The History Man
Active member
The Albion hosted a fringe meeting at - appropriately - the Royal Albion Hotel tonight to explain the stadium situation to conference delegates.
I was there with Paul Samrah arranging the room when we decided we needed a drink. Paul went upstairs to be informed that Tony Blair was arriving in a couple of minutes for a union function, so we grabbed some of our literature and returned upstairs.
Two minutes later we were standing in line in the foyer when in came Tony with Cherie. As they approached I said, "Prime Minister, can I give you a seaside postcard from Brighton?" (This was one of our four-picture postcards we sent to MPs a few months ago.)
He stopped and accepted it, and said, "What's this then?" As Paul handed Cherie some more campaign literature, I said, "It's about the stadium at Falmer."
Cherie then asked, "Yes, what's it all about?" in a very interested manner. Paul whispered to her, "It's with John Prescott at the moment."
At this point the Prime Minister said something along the lines of "Ah, ministerial decision" and that was the end of the conversation. They moved off into the function room.
But it shows that the campaign we have mounted over the past few days and indeed months - and years! - is getting through right to the very top of the Government!
THey left about 15 minutes later, just saying "Hello" to all the people now gathered there.
In addition, Alan Keen MP (chairman of the All Party Football Group) was at the meeting and praised the campaign. This has been expressed to me by other delegates as well. They appreciate the humour, the fact that we are not attacking the Government or Labour Party like other protestors are, but using that humour in banners along the sea-front etc. The revelry of yesterday's march was greatly appreciated. The message is getting through.
And not only that, I also spoke to Richard Caborn at a fringe meeting today who was extremely supportive.
Quite a day. We are going to win this!!
Thanks to all those volunteers who gave up time to help with the lobbying of conference delegates. It is much appreciated.
Tim Carder
Chairman
BHA Supporters' Club
I was there with Paul Samrah arranging the room when we decided we needed a drink. Paul went upstairs to be informed that Tony Blair was arriving in a couple of minutes for a union function, so we grabbed some of our literature and returned upstairs.
Two minutes later we were standing in line in the foyer when in came Tony with Cherie. As they approached I said, "Prime Minister, can I give you a seaside postcard from Brighton?" (This was one of our four-picture postcards we sent to MPs a few months ago.)
He stopped and accepted it, and said, "What's this then?" As Paul handed Cherie some more campaign literature, I said, "It's about the stadium at Falmer."
Cherie then asked, "Yes, what's it all about?" in a very interested manner. Paul whispered to her, "It's with John Prescott at the moment."
At this point the Prime Minister said something along the lines of "Ah, ministerial decision" and that was the end of the conversation. They moved off into the function room.
But it shows that the campaign we have mounted over the past few days and indeed months - and years! - is getting through right to the very top of the Government!
THey left about 15 minutes later, just saying "Hello" to all the people now gathered there.
In addition, Alan Keen MP (chairman of the All Party Football Group) was at the meeting and praised the campaign. This has been expressed to me by other delegates as well. They appreciate the humour, the fact that we are not attacking the Government or Labour Party like other protestors are, but using that humour in banners along the sea-front etc. The revelry of yesterday's march was greatly appreciated. The message is getting through.
And not only that, I also spoke to Richard Caborn at a fringe meeting today who was extremely supportive.
Quite a day. We are going to win this!!
Thanks to all those volunteers who gave up time to help with the lobbying of conference delegates. It is much appreciated.
Tim Carder
Chairman
BHA Supporters' Club
brilliant
