Message from GNLD Convener

In case you are surprised by the name at the end of this, Rosie Ilett had to step down because of pressure of work. Many thanks are due to her for everything she did during her tenure and, particularly, for seeing us through the General Election.

So I have taken over until the AGM. It feels a bit like having come full circle as, if I remember correctly, my first official role in a local party was much the same – only in those days it was Maryhill and we were simply the Liberal Party. That will give you some clue as to how long ago it must have been and actually it was considerably more than that.

We have grown enormously in numbers since those days and become much better organised – although we still have much to do in that regard. But I have discovered that one thing has not really changed. Members rarely believe they are wanted and needed to join in activities unless someone approaches them personally about a particular one. We are trying to find ways in which we can do this as much as possible but, given the current size of the membership, it is not always going to be manageable.

And – though there was a time when it must have seemed as if it was – it is not all just about delivering leaflets. As you can see from this newsletter, we have a varied programme of events, from purely social occasions through policy discussions to “flying the flag” at public events. Every member, too, has the right to attend conference and help shape what the Party does on a wider basis.
Of course, another thing that hasn’t changed is just how busy so many of our members are, either with work or commitments to the community in which they live. Sometimes, too, health does not permit much by way of active involvement. So one thing I would like to see is the newsletter becoming a vehicle for comment, not just - but especially - by those for whom email or post is the most user friendly means of keeping in touch.

But this is still a plea to be as active as you possibly can. Besides all the events, we shall be hoping for new recruits for the committee at the AGM. Even if you do not want to join the main one, there are various sub-groups – membership, events, fundraising, communications, campaigns and so on – into which you might want to have some input. I know that the indefatigable Hugh is busy updating help sheets as I write but it would be really helpful, too, if people could come forward with a note of any contribution they would really like to make.

With my thanks

Elspeth Attwooll