Prime Minister handed stadium leaflets! Scoop!

[somerset]

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

It is quite humbling to see the efforts that you lot are making, it must take a toll on your social and work lives, top effort.

I sometimes think I don't do enough ( no I am not fishing ), though I do contribute financially to the club/NSC/FFA when it is appropriate, but due to location out West, it is difficult...... but carry on guys and gals,.... you are heroes.

 

[Sorrel]

I'm so impressed with everything that's been done at the Labour Party Conference. Great work everyone!

 

[CHAPPERS]

Top bombing everybody!!

 

[SK1NT]

Best quote of the meeting - from Liam Brady.

"Mark McGhee has a huge advantage over me. He is working with Dick Knight. I had to work with Archer and Bellotti".

bit concerned that cherie didnt already know what was going on regarding falmer!at least she knows now though

 

[On the Left Wing]

Re: Re: Prime Minister handed stadium leaflets! Scoop!

I don't know why the Falmer For All team think it's worth cozying up to the Blairite faction in the Labour Party.

Can't they see the writing on the wall?

The future's bright, the future's Brown.

SECURITY Breach ... who let that bearded terrorist in?!

 

[Northstander]

"The Future's bright, the future's FALMER!"


Big hello to all those nimby's!



You'll be able to soon see the follwoing in the local area!

 

[sully]

Tim and Paul, we are not worthy.



When we get Falmer, you guys will be the absolute heroes of the campaign. It might take a lot of people to get the message across, but it takes leadership to organise such an effective campaign as you guys have pulled together.

 

[Man of Harveys]

I'm sure I'm not the only one who maybe forgets or takes for granted that we have some really extraordinary invidividuals who are fighting for this club's future. And - to declare an interest, as politicians do - I've never met one of them.

But, Jesus, let's face it: no other football club is lucky enough to have an historian like Tim Carder involved in writing books about it, let alone campaigning. And to have the expertise and dedication of someone like Paul Samrah is another blessing.

And now this episode - they're lobbying the sodding Prime Minister about our football club FFS! Yes - that same football club that 2000 of us sat watching in the pouring rain at Gillingham. Truly amazing.

Magnificently well done to all involved, throughout, it's been quite a week. I really don't know how you do it. But it WILL work.

 

[itszamora]

Marvellous scenes, wish I could have been there. A big well done to everyone involved

 

[Bwian]

Well done Tim, Paul and others for delivering the message to Tony and Cherie Blair and other Labour delegates-the NIMBYs really don't have a prayer when our campaign is so focused and inventive. I just wish I could have helped but it's difficult when living in Guildford.

As much it pains many on NSC-the Labour Party is our best hope for a new stadium and our campaign this week will have hit home. Tories throughout Sussex are and always have been against us, and the Lib Dumbs are the Lib Dumbs-hello Norm

This club and its supporters have shown resiliance and persistance that make me proud to be an Albion fan.

 

[The Large One]

Top bombing everybody!!

Probably not the wisest thing to say at a party conference in Brighton.

 

[saltash seagull]

fantastic job both paul and tim are doing i tried to find the time 2 get down and help at the conference but just couldn't fit it in how you both manage to fit all this in is unbelivable

 

[Oval Gull]

As much it pains many on NSC-the Labour Party is our best hope for a new stadium and our campaign this week will have hit home. Tories throughout Sussex are and always have been against us, and the Lib Dumbs are the Lib Dumbs-hello Norm

...not the whole picture. Yes there is Norman and co in Lewes but the Lib Dems on Brighton and Hove Council were all supportive of the stadium and voted for it on the planning committee...

But moving on, congratulations to all involved with organising the fringe meeting and the march - as somone who has organised fringe meetings in the past at all 3 party conferences, I know it takes a lot of work to make them successful.

Big round of applause!

 

[b.w.2.]

A BIG THANK YOU to Paul, Tim and all involved... I was on the March and thought it went down brilliantly... fantastic job...

And now this encounter with the PM and his missus... oh, and the fringe meeting, conference delegate lobbying, etc., etc...

 

[Soton Seagull]

Absolutely excellent work by everyone involved. You are all an inspiration to fans of 'provincial clubs' around the country

 

[Henfield One]

And from tonight's Fabian Society Fringe Meeting.....Peter Hain MP(Leader of the House) said, in response to a Stadium question....

"A new stadium has transformed the fortunes of Hull. Swansea are pressing ahead with plans for a new stadium - I welcome it as a football fan. I can't comment on Brighton's plans for obvious reasons, but I can see how new stadia have an enormous positive impact...."

"There is a worrying increase in NIMBYism, we need to streamline the process and listen to the views of the communities, they are so important".

"If London does host the Olympics, new stadia will be very important".

"Sport plays a huge role in education & training".

And finally, before he left the stage - the following observation made by an FFA bod drew huge applause...."We welcome you to Brighton and look forward to welcoming you & the Labour Party next year too. We hope you retain the 3 seats in Brighton & Hove, if John Prescott says YES you will."



"

 

[Bwian]

Whoever that man was...

 

[Raphael Meade]

bloody well done to tim, paul, ed and everyone involved!!!

the effort put in by the FFA team is absolutely bloody oustanding!!

i think just 'the falmer for all stadium' would sum it up quite nicely when deciding the name!!

 

[Yorkie]

Falmer for All not just the few