use as a community centre some years ago – but never actually renovated as such. The team has made fantastic progress and are on schedule to complete the project before the end of conference. I was one for three candidates armed with rollers and paint brushes trying to make a small, if not slightly patchy, contribution to this brilliant effort.
In my stint there were people arriving with their suitcases on their way out of town wanted to make their contribution – even if they only had a suit to wear. We would not be Conservative if we did not believe in serving our communities; proving it at this at our conference shows the non-political world that we mean it.
For those who have never been to a Party conference, it is often hard to comprehend just how exhausting the four days can be – and as we get to day three, this year is no exception - there is no lack of enthusiasm but the eyes are a getting a little bleary and voices strained. The last night of conference sees the biggest boom for local restaurants with many private get-togethers, and bookings essential.
I joined one MP and his team at the closest curry house to the Highcliffe. The place was heaving and we got in only to find a shortage of chairs meant it was either the floor or Italian! There is something quite surreal about going into a restaurant knowing that everyone in there is a card-carrying Conservative. I always have some sympathy for the poor couple who booked a quiet romantic dinner for two and have no idea what they have let themselves into!
Back at the bursting hotel bars people were doing a last evening’s card-swapping, intelligence gathering and networking. Candidates can be found trying to make a last ditch attempt to identify the chairman or agent of associations. Last night one overheard many positive comments about IDS and Osborne’s platform performances, which clearly had been well received. Word also came through that Boris had been pursued by the largest press pack ever seen at conference due to his anti-Jamie Oliver lines.
All that said my overriding perception as I left the bar tired and voiceless is the buzz of excitement that can be actively sensed, and I have never experienced at Conference before.
Hannah it was good to see you in Bournemouth - if only very briefly!
Posted by: Sally Roberts | October 05, 2006 at 02:57 PM
Hannah, nice reflection of a very enjoyable conference. The spirit of this years Bournemouth event was very optimistic, something that we have not been able to say about a whole conference for some time.
It was great to see you there and wonderful that you were able to be part of the Community centre project.
Posted by: Simon Jones | October 06, 2006 at 11:09 AM