There is nothing like a Regional Conference to stir the blood...

...except perhaps two on the same day...


So, what was I doing in the North West? Naturally, I was in Widnes to attend a Regional Conference (I get everywhere eventually). However, the life of the First Husband is nothing if not glamorous, and I was only able to stay for about an hour before heading off for another engagement. However, I did get a chance to catch up with a number of people, including Mark Alcock from ALDC, Stan Collins, former Chair of the English Party, and Vera Roberts, whose graciousness in hosting a slightly battered bureaucrat was so appreciated last year.

Everything seemed to be running smoothly there, but then, with a female President, Flo Clucas, a female Chair, Sue McGuire, with Vera on registration and the formidable Jeanette Crosland as Regional Conference Chair, it was unlikely to be otherwise.

Off then to Solihull by train, using the London Midland service. We've had problems with London Midland in the past but, on this occasion, everything ran smoothly. Their staff were efficient and friendly, the trolley service was delivered well, and if only their management weren't so utterly useless, they might yet be an adornment to our national transport system.

Apparently, things weren't going as well in Solihull, although it was hard to find out exactly why. However, the question and answer session went well, and it was nice to catch up with Martin Turner and Lorely Burt, whose skills as a dancer were noted with approval. But again, it was time to go. The day wasn't over yet, and there were still miles to go before I slept...