Looking back the
conference week goes by so quickly. No sooner have you arrived than
it's time to say goodbye. Blackpool brought out all the good weather
and it was lovely to pop outside and sit in the sun for a few
moments.
The International Lunch was well
supported and everyone looked great in their posh outfits. There
were plenty of International visitors exchanging banners, including
the girls from Holland and one man from Morocco. During the lunch
there was the usual rousing singing of Rule Britannia and the ever
present Dambusters. |
The
guest speaker was Kevin Jones, a doctor who related funny medical
stories and had the whole room in stitches! (sorry) Our Patron
Jennie Bond was also present and it was noted that she wouldn't stop
dancing.
The next morning everyone was allowed
an extra few minutes in bed as the AGM started at 9.15am. President
Sharon introduced us all to our new Patron and Jennie Bond
entertained us with a hilarious view of her work as Royal
Correspondent. |
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The
rest of the morning seemed to be taken up with the girls standing
for National Office and reports from the present National Exec.
There were several interruptions and most of them had a Welsh feel.
The National Family Weekend, the 2001 Conference are all in Wales
and our new National President is from Maesteg. Enter the Dragon! |
Friday morning's National
Council meeting started early and all those standing for National
Office spoke very well, even though the nerves must have been
jangling slightly. The meeting finished with the National Executive
serenading President Sharon with the song - Feeling Hot Hot Hot!
Unfortunately this made Sharon cry and hankies were handed out. Then
the National Council went for a drinks reception followed by a
beautiful lunch at the Imperial Hotel.
Ball gowns and Dickie-bows were the dress code for the Joint
Presidents Banquet and the colours and styles would have put any
London fashion show to shame. |
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One notable absence was
that of the President's husband Keith whose arrival was delayed.
However Lionel stepped in to be her escort for the evening. (or was
that her Fiesta!) Sharon was carried into the Ball - was that wafted
from paradise, no Luton Airport!
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The Final night Party went
down very well with all the Tablers and Circlers taking part as it
was a chance for them all to let their hair down and lots of other
things besides!!! Our Area went for a Chinese meal and then on to
the Winter Gardens for the party. After lots of badge swapping the
evening ended - late but happy.
The whole event from beginning to end was organized very well and
the Conference Conveners seemed to be very calm and took everything
in their stride. Almost duck like!( you know, calm on the outside
and paddling hard on the inside. Well done Blackpool 2000. |