London South CF

London CF Website

2009-03-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

We don't want to take this blog down as it is an excellent record of what London South CF has been up to over the past few years.

Please refer to www.londonconservativefuture for all of London South CF's information now.

London South, North West and North East have all been incorporated into a London wide CF group and details of this group can be found on the website.

Thanks for reading and I hope that you now log onto londonconservativefuture.com

Cllr Clare Hilley
Chair of London CF

Brown's Tax Bombshell

2008-11-27T07:23:00.000-08:00

A big thank you and congratulations to everyone that came out to help in the campaign stunt Monday evening.

Even though the weather was bad we still managed to let the British public know that Brown's Tax Cuts were actually a bombshell!

Here are some pictures to wet your appetite:

London South CF Ball

2008-11-17T06:29:00.000-08:00

On Friday London South CF hosted a ball together with Sanderstead ward at Croydon Airport House.

It was a great event and thanks to all those who came.

Here are some pictures- enjoy!

- - - Campaigning tomorrow - - -

2008-11-14T05:37:00.000-08:00

All London South CF members received an e-mail a few weeks ago detailing the two campaign days that are happening tomorrow.

For those who never read it or have yet to read it or are from other parts of London then please read on!

Richmond Park CF Action Day
Date: Saturday 15th November
Time: 10:30am
Meeting point: Norbiton Station
Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=40435096982

Eltham Action Day
Date: Saturday 15th November
Time: 10:00am
Meeting point: Eltham Station
Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=43462751384

Come campaigning this Saturday

2008-10-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

Come and campaign this Saturday in Croydon for PPC Gavin Barwell.

Time: 10.15am
Meeting point: East Croydon station
Sessions: (1) 10.30am-12pm
FREE LUNCH and DRINKS
(2) 2pm-4pm

RSVP: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

Meeting Dominic Grieve at the Carlton Club

2008-10-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Patron's Club in Croydon for hosting a wonderful event with the Shadow Home Secretary and Shadow Attorney-General, Dominic Grieve MP.

Richard Ottaway MP and PPC Gavin Barwell were also present and it was great to see so many people there.

Campaigning tomorrow all over London

2008-10-17T05:38:00.001-07:00

If you are a CF member based in London then we have got several campaign days for you to attend tomorrow.

Brentford and Isleworth Campaign Day with PPC Mary Macleod

Meet at: 433 Chiswick High Street
at: 10.30am

Campaigning is taking place in two sessions: 10.30-1pm and 2-4.30pm

RSVP: Daniel.Emmett-Gulliver@lexisnexis.co.uk

Croydon Campaigning

Meet at: 169 Green Lane, Norbury
at: 10am

RSVP: croydonconservatives@tory.org

Meeting David Cameron

2008-10-09T04:18:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday London South CF met up with David Cameron in Croydon.

After he spoke at Croydon Town Hall for Cameron Direct (link here: http://www.selfcast.com/Conservatives/recording/3638) he came to speak to us afterwards at Oaks Farm.

He gave an excellent speech and said that even though we are ahead in the polls we must not become complacent.

Meet Sir John Major on 23 October

2008-10-09T04:09:00.000-07:00

A Champagne Reception with Sir John Major in support of the Target Seats Campaigns in Thurrock (PPC Jackie Doyle-Price) and Dagenham & Rainham (PPC Simon Jones).

Date: Thursday 23rd October

Time: 7.30pm

Location: TBA due to security reasons

Ticket: £45

Ticket price includes champagne and canapes

RSVP: 07703056088 or winwithjackie@hotmail.co.uk

Michael Howard in Putney on 14 October

2008-10-09T03:56:00.000-07:00

Putney Conservatives are holding a drinks reception with The Rt Hon Michael Howard MP QC along with Justine Greening MP on Tuesday 14th October 2008 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

There will be a discount to London South CF members and the ticket price is £20 (non CF is £35)

Here are some details from the organisers:

"The venue has a wonderful atmosphere with breathtaking views of Putney Bridge and the river Thames, full length balcony, glamourous decor, beautifully lit, highest quality service from elegant, polite Thai waitresses, award winning architecture. Authentic Thai venue with eight statues of Buddha fed and watered everyday as tradition dictates.

The reception is in a private area described by one reviewer as: 'a sultry and stunning space that marries modern simplicity with rich jewel-toned velvet couches and elaborate etched glass walls.'

The format is a full thai style finger buffet including dim sum, satays, duck spring roll, butterfly king prawns, thai fish cakes and vegetarian options together with a welcome thai cocktail, followed by high quality white and red wines and soft drinks.

Our guest Michael Howard MP has a special connection with Putney following the 2005 election when Justine Greening won the seat from Labour. Justine, currently Shadow Treasury Minister (widely tipped for promotion in an upcoming reshuffle) who has amongst other high profile campaigns spearheaded the fight against a third runway at Heathrow, will be speaking.

This event has a limited number of tickets and as such will be an intimate event."

If you would like to attend then please e-mail Cllr Lucy Allen at: lucyallan@btinternet.com

London South Ball 2008

2008-10-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

Our ball is set in the historic Croydon Airport House where Amy Johnson flew "Jason" her Gypsy Moth to Darwin, Australia that was 11,000 miles away from Britain. It was the first time that a woman had ever flown solo from Britain to Australia.

On arrival you will receive a drink before you sit down to a wonderful 3 course dinner with coffee.

Karen Hardy from BBC's Strictly Come Dancing will be demonstrating with her ballroom dancing partner just why she wins the competition every year!

We've also got live entertainment from the top 5 ballroom dancers in the UK as well as a live band who will play music all night.

Ticket price includes:-
- Drinks on arrival
- 3 course meal with coffee
- Live entertainment
- Live music
- Raffle
- Cocktails

Price: £45 non-CF member and £40 CF member
Dress: Black Tie
RSVP: Clare Hilley- clare_hilley@yahoo.co.uk

London South at Party Conference

2008-09-21T01:29:00.000-07:00

London South is going to Party Conference.

Having been sold out for the last number of weeks this really will be the event of the year.

If you're going and want to catch up with us then these are the few drinking events that we will be at:

Saturday 27th September: CF Evening Drinks Reception
Sunday 28th September: Salisbury Lunch
TRG Conference Cocktail Party
CF Discussion on the CF Reforms
CWF Midnight Drinks Reception
Monday 30th September: CF 10th Anniversary Drinks Reception
Tuesday 31st September: YBF Conference Fringe Debate and Drinks Reception
London Drinks Reception
TB's Party

Also throughout the conference The Freedom Association is hosting a mini-conference called The Freedom Zone. Details can be found here: http://www.tfa.net/the_freedom_association/thefreedomzone.html

Conservative Future Reforms

2008-09-21T01:15:00.000-07:00

To all members in London South:

Conservative Future National Management Executive passed some reforms last week which will change CF significantly. The link is here: http://executive.cfbranch.com/?p=281

Make sure that you comment with your ideas as it is good to have a consultation even if it is after the proposals have been voted through!

My thoughts:
1) I agree that the CF structure needs to change in order to be more efficient.
2) Expenses are an excellent idea and I hope that these are available to every elected position.
3) I do not agree that Area Chairman should be 'optional'. They should either agree to scrap them or keep them. Ambiguity does not help anyone.
4) Equally CF is a democratic youth organisation so the mere fact that the only definitive vote will be for the National Chairman is ludicrous. The document states under Regional co-ordinator and 'optional' Area Chairman; 'election undecided'
5) All elected positions in CF cannot under any circumstances be appointed.
6) As elections cost CF £15,800 this should not be used as an excuse to suggest that it is cheaper and cost-effective to appoint Regional Co-ordinators and Area Chairman.
7) If the NME are ineffective how does replacing them with Regional Co-ordinators change this?
8) Well done to Michael Rock and the rest of the NME for throwing out ABB's proposal of appointing the National Chairman and scrapping the one member, one vote system as this really was an outrageous proposal and is what the Labour Youth Movement do.

London South Campaign in Croydon

2008-09-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

The London South team headed to New Addington in the Croydon Central constituency to help PPC Cllr Gavin Barwell. We canvassed many household and recived a very warm reception on the doorsteps with many new people saying they will vote Conservative at the next election.

Thanks Max Lit, D.E.G, Ben Howlett and Richard Holloway for making a special effort to attend despite the heavy night beforehand!

Come and support Gavin in his marginal seat this Saturday

2008-09-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

This Saturday Croydon Conservative Future is hosting a campaign day in the marginal constituency of Croydon Central.

Meeting point is East Croydon station at 10am and from there we'll travel to our campaign location via tram!

We'll stop for free lunch and drinks and then campaign again in the afternoon from 2-4pm.

RSVP: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

Area Campaign Targets Tooting

2008-08-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

By Steven George

Tooting – August 31 2008, Conservative Future activists have completed a successful action day one of London’s most crucial target seats.

The action day attracted over 20 activists from up and down the country who delivered mountains of election literature to members of the public. The event was organised by Mark Clarke, PPC for Tooting and supported by the membership of London South CF run by Area Chairman Clare Hilley.
The Area structure helped drive people to the event which was also attended by some of the most senior and experienced leaders including Matt Richardson and Christian May.

“It was great to see so many people getting out on the doorsteps and helping CF,” commented Clare Hilley, London South CF.

“By working together we successfully delivered a huge amount of literature to over 12,000 households,” She concluded.

This Saturday join us- we're campaigning in Tooting

2008-08-27T02:36:00.000-07:00

If you're free this Saturday or have not yet made weekend plans, then come and join us!

We're campaiging in Tooting; the seat of last years' National Chairman of CF, Mark Clarke.

The meeting point is Tooting Broadway station at 10.30am.

Please find some more details below from Mark about the event:

"The Tooting campaign days are something of legend. People come to Tooting Broadway station for 10:30. We deliver in the morning. Everyone then gets a slap up hot lunch (for free) in the Selkirk Pub on Selkirk Road. Then we deliver in the afternoon. Then everyone gets drinks in the Selkirk Pub. Lots and lots of them. Again on me. (or rather my long suffering Association Chairman). It's all been agreed with the new CF Campaign's Director, so come along and support. And have an almighty time afterwards."

Friday night in Purley....

2008-08-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

Last Friday London South CF came together in Purley for a night of fun, frolics and entertainment!

We started off in Elliots wine bar, then made our way to Brass Monkeys and ended up in the Treehouse in Croydon.

It was a good laugh and we even managed to convert some people- lets hope that they turn up to the next event!

China fundraising- Politics + Charity= A Good Thing

2008-07-31T03:34:00.000-07:00

A message from Claire Palmer:

Since finishing my term as Deputy Chairman of CF, I have been taking a bit of a rest, as well as reinvolving and increasing my involvement in local politics. I have been keeping up to date with the good work being undertaken by the new Executive, and keep in touch with many of them on a regular basis. I continue to be available to field enquiries, and also to offer advice in setting up branches, particularly in our target seats.

Recently, I have been doing a reasonable amount of walking, in preparation for a 9 day charity trek along the Great Wall of China. Apparently we do up to 7 hours walking each day, and it is pretty hilly and there are lots of steps. The steps range from tiny steps to those that are half your body height which makes for some interesting walking!

The charity in question is the Westminster Challenge which supports three charities: The Children’s Society, Crimestoppers and Cancer Research. The trip also has the aim of encouraging politicians and charities to work more closely together and to support the voluntary sector. I understand that we are also being joined by the Lithuanian Ambassador on the trek. I am aiming to raise £5,000, and am nearly half way there. If 100 CF members donated £25, or 250 CF members donated just £10, that would be the other half.
The link is www.bmycharity.com/clairepalmerchina.

Any support would be gratefully received.

Best wishes,

Claire Palmer

Former CF Deputy Chairman

Summer Events

2008-07-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

Event: August Star Social
Host: Cities of London and Westminster Conservative Future
Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Time: 7:30pm - 11:30pm
Address: The Old Star Tavern, 66 Broadway, Westminster, United Kingdom
Ticket: Free

RSVP: victoriaecparker@hotmail.com

_________________________________

Event: Pimm’s on the Lawn
Host: Croydon Central and South Conservative Federation, Addiscombe Branch
Date: Sunday 10th August
Time: 12 onwards
Address: 93 Clyde Road, Addiscombe, Croydon
Ticket: £7 (entry for children is free) to include first glass of Pimm’s or soft drink, and finger buffet

RSVP or further details: Cllr. Maria Garcia (020 8662 0454 or mgdelahuerta@yahoo.com)

Please bring a garden chair, if you have one

_____________________________________

Event: Summer BBQ
Host: Croydon Conservative Future
Date: Friday 15th August
Time: 7pm onwards
Address: TBA
Ticket: £5 to include booze and BBQ!!

RSVP: Clare Hilley: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

______________________________________

Event: Dinner at the East India Club
Host: The Salisbury Club
Date: Friday 22nd August
Time: 7.30pm-11.30pm
Address: East India Club, St James' Square, London
Ticket: £60 to include 3 course dinner with wine
Dress Code: Black Tie

Dinner will be served in the Canadian Room and will consist of 3 course with wine. As always we will be meeting to raise funds for Conservative Future.

We will meet at 7.30pm for pre-dinner drinks in the East India lounge.

Guest Speaker: Cllr Stuart Penketh - Parliamentary Candidate for Ellesmere Port and Neston Cheshire. Stuart has recently been selected to stand in this very winable seat in the North West. Stuart is also a local Councillor in Bury, Greater Manchester. and will give a short speech at the end of the Dinner.

RSVP: send your cheques to: Cllr. Ben Howlett, Sidney Sussex College, The University of Cambridge, Sidney Street, Cambridge, CB2 3HU

Sad and Disgruntled

2008-07-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

I have only ever used this blog to publicise London South CF events and have never wanted to make a habit of blogging twice a day on my daily opinion (as most bloggers do) as I've always thought that it was a method to stroke one's own ego!

However I am breaking this view as I was e-mailed links by a few friends tonight who were upset about allegations being posted about themselves on these blogs: http://theblueguerilla.blogspot.com/ and http://www.torybear.blogspot.com/

The principle of these blogs are great as it holds people to account but I do not condone personal attacks.

Anyway this will be the only and last opinion post from me so thanks for reading and log on regularly for London South CF updates.

Ken says Thanks!

2008-07-08T05:48:00.000-07:00

Ken Andrews, PPC for Carshalton and Wallington has asked me to thank those who helped him campaign in his constituency.

We had a great day and his partner Pamela made an excellent lunch!

We will no doubt be helping Ken again in the future and for those that missed it this time round, make sure that you come next time!

Campaigning in Bexley tomorrow....

2008-06-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

Bexley Conservative Future are organising a campaign day in support of local resident James Spencer, the Conservative candidate in the forthcoming Christchurch ward by-election on Thursday 3 July.

To those that I have already spoken to or e-mailed about tomorrow's campaign day make sure that you go and to those that have not opened your e-mail yet here is some info about tomorrow's campaign day:

Date: Saturday 28th June
Tine: 9:45am till 5pm
Location: Pick up by Matthew Scott at Bexleyheath station, Avenue Road, Bexleyheath

Contact: Matthew Scott (mobile: 07930128906 or e-mail: join@bexleycf.com)

If you're a member of facebook then please follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=28168489840

A chance to meet and congratulate our newly elected GLA member, Cllr Steve O'Connell

2008-05-27T04:15:00.000-07:00

Steve O'Connell joined Croydon Council in 2002 as a Councillor for Kenley, Croydon, where he lives. He rose quickly through the party ranks holding various opposition Group positions, and particularly found his spell on the Planning Committee useful as one of Steve’s priorities is the protection of our area, particularly back gardens against over development. Steve particularly treasures the Green Belt and in his own words ‘’Will die in a ditch to protect it’’.

In May 2006, Steve became Joint Deputy Group Leader, and on victory, became Joint Deputy Leader of the Council, later becoming Cabinet Member for Safety and Cohesion.

Following his selection as the GLA Candiate for Croydon & Sutton last year, he won this seat two weeks ago with 76,477 votes; gaining 44.08% of the votes cast with a 7.30% increase since the last GLA elections.

The new Mayor of London Boris Johnson has recently appointed him to sit as a member on the Metropolitan Police Authority as well as giving him other appointments.

Come and meet Steve next Thursday 5th June at The Slug & Lettuce, (next to Clapham Junction station) at 7.30pm

It will be a great chance to meet Steve and have a talk over a few beers.....

RSVP: Clare Hilley at: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

Carshalton & Wallington Action Day....with free lunch and free drinks

2008-05-27T04:12:00.001-07:00

Last election in 2005 Dr Ken Andrews fought an excellent campaign and even though the Liberals held the seat with 17,357, Ken managed to increase the Conservative vote by 4% increasing his vote to 16,289.

Based on the break down of the recent GLA results this seat is winnable and we will be campaigning in a ward where we will be able to pick up crucial votes.

Date: Saturday 7th June
Time: 10am
Meeting point: Carshalton train station

Free transport from the meeting point, free lunch and free drinks included.

RSVP: Clare Hilley at: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

Crewe and Nantwich by-election fever.....

2008-05-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

The campaign hotted up this weekend in more ways than one with at least ten London South members hitting the streets and delivering, canvassing and holding balloons!!

After the day fellow CF activists finished the evening at a party where at least one member was drinking till 7am.....

We could win here as on Sunday The News of the World carried a second ICM poll on the Crewe and Nantwich by-election: CON 45%(+2), LAB 37%(-2), LDEM 14%(-2).

They claimed that, "Last week there was a very large proportion of former Labour voters saying don’t know, so it will be interesting when the tables are released to see if the changes are a result of a drop in “Labour don’t knows” ".

Only 4% of people in Crewe and Nantwich said the increase in tax allowances had made them more likely to vote Labour in the by-election, with 24% saying it had made them less likely to vote Labour.

Dates for Your Diary

2008-05-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

After the huge success in the London Mayoral contest and the local elections, it’s never been a better time to get involved with London South CF. Please see below dates for your diary moving forward, we look forward to seeing you!

London South Drinks Evening- Wednesday May 28, 7pm

Slug and Lettuce - Clapham
4 St. John's Hill
Clapham
SW11 1RU

RSVP: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

Wallington & Carshalton Action Day, Saturday June 7
10am onwards , Location TBC
mini-bus pick up outside Carshalton Station (15min from London Victoria)

RSVP: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

Get Involved With Bexley CF

2008-05-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

By Jonathan Lee

Bexley CF was formed in 2003 and the membership is drawn from all three local Conservative Associations; Bexleyheath and Crayford, Old Bexley and Sidcup and Erith and Thamesmead.

Locally, Bexley CF has been very active in recent years supporting the efforts of the Association time, with particular success at election time. At the last council elections in 2006, eight Conservative councillors under the age of 30, were elected. The group continue to campaign on political issues, including youth crime and youth engagement in politics.

On Wednesday 21 May, Bexley CF is holding a social event at:

Lang Sen Vietnamese Restaurant
305 Broadway,
Bexleyheath,
DA6 8DT,

Tickets for this event are £20, which starts at 8pm.

If you could add this to your website, we would be grateful - tickets are available by emailing - join@bexleycf.com

London's New Mayor is a Winner

2008-05-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

By Steve George

The London South committee would like to congratulate Boris Johnson and all activists who helped make his campaign such a stunning success. For months on end, CF members paced the streets of London spreading the message and working hard to deliver Boris into City Hall.

After only a few days in the job, Boris is making a huge difference through swift and decisive action. He is already taking steps to stamp out anti social behavoir by banning booze on the tube and is reaching out to youths by appointing experienced leader Ray Lewis as deputy for young people. Such effective and insightful leadership is cast iron proof that Boris is the man to lead London forward.

Having Boris as Mayor is like a breath of fresh air for all of us. For too long London had suffered from the corruption of Ken Livingstone’s administration and its lacklustre approach to record levels of knife and gun crime.

During his campaign, Boris had to endure a series of callous smears from the likes of the Guardian’s leading champagne socialist Polly Toynbee. Despite the mountains of mud these grotesque commentators chucked at him from their million pound homes, Boris kept moving forward to victory.

We now have a mayor who understands the needs of the people of London and will do everything in his power to tackle crime head on.

Winning team: The Boris CF activists

Expert: Ray Lewis brought in

Congratulations Maidstone!

2008-05-02T05:28:00.000-07:00

A big Congratulations to Maidstone who won with a healthy majority of nine seats bringing the total number of Cllrs to twenty nine on the Council. The last time it was Conservative held was in 1982 and since then it's been a battle between the Liberal Democrats and us.

Well done to everyone who helped with the campaign!!

We've had some amazing wins so far and Labour hasn't performed this badly since the 1960s. A BBC analysis gave Labour a projected national share of the vote of 24% behind the Liberal Democrats on 25% and the Conservatives first on 44%.

Fingers crossed Boris wins this afternoon......
and after that Downing Street for Cameron!

EXCLUSIVE: Hain and Blears ‘Backing Boris’

2008-04-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

LABOUR MPs Peter Hain and Hazel Blears, the bubbly Blairite have both joined the Facebook group ‘I’m AGAINST Labour’s tax on the poor’. Further this, they have both also been tagged in Back Boris logos, which are displayed on the main pages of their profiles.

On the trail with Boris.......

2008-04-28T03:14:00.001-07:00

Our Mayoral candidate Boris Johnson has hit South London again!!

He met with James Cleverly GLA Candidate for Bromley and Bexley, Bob Neil MP and London South CF members! Together they leafleted, canvassed and got the message out that Ken has to go, effectively and quickly to the people in Bromley.

It was a good event and thanks to Patrick Sullivan and the Back Boris team for organising it.

Croydon Central Campaign Day

2008-04-21T03:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all those that braved the wind and rain to join us on our fifth campaign day on Saturday.

We delivered 8,000 leaflets and after our 'curry lunch' we canvassed the surrounding areas.

It was a tremendous effort and I know that the Croydon & Sutton GLA Candidate Cllr Steve O'Connell was very impressed with us all.

(left to right) GLA Candidate Cllr Steve O'Connell, Area Chair Clare Hilley, PPC for Croydon Central, Cllr Gavin Barwell

Deputy Chair Steven George talking to a local resident

The whole team!

All having lunch- a curry!

Campaigning in Maidstone next Saturday 26th April

2008-04-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

If you would like to join the team campaigning in Maidstone next Saturday 26th April then please do let me know- e-mail me at: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

Free lunch and drinks provided as usual and pick up point will be East Croydon station.

An Evening with Liam Fox MP (hosted by G2G)

2008-04-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

Following on from G2G's last event with The Rt Hon Michael Howard MP, they are now hosting another evening of debate:

Topic: The future of global politics: challenges, opportunities, threats?
Speakers:
George Brock (Saturday Editor, The Times and President, World Editors Forum)
Liam Fox MP (Shadow Defence Secretary)
Simon Tisdall (Assistant Editor, The Guardian)

Date: Tuesday 22nd April 2008
Time: 6.45-8.30
Location: Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London, WC1H 9BD
(see www.hamilton-house.org.uk/contacts.htm for directions)

This promises to be a thought-provoking debate with leading policy makers. We are expecting to cover a wide variety of topics, including the Brown government’s foreign policy, the US Elections, the Middle East, the Beijing Olympics and much more.

What’s more: we will be opening the floor for your questions. As always with G2G events, there will be prizes for the best questions!

The event will be followed by a drinks reception, where you will be able to meet fellow graduates and young professionals from across London.

Tickets for this exclusive event are only £5 if purchased online – through www.g2gnetwork.co.uk. We are expecting tickets to run out fast, so make sure to reserve your place as soon as possible. Otherwise tickets cost £7 on the door

G2G provides talks and networking opportunities for graduates and young professionals in London

Campaigning this Saturday in Bromley

2008-04-08T03:56:00.001-07:00

Come and join London South in helping GLA candidate James Cleverly for Bexley & Bromley.

These are the notes from the organiser Cllr Gordon Jenkins:

"Come and help spread the Conservative message in Bromley, which is one of the key areas in which we need to increase the Conservative turn-out on 1st May if we are to get both James and Boris elected.We will be canvassing and delivering in the Priority Wart of Bromley Town on Saturday 12th April from 10:00am to 1:00pm. We will be meeting at the junction of Cameron Road and Stone Road BR2 which is just a short walk from Bromley South Station. All offers of help would be greatly appreciated."

Date: Saturday 12th April
Time: 10am
Finish: 1pm

RSVP: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

Campaign Day in Croydon Central

2008-03-25T10:39:00.001-07:00

Please join London South CF campaigning in Croydon Central. We will be supporting our Mayoral Candidate Boris Johnson, Cllr Steve O'Connell who is the Croydon & Sutton GLA Candidate and Cllr Gavin Barwell who is the our PPC for the coming general election.

This seat was won by us in 2005 with a majority of 75 votes- it is on former Labour minister Charles Clarke's 'doomsday list' as one of the seats that needs to be gained by them if they are going to win the next general election: http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/doomsdaymemo.pdf

The campaign day includes: free transport to location from pick-up point, free drinks and lunch.

Date: Saturday 19th April
Time: 10am at pick up point: East Croydon station

Lunch and drinks are provided free!

RSVP: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

Croydon CF meets Cllr Gordon Jenkins

2008-03-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday Cllr Gordon Jenkins who represents Bickley ward in Bromley came to speak to Croydon CF about the important role of youth in politics. Gordon emphasised the huge contribution that Conservative Future make to national and local campaigns for the party and gave tips to the membership on how they can get the most out of politics.

The group also discussed how they will help Boris Johnson win in the upcoming mayoral elections and how they can help out on action campaign days around London South.

Overall it was an excellent evening, enjoyed by all.

NOTE FOR THE DIARY: next campaign day, April 19th

Generation 2 Generation Presents: ‘Political challenges facing Britain and the World’

2008-03-18T03:51:00.000-07:00

Generation 2 Generation has invited London South to a thought provoking talk entitled, ‘Political challenges facing Britain and the World’ by The Rt Hon Michael Howard QC MP who was Conservative Party Leader during 2003-05 and under John Major was the Home Secretary between 1993-97.

Date: Tuesday 25th March 2008
Time: 6.30-8.30
Location: Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London
(see www.hamilton-house.org.uk/contacts.htm for directions)

This promises to be a thought-provoking talk by one of the country’s leading Conservative politicians and Michael Howard is expected to cover a wide variety of topics, including Gordon Brown as MP, the US Elections, the future of the Conservative Party and much, much more.

What’s more: G2G will be opening the floor for your questions. As always with G2G events, there will be prizes for the best questions.

The event will be followed by a drinks reception, where you will be able to meet budding politicians from across London.

Tickets for this exclusive event are only £5 if purchased online – through http://www.g2gnetwork.co.uk/. They are expecting tickets to run out fast, so make sure that you reserve your place as soon as possible.

Campaigning, booze, food & Rugby in Maidstone this Saturday

2008-03-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

This Saturday Maidstone & Weald are hosting a Campaign Day. The Council is the only one that isn't blue in the county of Kent.

We only need to take one seat off a lib dem (what fun!) that has a majority of six in order to win.

Come and join us for campaigning, free food, booze and rugby watching!

We're providing free transport to the location there and back, a free lunch and free drinks. There's also a chance to watch the Six Nations Rugby at 3pm: England v Ireland!

Date: Saturday 15th March
Time: 10am
Pick up point: East Croydon station 10am
End: 3pm but if you want to watch the rugby then a group of us will be doing so.

Transport to the location, transport back to the pick up point, lunch and drink are provided.

London South CF Campaign In Richmond

2008-03-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

London South Campaign Day: Richmond

London South activists joined Zac Goldsmith for a campaign day in Richmond, a key target seat for the Conservatives. The top team of activists helped Zac and his team deliver campaign literature to hundreds of homes in the Richmond area. Afterwards, the team retired to the pub for beer, burgers and a well deserved rest to hear a speech from Zac on how the campaign is going.

Details of our next campaign will be published on The London South Blog soon!

Thanks to Richard Jackson and Harry Vickers for organising this event.

Conservative Community Link Curry Night

2008-03-03T23:42:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday Badsha Quadir hosted a Conservative Community Link curry night at the Croydon restaurant Fuschia. This was an outstanding evening with representatives from the Sikh, Tamil, Bangladesh, Turkish, Muslim, Pakistani, Scottish, Irish and English communities from all over the borough of Croydon.

Lord Sheikh, Richard Ottaway MP, Cllr Steve O'Connell (GLA Candidate for Croydon & Sutton) and other Croydon Councillors attended.

Thanks to Badsha for organising the event, Tirena for inviting us and Daniel and Steve for representing London South.

Invitation to Boris Johnson's keynote speech

2008-02-27T02:33:00.000-08:00

The Conservative Mayoral candidate, Boris Johnson MP has invited London South to one of his keynote speeches on Monday March 3rd at 10am till 11pm.

If you can come then please do let me know as it'll be great if we could get a crowd from London South together.

Booze & Politics

2008-02-27T02:31:00.000-08:00

Croydon Conservative Future's next booze and politics evening is:

On: Wednesday 19th March
Time: 8pm
Location: The Green Dragon, Croydon

A speaker will be in attendance.

Campaigning

2008-02-20T04:29:00.000-08:00

If you would like to start campaigning at the weekend then please contact me as we are trying to set up a London South campaign team for the coming GLA and Mayoral elections.

This Saturday campaigning will be in Addiscombe, Croydon for Cllr Steve O'Connell who is the GLA Candidate for Sutton & Croydon.

Please contact me if you would like to attend.

Zara's Curry Night

2008-02-14T03:03:00.000-08:00

Croydon Conservative Future held their first curry night at Zara's Kitchen. It was a great event where both Zara the chief and he husband Mohammed the owner told us to scrap the menu and insisted that they were going to cook us a feast! The food was fantastic as was the service and it was great to see all of the members enjoying themselves.

Ben Howlett who works for Syed Kamall MEP came along. Syed has always been a supporter of Croydon CF and has donated to us in the past.

Take a look at the pictures that show us with Mohammed, Zara and Ben.

Celebratory drinks in Clapham

2008-02-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

Last night I hosted a thank you party for all those who helped me in my campaign to become re-elected to London South Area Chair.

It was supposed to be a campaign launch but as I was told that no one else was standing against me and that I'd won outright we decided to make it a celebratory drink instead!

Over the next few weeks I'll be selecting active members from around the area to ask if they want to help over the next year. I already have a few talented members who are very keen to support me over the coming year. They will form the foundations of a London South committee who will have responsibility for campaigning, membership retention and organising fundraisers as well as political speaker events.

This year is going to be a great one for London South and in order for ambitious plans to be implemented we are all going to have to work together.

It was great last night to see lots of new members as well as the 'old crowd' who have been involved, like me, for nearly a decade! However in CF we need people who will get the job done not people who sit there, criticise and complain about those who hold positions.

I personally welcome 'constructive' criticism to my face but not just downright rudeness behind my back. Still I suppose people will always criticise and complain when they're on the outside and not in the inside. My advice is that if you want to change the system, get stuck in, join it and change it from the inside!

Campaigning this Saturday

2008-02-06T07:40:00.001-08:00

If you feel yourself free this weekend and stuck with nothing to do then head on down to any of the Associations listed below.

We are fighting in these key by-elections around London and the results will be a key indicator of how we are doing as a party.

Waltham Forest - Leyton Ward - Polling Day 14 February
Offers of help please to Edwin Northover (candidate) on 020 7786 9045 or 07712 219647; or Colm Nolan (Chairman of Leyton & Wanstead Conservatives) on 07713 316417Camden -

Fortune Green - Polling Day 21 February
Offers of help please to David Newman on 07940714647 or 0207 794 5679 or office@hkconservatives.co.uk

Sutton - Cheam Ward - Polling Day 28 February
Offers of help please to Paul Scully on 07967 651 670 or paul@scully.org.uk

Highgate - Haringey Ward - Polling Day 6 March
Offers of help please to David Douglas on 07740 731619 or ddouglas@conservatives.com

Harrow - Marlborough Ward - Polling Day 13 March
Offers of help please to Rachel Joyce on 07790 757 306 or rachel.joyce@hotmail.co.uk

Tooting: Action Campaign day, CF Hustings, drinking and curry!

2008-02-03T02:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the CF Hustings took place, after a gruelling four hour campagning session in Mark Clarke's seat of Tooting, South London.

The supporters arrived bright and early at 10.00am to help deliver leaflets and letters to the polling districts. The event was a huge sucess with over 30 people turning out to help spread the Conservative message to the people of Tooting.

At about 4pm when campaigining was over for most people we went to the pub and then went into the back room for the main event; CF Hustings! The event was like a bear pit with several members of the CF heckling nervous candidates as they delivered their make or break speeches. I thought all the candidates were credible, but I think that most people's minds were already made up before they entered the room. I know that Steven Ricketts picked up lots of votes by giving a rousing and inspirational speech about the challenges facing modern Britian or perhaps it was due to Andy Peterkin shouting, 'Vote Steve- Get Ricketts!' This made him very memorable indeed!

Overall the day was a triumph with some fantastic campaign work from Paul 'La Machine' Seery delivering over 2,000 leaflets. Many thanks to Madeline and Mark Clarke for organising such a fantastic event.

For those of you that missed the debating clash- it will be on Conservative Home over the next few weeks - so watch out!

Boris endorses Hilley for London South

2008-02-01T14:29:00.000-08:00

Tonight, at a Croydon fundraiser held at Whitgift School where over four hundred people attended, Boris Johnson MP (the Mayoral Candidate) endorsed Clare Hilley for London South Area Chair.

The two have met before through campaigning for the Conservative cause under The Rt Hon Michael Howard MP.

Dinner at Fushia

2008-01-27T09:42:00.000-08:00

Chairman of Croydon Conservatives’ Community Link Badsha Quadir has invited all London South members to a dinner at Fushia restaurant. This will be attended by:

Mr Richard Ottaway MP
(Croydon South)

Cllr Steve O’Connell
(Croydon Cabinet Member for Safety and Cohesion and GLA Candidate, Croydon and Sutton)

Lord Sheikh
(Chairman, Conservative Muslim Forum)

Location: Fushia Restaurant, 3 Brighton Road, South Croydon CR2 6EA
Date: Thursday 28th February 2008

Time: 7 for 7.30 p.m.
Ticket: £17.50
Dress: Lounge suit

Contact: Tirena Gunter at: Tirena.Gunter@posterscope.com

Elect Hilley for London South Chair

2008-01-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

Please come to the launch of my campaign on Thursday 7th February. The pub's a well known favourite of mine and for those of you that are based in the southern parts of London South- no excuse as my home town is Purley that is in the borough of Croydon!

I am assured that there will be many London South members in attendence. A few well known guests may make a surprise appearence to- you'll just have to come to find out who they are!!

Date: Thursday 7th February
Venue: Slug & Lettuce, Clapham Junction, London, SW11 1RU
Time: 7pm onwards
Ticket: Free

Curry, beer and politics

2008-01-20T10:40:00.001-08:00

Croydon CF is hosting a Curry Night- places are on a first come, first serve basis so get in quick!!

Location: Zara's Kitchen, 60 South End, Croydon
Time: 8pm
Date: Tuesday 12th February
Host: Clare Hilley
Dress: Sexy and remember to bring a bottle!!

Contact me at: clare_hilley@yahoo.co.uk

Dates for your Diary

2008-01-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

Date: Tuesday 22nd January
Event: Reception with Steve Norris
Host: UCL Conservatives
Location: UCL, Haldane Room, Gower Street, London
Time: 7.30pm - 11.30pm
Ticket: Free

Contact: uclconservatives@gmail.com

Date: Wednesday 23rd January
Event: Party - Bar Night
Host: Karen Allen
Location: Pitcher & Piano, William IV Street, London
Time: 7.30pm till late
Ticket: Free

Contact: karenallen2@yahoo.co.uk

Date: Saturday 2nd February
Event: CF Hustings and Campaign Day
Host: Mark Clarke PPC for Tooting
Location: Tooting Broadway Station & Selkirck pub
Time: 10.30am till 11.30pm
Ticket: Free

Contact: mark_clarke@tiscali.co.uk

Happy New Year

2008-01-20T10:14:00.000-08:00

A Happy 2008 to you all.

Croydon CF branch held a successful Christmas meal that was attended by twenty members. Afterwards we all went on a typical Croydon bar crawl but luckily no one was caught in a brawl!!

Here are some pictures of the night- enjoy!

The Masquerade Ball

2007-11-08T09:42:00.000-08:00

Last Friday Croydon CF hosted The Masquerade Ball. It was a tremendous success and people came from all over the South East.

It was impressive to see that everyone who attended wore masks and Syed Kamall MEP gave prizes to the people who had the best overall mask, the best homemade mask and the most outrageous mask!!

After Justine Greening MP's speech we sat down to a four course dinner and listened to music played by a jazz-funk band. Mark Clarke PPC for Tooting conducted our auction that raised a lot of funds for the branch.

Dancing and drinking until the early hours of Saturday morning all of Croydon CF breathed a sigh of relief as we were finally able to relax and reflect on what an excellent night it had been.

Thanks to Justine Greening MP, Syed Kamall MEP, Richard Ottaway MP, Cllr & GLA Candidate Steve O' Connell, Mark Clarke PPC for Tooting, Cllr Robert Askey, Katie Tucker, Alistair Cooling and Sarah Davies for their help and support during the organisation and attendance of the event.

Dates for your Diary

2007-09-09T04:40:00.000-07:00

Event: Tooting Campaign Day
Host: Mark Clarke PPC
Date: Saturday 15th September
Time: 10.30am start
Location: Earlisfield station
Ticket: Free
Includes: Dinner and drinks when finished

Contact: mark_clarke@tiscali.co.uk

________

Event: Indian Summer Supper
Host: Lucy and Andrew Pelling MP on behalf of New Addington Conservatives
Date: Monday 17th September
Time: 7pm
Location: Planet Spice, 88 Selsdon Park Rd, Forestdale, Croydon
Ticket: £15
Includes: Three course dinner and Lee Scott MP as guest speaker

Contact: Clare Hilley
_________

Event: Booze and Politics
Date: Wednesday 19th September
Host: Croydon Conservative Future
Time: 8pm
Location: The Green Dragon, High Street, Croydon
Ticket: Free

Contact: Clare Hilley

_________

Event: Richmond Campaign day
Host: Zac Goldsmith PPC
Date: Saturday 22nd September
Time: 10.30am
Location: TBA
Ticket: Free

Contact: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

__________

Event: The Masquerade Ball
Host: Croydon Conservative Future
Date: Friday 26th October
Time: 7.30pm
Location: The Weatherhill Suite, Hilton Hotel, Purley, Croydon
Ticket: £45 before September 30 and £50 after. Tables of ten will be rewarded at £450
Includes: Honorary guests include: Richard Ottaway MP, Andrew Pelling MP, Justine Greening MP, Syed Kamall MEP, Cllr Steve O'Connell (GLA Candidate) and various other PPCs and Cllrs.

Champagne Reception
Four course dinner
Live music
Surprise entertainment
Jazz-funk band
Prize for best mask

Dress code: Black Tie with mask

Contact: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

Another Booze and Politics evening.....

2007-09-09T04:30:00.000-07:00

Following from the two successful evenings at the Green Dragon in Croydon, Croydon Conservative Future is hosting another of these events on Wednesday 19th September at 8pm.

Please do let me know if you can attend. I can be contacted at: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

Croydon CF Drinks

2007-07-22T05:04:00.001-07:00

This coming Wednesday (25th July) Croydon CF are meeting at The Green Dragon pub at 8pm.

Please come along and join us as the new executive will be there discussing the year ahead!

Future Events

2007-07-16T04:06:00.000-07:00

Event: Free Spirits
Organisation: The Freedom Association's Youth Wing
Date: Wednesday July 18th, 2007
Time: 6.30pm for 7pm
Where: The Old Bank of England pub, 194 Fleet Street, EC4A 2LT.
Entry: Free
Contact: Mark Wallace at: mrmewallace@gmail.com

Event: Ealing Southall by-election
Date: Any date before the polling day Thursday 19th July 2007
Time: 9am-9pm
Where: Meet at Ealing Broadway tube station
Contact: Mark Clarke at: mark_clarke@tiscali.co.uk

Event: Boat Party
Organisation: Conservative Way Forward
Date: Saturday September 1st 2007
Time: 7pm
Where: Embankment pier, River Thames
Entry: £40
Contact: Karen Allen at: karen.allen@conwayfor.org

New Croydon CF Executive

2007-07-16T03:55:00.000-07:00

Following Croydon CF's successful AGM last week a new executive for the year 2007-08 was elected:

Patron Richard Ottaway MP
President Cllr Simon Hoar

Chair Clare Hilley
Deputy Chair Political Cllr Russell Jackson
Deputy Chair Finance Cllr Robert Askey
Communications Officer Stephen Hendry
Membership Officer Alister Cooling
Fundraising Officer Katie Tucker
Secretary Andrew Flavell
Officer Without Portfolio Dan Heaton

We have lots of plans for the year ahead and if the rumours are true about a snap general election in Autumn then we are all going to be extremely busy!

Croydon CF meet IDS...

2007-06-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday Croydon CF members attended Lucy and Andrew Pelling's Summer Buffet with The Rt. Hon. Iain Duncan Smith MP as the guest speaker. It was an excellent event and Simon, Paul, Chris, Robert and myself all won prizes on the raffle- we were all very lucky!

Afterwards we all ended up in Croydon and went to the Green Dragon followed by Walkabout. Unfortunately no one sung as it was 'Karoke Night' in Walkabout but there's always next time!

Thanks to Lucy Pelling for organising such an enjoyable evening for us all.

Buffet Dinner

2007-06-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

Lucy and Andrew Pelling MP are hosting a Summer Buffet Dinner with The Rt. Hon. Iain Duncan Smith MP next Thursday 14 June.

If you would like to attend and I haven't already heard from you please contact me via this website or at my e-mail address: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

Event: Summer Buffet Dinner
Host: Lucy and Andrew Pelling MP for New Addington Conseravtives
Location: The Addington Community Centre, Central Parade, Croydon
Time: 7.30pm for 8pm
Entry: £12

Guests: Iain Duncan Smith MP and Andrew Pelling MP
Extras: Auction, raffle, wine and food provided

New Members....

2007-06-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

Croydon CF welcomed Sarah, Andy, Dan, Al and Steve into the branch. Here they all are having a laugh!

Croydon CF Drinks Evening

2007-06-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

Last night Croydon CF hosted an 'informal' drinks evening in the Green Dragon pub. This turned out to be a huge success as the The Hon. Vice President Cllr Simon Hoar won the pool tournament which meant that we got £30 worth of free drinks!

We also welcomed new members; Andy, Steve, Dan, Al and Sarah. All five are excellent as they are enthusiatic and enjoyed the discussions last night as well as the banter!

London South CF Welcomes Castaway's 'Big Al'

2007-06-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

A big welcome from London South CF to Big Al. As you're all probably aware I was on Castaway with fellow contestant Alister Cooling (AKA Big Al). Over the course of the two months we became best friends and had lots of discussion and debate about politics.

As a result he has now joined Conservative Future and he attended his first function last night with Croydon CF at their drinks evening in the Green Dragon pub!

Croydon CF in Channel 4 documentary

2007-06-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

Channel 4 commissioned a series of short films and one of them was entitled, 'Make me a Tory'. This film was directed by Daniel Cormack who went around the UK to 'investigate' Conservative Future. His challenge was to see if he could be persuaded to vote Conservative at the next general election.

He came to Croydon to meet the CF members and myself. Look at this link to watch it and for more info:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0993771/

Summer Drinks

2007-05-27T04:16:00.000-07:00

I hope that whilst I've been away my deputy Cllr Robert Askey has attended to all of your needs?! I would like to thanks him and the executive for all of the support that they have given me whilst I was away in New Zealand.

Our next function will be informal as I think a catch up is required over a few drinks!

Location: The Hogshead, Croydon
Date: Tuesday 5th June
Time: 7pm onwards
RSVP: londonsouth@conservativefuture

I do hope that you can attend and please bring your friends as well.

Battersea CF Drinks Evening

2007-01-15T05:22:00.000-08:00

Date: February 1st
Time: 7pm
Location: The Rise Bar and Dining Room, 49 Lavender Gardens, London, SW11 1DJ
RSVP: Chairman Emma Waterfall (batterseaconservativefuture@gmail.com)

Please find enclosed a link to the location:

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srfx=527754&y=175426&z=0&sv=SW11+1DJ&st=2&pc=SW11+1DJ&mapp= newmap.srf&sear

London South New Year Drinks

2007-01-12T05:03:00.000-08:00

Event: London South New Year drinks party
Date: Wednesday 31st January
Location: Slug and Lettuce, Clapham Junction
Time: 7pm

Entry: Free

This is a chance for all of the London South members to catch up and make plans for the coming year.

Over the last month there has been an influx of new members from across the area.

Guests include potential Mayoral candidates, PPCs and some London South MPs

Please RSVP Clare Hilley at: londonsouth@conservativefuture.com

Croydon CF Christmas Meal

2006-12-22T05:26:00.000-08:00

18 Doughty Street

2006-12-14T12:22:00.000-08:00

I was invited by Iain Dale to appear on 18 Doughty Street with Alice (a fellow CF activist) and Alex (an ex-Labour candidate).

Log onto and tell me what you think: www.18doughtystreet.com

A new CF branch....

2006-12-14T12:17:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago I was invited by Bob Neil MP to attend his constituencies Annual Dinner.

It was a wonderful evening and I was pleased to meet several active CF members there. The Rt Hon William Hague MP was the guest speaker and I now know why people will pay the high prices for his after dinner speeches!

He was amazing and kept us all entertained with his jokes about Gordon Brown and Tony Blair.

In the next coming months Bob Neil, his Association and myself will be planning effective ways on how we can increase CF membership and activity in this ward. Even though Bromley and Chistlehurst is a safe Consertive seat we can never relax and sit back- we must continue to work hard and campaign here.

Watch this space for the launch party of Bromley and Chistlehurst CF group.....

Events for your Diary

2006-11-29T05:11:00.000-08:00

Organisation: Southwark & Bermondsay CF
Event: Christmas Drinks with Syed Kamall MEP
Date: Monday 4th December
Location: TBC - London Bridge Area
Contact: Melissa Bean at: southwarkconservatives@googlemail.com

Organisation: Conservative Way Forward
Event: Political Journalists' Question Time With Camilla Cavendish (leader writer, The Times), Janet Daley (The Daily Telegraph), Jo-Anne Nadler (broadcaster, writer & author of 'Too Nice to be a Tory'), Patrick O’Flynn (Chief Political correspondent, Daily Express) & Peter Oborne (Daily Mail & Evening Standard)
Date: Wednesday 6th December, 18:15 for 18:45 until 20:30
Location: Wallacespace, 2 Dryden Street , London WC2E 9NA
Tickets: £10 (£5 for CWF Associate Members & free for full-time students with ID)
Contact: Gary Mond at: gary@conwayfor.org.uk

Organisation: Croydon CF
Event: Christmas Party
Date: Friday 15th December, 19:30
Location: The Little Bay Restaurant, Selsdon Road, Croydon
Tickets: £18
Contact: Simon Hoar at: simonjameshoar@hotmail.com

Organisation: Conservative Future
Date: Tuesday 19th December, 18:00
Event: Christmas Drink Reception with Rt Hon Francis Maude MP
Location: The Sterling, The Gherkin, 30 St.Mary Axe, EC3A 8EP
Contact: Sarah Southern at: sarah.southern@conservatives.com

Croydon CF Christmas Meal

2006-11-28T09:24:00.000-08:00

Croydon CF's Vice Honourary President Cllr Simon Hoar wants a Christmas party so badly that he booked the best restaurant in Croydon.

Described by 'The London Eating Guide 2005' as; 'One of Croydon's hidden gems' this place is guaranteed to get all of our membership coming out on a cold winter's night.

Location: The Little Bay Restaurant, Selsdon Road, Croydon
Date: Friday December 15th
Time: 7.30pm

Dress: Smart and sexy!
Price: £18 a head (£5 deposit before December 31st and remaining amount to be paid on the night)

To make a reservation or if you need more information please e-mail Simon Hoar at: simonjameshoar@hotmail.com

Meeting Thatcher at the CWF Dinner

2006-11-28T09:15:00.000-08:00

Last night Conservative Way Forward (CWF) hosted their Annual President's ball at the Dorchester ballroom in London.

It was a magnificent event and at the beginning of the evening Lady Thatcher walked around the champagne reception where she was greeted by some of the guests. Myself and some fellow London South CF members managed to talk to her for quite a while and during this time the photographer managed to get a picture of us all with her.

After the meal Dr. Liam Fox MP spoke and it was brilliant- I bet there were a few people in the room kicking themselves by voting for Cameron in the leadership elections. The end of his speech was rounded off by thunderous applause with the majority of the hundred CF guests standing up.

To finish the evening off there was an auction that raised over £24,000.

This was an excellent event and next year London South will aim to get at least thirty members along.

CF Women's Conference

2006-11-27T05:25:00.001-08:00

On Saturday, Conservative Future held a woman's conference at CCHQ and as one of the few female Area Chairs in the UK I felt obliged to attend. The delegates came from as afar as Edinburgh and Devon and we all seemed to get on really well.

Even though I've been in Conservative Future for over seven years I learnt a lot. The conference was interesting and even though I was a little late I still managed to hear the new CF executive speak. Mark Clarke who is the new CF Chairman is really changing CF for the better. He seems to be addressing female issues that most male members have previously ignored.

Our aim of setting up three new branches across London South by May 2007 is strongly supported by Mark and his executive.

The Casino Royale Ball

2006-11-27T04:59:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, Croydon Conservative Future held a ball at the Hilton hotel in Croydon. Over one hundred guests attended and they came as far as Exeter, Hull, Edinburgh and Lancaster.

The theme was, 'Bond' and this event coincided with the release of the Casino Royale film.

After a few glasses of wine and magic tricks everyone was called to be silent as the after dinner speaker Richard Ottaway MP spoke. He regaled the room with a few jokes and one of them caused a raised eyebrow on an older guests face! However this was soon rectified as the live band starting playing 40s jazz music that pacified the older people. They took to the floor and waltzed and tangoed so well that I was ashamed of my 90s style-dancing!

The casino opened after dinner and at the end of the evening three prizes were awarded to the people who made the most amount of money on both the roulette and poker tables. Thanks to Badsha Quadir, Mr and Mrs Pelling and Conservative Way Forward for donating these prizes.

It was a brilliant event enjoyed by all and I would just like to thank my loyal executive for making it all happen- especially Cllr Robert Askey and Cllr Simon Hoar.

For those that would like to view the event's photographs with the possibility of buying one, please contact our photographer; Cllr Simon Hoar at: simonjameshoar@hotmail.com

A Big Welcome.....

2006-11-22T04:33:00.000-08:00

Over the next year this will be home to London South CF.

London South is made up of twenty seven constituencies and with over three hundred members, this makes us one of the largest CF groups in the UK. We currently have three CF branches within London South and are looking to increase this number by at least 100% in the next six months.

This blog will list our coming events and it will also detail useful information about the main party, Conservative Future and our affiliation organisations.

Feel free to comment on any of the posts written here and I hope that you find this a comprehensive and useful tool to use over the next year.

Clare Hilley
Area Chair for London South CF