Dear Friends,
I am writing in my capacity as the new Chairman of Beverley and Holderness Constituency Liberal Democrats to offer you my best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
On Saturday 22nd November 2008, at the Beverley and Holderness A.G.M. Malcolm Lynn stood down from being Chair after many years at the helm, although he will still be working hard for the Liberal Democrats along with his wife Carole, County Councillor for South West Holderness. For those who do not know me I stood for North Holderness in the 2006 local elections, missing out narrowly to John Whittle. At 41 married to Guy we have two girls Lorna 13 and Millie 5. I am involved with a number of local groups one being Chair of Seaton Parish Council, as well as running Seaton Post Office.
Nationally, of course we have experienced the most turbulent period on the stock market since 1929, with major banks having to be rescued and governments around the world being forced to take surprisingly radical steps to try to stave off a recession, or worse. In all this turmoil, Vince has showed himself to be very perceptive in his analysis and a voice of reason. By contrast, the Tories do not seem to have recognised the scale of the problems and they seem just to be interested in appealing to their core vote. So, for Liberal Democrats, there is a plus in all this.
We recently had the election for the President – Baroness Ros Scott clearly voted in by the electorate, who has shown that this is a time for change and looking forward to a more promising future.
Locally, the main political event in our constituency was last January, when we selected John Beacroft-Mitchell as our candidate for the next General Election. We also selected the candidates for the Euro-election, with Diana Wallis and Stuart Arnold being selected as our first and second candidates.
It is also not too early to start planning for 2011. If you are interested in standing – or might be interested – or know someone who is – please let our Committee know, so we can get things moving.
Socially back in October, we were pleased to have Lord David Shutt MP, Chief whip of the House of Lords since 2005 and John Beacroft- Mitchell as speakers at our Annual Dinner, which was at the Lairgate Hotel, Beverley. The event was a great success both socially and financially and Lord Shutt gave us an entertaining speech with insight to his political history. Following the success of the whole evening a booking has been made to hold 2009 Annual Dinner there. The dinner is a wonderful social event open to all members of the Liberal Democrats to meet and greet, it would be nice to see some new faces, so I hope that you will consider joining in the fun Next Year.
The Theatre Club which is run by John and Carol Bird has had a good year, with visits to a wide range of shows, If you would be interested in joining the group for a trip to the theatre, please give John a ring on 01482 882720.
Looking forward to next year, Beverley and Holderness Liberal Democrats will hold its first meeting in February the date will be available on our web site www.bevandholdlibdems.org.uk in January 2009. Also look out for some of our social occasions to which you and your family are very welcome to attend.
With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year,
Yours sincerely,
Nicola Salvidge
Chairman – Beverley and Holderness Liberal Democrats
