Message from the Conference Committee

 First there was the planning; two years of hard work, monthly meetings and weekly teleconferences, ideas coming and going, detail to organise, speakers to find, stewards to recruit and people to invite.

Then the greetings from far and wide – HM The Queen, Caroline Lucas MP for Brighton, Nick Clegg Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Alex Salmond First Minister of Scotland, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northen Ireland, Carwyn Jones First Minister of Wales, Mary McAleese President Republic of Ireland, Clare Christian President Tynwald Isle of Man, Alistair Harrison, Governor of Anguilla, Chief (Mrs) Nkechi U Okemini Mba, National Women’s Council of Nigeria, Dolores Cristina Minister of Education Employment and the Family Malta, Ralph Gonzalves Prime Minister St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Then the challenges; the flags couldn’t be carried down the aisle of the auditorium as the balcony was too low, the key note speaker 6.5 miles away 15 minutes before she was due on stage, the certificates for the Honorary members just making it to stage on time.

The highs; the slickness of registration, the Opening Ceremony, the professionalism of the speakers, the enthusiasm of the workshop leaders, the dedication of the clubs who presented, the helfulness of stewards, the wonderful delegates, the hustings, the sell-out stalls and the £1 million cheque.

Afterwards; the party, the dancing, the atmosphere, kick ones shoes off, the soak in the bath reflecting on a job well done.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this a conference to remember.

Ed: Thanks to the Committee too!