Friday:
7 am: Jenny, Jenny, wake up please!
(Why did we stay up talking ‘til nearly three?!)
We need to leave in half an hour
No cup of tea, breakfast or a shower.
Málaga airport: mega frustration
Queues a mile long, no information,
Confusion, noise and children crying
Remind me how I dislike flying!
John Lennon airport, what a dump,
Paid twenty quid for a taxi fare, felt a right chump!
Wind driving sheets of rain across Albert Dock,
Making the Liverpool wheel whistle and the cabins rock
Wildly.
Saturday:
Women’s conference registration, more long queues
But no so for the “W”s!
Bumped into Eve, then spotted Ann
Then found some seats amidst the cameras.
Rousing speeches from Jennie and Dawn
‘We are phenomenal women’ once more!
And finally, Jeremy, looking tired but excited
Stirred us to our feet, time and again, united.
After all that, our heads were swimming
We are so proud to be Labour Women.
Later, on the Pierhead for the rally planned
With The Christians, The Farm and a lively ska band,
There were hundreds of us dancing in wind and light rain
And we listened to John McD and Jeremy AGAIN!
Brilliant!
Sunday:
Today Conference proper started, with the arrival of all
The delegates, with fringes, debates and motions in the hall
All hell breaks loose, I don’t know where to be
I’m running like a headless chicken from A to B!
Dashing between the Hilton, museums and halls,
Blundell Street, meeting rooms, the ACC and all
So finally, common sense prevails and I think
I will go and relax with a Welcome Drink!
And later, with friends Les and Diana, I enjoy a feast
Of delicious Indian cuisine at East is East!
Perfect.
Monday:
I decided to fill the gaps between speeches and things
With visits to stands, collecting ideas and keyrings.
John McD in the hall showed respect for Jeremy,
Congratulating his friend on his stoic dignity
In the face of all the crap and unrelenting jokes
That come from the Establishment to a decent, honest bloke.
Monday is fringe day for me I decided a bit too late
Filling in the gaps between speeches and debates
With Labour Cycles and Land Campaigns
Anti-Academy Alliance and then a bit of training
The National Education Union and then Stop the War
I’ve collected leaflets, bags and badges by the score
Down to the Training Hub, a couple of 10 minute chats
Then into WordPress training, but I already knew most of that!
Never mind.
Tuesday:
I finally got to understand where our delegates had their places
Instead of trying to spot them amongst a sea of unfamiliar faces
Out for Building an Economy that works for nature fringe
Then onto Woodland Trust for a lovely buffet binge
I think I’ve got the hang of it, I am getting in the mood
Just go to fringes and events where there’s plenty of good food!
Later, Dismantling Hostile environment with David Lammy
Then abandoned Ed’s Big Idea debate – too crowded, hot and clammy
Dashed to Future of Food, Farming and Countryside over in Blundell Street
Then back for the Future of Food policy. Oh! My poor old feet!
Lastly, to Ed’s Quiz for TWT, got there at half eight
Then the Pumphouse and the Hilton, chatting and drinking until late!
Crazy.
Wednesday:
Brunch with John McD, bacon sandwiches and pastries
Got a photo taken with him, although a bit too hastily!
Another lovely man, so sensible, obliging and kind
With a great sense of humour and a quick and active mind.
He tells us the shadow cabinet is champing at the bit
Fully prepared to govern when the Tories finally quit.
Then, finally, two beautiful songs sung by a Liverpool choir
‘He ain’t heavy’ left us with tearful eyes, but hearts on fire.
Then on the platform came Jeremy, to rapturous applause
We listened to the promises to rollback Tory laws.
Labour will enable health and happiness, prosperity and true
Equality for everyone, for the many not the few!
Bring it on!
Kate W