Over four busy, fascinating, and stimulating days between 25th and 28th September, this was a wonderful opportunity to see the Green Party in action, to participate as a member in democratic discussion and decision-making in the large plenary sessions, and to attend panels, fringes, workshops, go to film screenings and Q&As, and to listen to speeches from our leader and deputy leaders, MP, and MEPs.
On Friday, Cllr Simon Bull, Bournemouth’s first Green councillor, was given the honour of introducing Natalie Bennett in the Bournemouth International Centre, welcoming delegates from across the country to our beautiful and sunny town.
Asked how he felt, Cllr Bull said being asked to introduce Natalie was a great honour. ‘This weekend will be an opportunity to connect with other Green Councillors, exchanging ideas and experience so that I can do my best for both the residents of Winton and Bournemouth.’
Local members enjoyed the chance to meet, network, connect, and socialise with fellow GP members, activists, and supporters, and it was an ideal opportunity to learn more about our campaigns, policies, and activities, and meet other councillors and party officers and workers.
There were popular information stalls from various GP groups, plus external organisations, campaigners, NGOs. and green businesses, as well as local area community & campaign groups such as Transition BH, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, and the anti-fracking movement.
South East Dorset Green Party put on an exciting range of social events, including three very popular evenings of live music in the Beach Marque, supported by a festival-style bar and delicious vegetarian/vegan food from Community Events Network.
Local party members & supporters helped make Conference a great success, as attendees & participants, and of course as our wonderful, hard-working volunteer teams over those four busy days! The local party extends its thanks to those involved working for many months planning, arranging, and organising events and activities as part of the local party support team (who liaised with the National Conference Team), and in particular to those fantastic people who helped run and staff: the Railway Station Meet & Greet team, the busy SEDGP stall in the BIC itself, the raffle organisers and event tickets sellers, and of course the big Marquee/Bar/Community Event Network kitchen down on the beach.
In addition we had a team working in planning and volunteering at the busy SEDGP stall at Bournemouth University Freshers Fair on the Saturday, where we signed up many interested students. Everyone’s hard work and commitment is much appreciated and valued!
Helen Woodall
