The only way is Essex... Basildon, to be precise...

It's been a long time since the last Presidential gig, and all of this 'enjoying a weekend at home with a beer and a roaring fire' stuff is very nice, but one does occasionally yearn for a nice local party dinner (yes, really!). So I was rather pleased when Ros accepted an invite from Basildon, Billericay and Thurrock Liberal Democrats to speak there.

The Local Party Chair is Geoff Williams, a bit of a legend in these parts. Regional Executive member, Parliamentary candidate assessor, returning officer, local councillor, he's done and been it all, and is still doing it, in an area not perhaps renown for its liberal tradition. I've known Geoff for some years now, and it was nice to come and see him, his wife and fellow councillor, Linda, and a small but perfectly formed group of local activists, clearly in good form and good heart.

And was a treat in store after our sixty mile drive? Oh yes, with an excellent leek and potato soup to start, followed by some top quality sausages and mash with a choice of four vegetables, I was in deeply content mode. And then, joy of joys, more sausages appeared. Those of you who know me will tell you that, if there is anything better a really good pork sausage, it's another really good pork sausage. Add to that a really good syllabub, and I could rest easy in my chair.

Ros spoke of the challenges of her Presidency, and of coalition, and gave an honest account of the challenges and the opportunities, which seemed to go down well, before the raffle was drawn.There were some very nice prizes, and virtually everyone won something (as it should be), before Ros pointed the car back to mid-Suffolk and home.

All in all, a very good evening, with some new friends made, and some old acquaintances renewed. I wonder where we'll go next?...