Adopting Roger Williams - such a good idea, they did it twice!

In some parts of the country, there is a tradition of holding formal adoption meetings. It doesn't happen everywhere, but it offers the opportunity to press release the launch of the campaign, but also to rally the troops. In Brecon and Radnorshire, with two old Welsh counties within its boundaries, there is a natural, if friendly, rivalry, so this year, the Local Party decided to have two, one in Brecon for Brecknockshire, and one in Llandrindod Wells for Radnorshire.

This meant retracing our steps somewhat, and we made our way to the Castle Hotel in Brecon for the first instalment of 'Roger Williams, our Local Voice'. I bounced out of the car and reached for my jacket... which wasn't there... There was a dawning memory of putting it on the back of a chair in Merthyr, and an equivalent realisation that I was,kt going to get back to collect it, my wallet or the mini camcorder leant to me by the Party. Not good... However, I rang Kevin who, coincidentally, was heading down to Cardiff to stuff some envelopes. He was kind enough to agree to convey my things to the Cardiff campaign HQ for later recovery...

It is a sign of the respect earned by Roger that his adoption meeting was hosted by Kirsty Williams and addressed by the Party President, both of whom spoke with passion about Roger's qualities and of how dreadful it would be to lose the seat, and the election, to the Conservatives. Kirsty, who lives in, and represents the constituency, spoke of how she didn't want to wake up on 7 May having a Conservative MP to represent her.

The adoption itself was proposed by Richard Livsey, the much-loved and hugely respected former MP for the constituency, and now Lord Livsey of Talgarth. I have a very high regard for Richard, and took the opportunity to compliment him for his speech in the Lords on the pig industry.

Roger spoke of the 1909 meeting at the Albert Hall in Llandrindod Wells, where 1200 people crammed in to debate the 'People's Budget', the largest meeting of its type anywhere in the country, with 200 more unable to gain entrance. Conservatives and Liberals battled to win the day for their side, and a song was published in the local newspaper, proclaiming the virtues of the proposals. Yes, Liberals, and in particular, Lloyd George, were campaigning for fairer taxes even then...

Onwards to Llandrindod Wells, where a repeat performance was given in the old Spa Rooms, before we adjourned for an excellent dinner at the Hotel Metropole. Ros was worth it...