I am a first time writer for Lib Dem Voice. I attended the Autumn Conference in Bournemouth, also for the first time. If you are struggling financially (and I know many people are) please apply to the Conference Access Fund. I did, and it’s been a fantastic process.
The vibe and the atmosphere at Conference is one of the most enjoyable experiences in my life. From the security guards, to other party members to those exhibiting and especially the awesome stewards and the conference team.
Having said that (before we get onto other parts of the conference such as the Lib Dem Disco, Fringe Events or Glee Club), the policies that we passed make me so proud of who we are as a party.
Ending period poverty, tackling the Housing Crisis (as amended by Young Liberals), stopping sewage being dumped into our rivers, protecting the ECHR, our health policy, Proportional Representation and so many more policies that were passed at conference show who we are.
Amendment one on housing, proposed by Young Liberals to keep our ambitious 380,000 new homes target was a fantastic amendment and shows how democratic we are and how we genuinely listen to voices and allow members to disagree with leadership and challenge leadership. This is fantastic and is unique, only to us as a party.
It is great is that our members listening to the eloquent Young Liberals has inspired a surge in the polls of 7% amongst 18-24 year olds. We have overtaken the Conservatives among young voters. Young Liberals should be so proud of everything they have achieved at this conference.
Anyway, I digress. Other parts of the conference included the much anticipated Glee Club that I attended with other members of Medway Lib Dems to which we sang “The Land” (about 3 times) “Ode To Liz Truss”, “12 Days of Coalition”, “Part Time Submarine” and more. It was a fun filled and enjoyable night. It got me thinking about writing a song about Medway.
The Lib Dem Disco by ALDC was array with partying the night away with other Lib Dem Members. Music, dance and a lot of drinks. You get to socialise with other members and politicians in our party.
The Fringe Events are also a great place for debates and discussion on party policy, national or even international issues such as the Fringe by the Lib Dem Friends of Palestine.
If you want to attend Conference but can’t afford it, please apply to the Conference Access Fund. It’s worth it.
* Onyx Rist is Membership Development Officer of LGBT+ Lib Dems
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2 Comments
It would have been great if the public transport was better which didn’t run on a Sunday and finished at 6.30pm.
I was in a lovely hotel with fab staff at Suncliff but parking costs were exorbitant and so walking once up and down was tiring enough. I would have loved to have gone to the disco etc but was told those rooms cost £200 a night.
Why can’t we take over a butlins or haven instead of expensive towns if we need a mass gathering we could do it on a beach.
Yes the security guards and stewards were great but I found it was me making the effort talking to everyone else. I won’t go again.
Hi Rachel,
Have you left suggestions with the conference team? There is a conference group on Facebook which the FCC run. Also, did you go to any events? It might also be easier to meet up with others from your local party. Whilst we at Medway did do our own thing from time to time, we also went to Fringe events and bars with eachother so there was familiarity with eachother. Also, if you do find it expensive, please apply to the conference access fund. ☺️