This year the Romford Conservative Association gathered together for its annual general meeting at the Romford United Reformed Church Hall in Western Road.
As always, the event was a demonstration of the enduring strength and success of the Conservative Association in Romford with its eager and enthusiastic members, young and not quite so young, queuing right along Western Road in order to take their place at the meeting.
It took around half an hour to seat the 400 strong attendees, but thankfully for those waiting the weather was at least clement, bathed as Romford was, in early spring sunshine.
With all members seated the meeting began with the annual report by the Chairman of the Romford Conservative Association; Cllr Osman Dervish. Cllr Dervish commented on the success of the Association’s lively social calendar over the past year.
Particular mention was given to the first Association - wide dinner for many years, which was held at the Harefield Manor Hotel in February. The Association was very honoured to welcome Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, as its guest of honour.
Cllr Dervish went on to praise the work of the various political special interest groups run by the Association: the Conservative Christian Fellowship, Conservative Future, the Conservative Business and Enterprise Club, the Conservative Policy Forum and the Conservative Commonwealth Association.
The Chairman ended with a word of sincere gratitude for the continuing efforts of those members who voluntarily give up their time to assist in campaign work.
Following the Chairman’s report, the Association accounts were read and endorsed, before the Honorary Officers of the Association were elected.
The Chair of the Campaign Committee, Cllr Damian White, then briefly outlined the Association’s electoral strategy for the remaining nine weeks until the local and European elections on 22nd May.
This point was echoed by Andrew Rosindell MP, during his own address to the Association. Rosindell spoke of his pride at being able to represent a Parliamentary seat with such a strong local Association, before going on to thank the gathered members for their continued support.
The meeting closed with the singing of the National Anthem.