An Open Invitation

I have always believed that for democracy to be democratic its institutions have to be democratic. Within a democracy such as ours, the parties are the institutions which must exemplify this the most.

The recent events within Surrey Conservative Future have shown that parts are perhaps not as democratic as they should be; however, it is an organisation which has suffered more than many others from knee jerk reactions and sense of proprietorship, even ownership, by some of its more senior members.

The Epsom and Ewell Branch of Conservative Future is not like this; if it were I would not be a member, and certainly not its chairman. I have consulted with my committee and I have consulted with my members, we will not take part in the rushed attempt to save face which is being pursued by some individuals. We will not cast a vote for candidates who have yet to even declare, we will certainly not cast a vote without being able to read all the candidates manifestoes, most importantly we will not cast a vote before we have given a chance to those candidates who wish to stand to speak with us, and convince us of their worthiness of receiving our vote.

I therefore have the honour to announce that rather than vote we shall extend an open invitation to our regular monthly event, to all candidates wishing to stand for national positions in the CF to attend and talk to our membership. I would further request that as many members from the wider Surrey area, from greater London, in fact from anywhere attend and listen, but most importantly put their questions to those candidates who come.

My name is Alexander Clarke, and I am the Chairman, not the dictator, of Epsom and Ewell Conservative Future and on behalf of the branch committee and the members of EECF hereby extend an invitation to all Party Members and Friends interested to attend the Epsom Conservative Club, on Friday the 27th of August. Please arrive for 20:00hrs to enable people to get drinks, food and a seat, speakers will begin from 20:30hrs. The committee and I look forward to seeing you.

For any additional informaion, please contact us at epsom.ewell.conservative.future@gmail.com

Epsom & Ewell CF hosts ‘How to get the Young into Councils’

By Alex Clarke (Chairman EECF)

This month was a special month, as many of Epsom and Ewell’s Conservative Future’s Committee members had been recently told they had been successful in being selected to run for borough council. With that in mind we had organised for some young councillors to come along and tell us about how they were elected, about how they cope with the pressures of work and being a councillors, and mostly to provide us with their ideas on how to be a good a councillor for the residents whom you represent.

The list of those who made it to the panel is pretty impressive; Rowan Cole is the Councillor for Walton Central (Elmbridge Council) as well as the recently appointed CF Area Chairman for Surrey, Michael MacDonald who is the first conservative councillor for Trench (Tonbridge Council) in many years, and of course chairing the panel our very own Leader of Group and defender of Epsom and Ewell’s residents Cllr Sean Sullivan of Woodcote.

Each Speaker was invited to give us a quick 10 minute rundown on themselves and their own view before opening up the floor for questions. It was very interest to hear the different stories, and how they differed even where the conservatives are in the majority of the councils. However it was during the discussion, the questions and the eloquent but not verbose answers which really showed both the level of interest in the room as well as how the position of these councillors

This discussion/debate brought about a brilliant interplay of the differing views as held by the various members, with none, young or old not feeling perfectly at ease and able to offer a full opinion. This was brilliant as it allowed those whom attended, ranging from activists, to would be activists, and people who just were interested so came along; all voters and non-voters, it allowed everyone to express themselves and for the intricacies of local elections, local politics and most importantly perhaps local government to examined in detail.

All those that were there expressed a desire to see if Sean and Michael will come again soon, Rowan as CF Surrey Chair of course has a standing invite; many confirmed their wish to attend the next event, general election commitments permitting, at which a panel of composed of Professor James Boys (Richmond American University), Allan Sykes of the UKNDA, and guests, with myself Chairing will be discussing the future of the ‘Special Relationship’ and how the general election could impact upon it! Please wish me luck, or even better come along to see how I do! This will take place on the 26th of February at the usual venue, the Epsom Conservative Club; attendees are invited to arrive at 19:30hrs for 20:00hrs start.

All of these events are featured in greater detail on our Facebook EECF page http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=108271599880 so please come and have a look or e-mail office@epsomconservatives.com for a full list of events and literature.

Epsom and Ewell Conservative Future is currently looking for a New Campaign Secretary; all are welcome to apply by sending about half a page of why they think they would good for the role…applicants have till the 10th of Febuary…all applications to be sent to me at AlexanderDouglasClarke@googlemail.com

Epsom & Ewell CF hosts Chris Grayling

By Alex Clarke (Chairman EECF)

For this month we had Chris Grayling our local MP and of course the Shadow Home Secretary come and talk to us on all areas of conservative party policy…ranging from Defence to Europe and of course with special mention of his own Home Secretary Brief. However, Chris felt that the evening should not be just him talking and after about 20 minutes he opened the floor up to a more general engagement and discussion.

This discussion/debate brought about a brilliant interplay of the differing views as held by the various members, with none, young or old not feeling perfectly at ease and able to offer a full opinion. This was brilliant as it allowed these people, ranging from activists, to would be activists, and people who just were interested so came along; all voters and non-voters, it allowed everyone to interact and discuss policy with someone, with a senior party member who really knows his policy and his party’s policy.

As Chairman of the Epsom and Ewell Conservative Future I was very proud of my members who provided a constant and respectful stream of well informed questions – as well as adding their own contributions to the debate. Debate which continued after Chris was forced to leave us, far later than the diary had prescribed (for which we must offer further thanks to him and his dedication to his constituency) and which were full of thoughtful conjecture as well as greater interest in looking into the depths of Conservative Party policy which seem to never make the news; and are therefore easy to miss. At times I must say anyone listening in and not informed of the event would have been surprised to learn the average age of the attendees was under 25! On a personal note, and I have said this before – but I believe it should be said again; it is evenings like this which make the efforts of myself and the committee worthwhile.

All those that were there expressed a desire to see if Chris will come again soon, general election permitting; everyone confirmed their wish to attend the next event at which a panel of young Conservative Councillors, including our own Sean Sullivan, will be speaking and taking questions on all aspects of Conservative party policy both national and local; this event will be on the usual day the last Friday of the month, January the 29th of January 2010, at the usual venue, the Epsom Conservative Club.

Our January Event will be a panel of young conservative councillors including our very own Cllr Sean Sullivan. All of these events are featured in greater detail on our Facebook EECF page http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=108271599880; and the Support Epsom and Ewell’s Local Regiment campaign page http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=175890528436 so please come and have a look or e-mail office@epsomconservatives.com for a full list of events and literature.

Epsom & Ewell CF hosts Allan Sykes from the UKNDA

By Alex Clarke (Chairman EECF)

On Friday the 25th of September it was a profound pleasure for Epsom and Ewell Conservative Future to host, at our usual venue – the Epsom Conservative club, Allan; as he is an exceptionally informative and interesting speaker. His knowledge of the topic was both encompassing and combined with a most fluid argument to support the heartfelt view of both himself and the UKNDA, that defence spending needs to be increased to provide for the current and possible commitments which our forces are being used for.

It was a very good evening, not just the speaker but the easy flow of conversation; in surroundings which have grown even more comfortable and pleasant than they were with the recent redecoration. Overall it was evening which was a pleasure to organise, stimulating to experience and very thought provoking to look back on.

All who attended voted a huge amount thanks to Allan for coming and speaking – and all confirmed their wish to attend next month’s event with the Rt Hon James Arbuthnot speaking (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139878377073); although this will be slightly different as it is on Thursday 29th October, same but at the Rising Sun (http://www.therisingsunepsom.com/).

Epsom & Ewell CF hosts James Arbuthnot MP

By Alex Clarke (Chairman EECF)

This month’s event looked so difficult, following on the heels of such a good speaker, Allan Sykes who had receive such applause – but the person who came was more than up to the challenge; delivering a speech light in tone but never failing to land to full force and import of its content, James Arbuthnot more than lived up to his status as one of the best speakers of his generation.

The 20 minute talk he gave managed to cover all areas, ranging from procurement to tragedy, from strategy to success; but it was in the Question and Answers after this that his abilities and the real measure of him was found. Answering questions on such a complicated issues as defence, international relations and security; to an audience some of whom were 15, and some of whom were a lot older, whilst managing to keep all interested and interacting is a feat which many speakers never achieve, but which James pulled off with great aplomb.

As Chairman of the Epsom and Ewell Conservative Future I was very proud of my members who kept up with such a speaker and provided a very thought provoking and encompassing range of questions. They were veritable proof of my own belief that the derisive portrayal of the younger generation as an uninformed uninterested mass is not only wrong and misleading, but is something which actually puts up barriers to those same people getting involved.

The discussions which took place after James left with warm thanks and appreciation, further confirmed this as all ages not only took part equally in discussion but were the equals in the discussion. On a personal note I would say that it is evenings like this which make the efforts of myself and the committee worthwhile.

All who attended voted a huge amount thanks to James for coming and speaking so brilliantly– and all confirmed their wish to attend the next event at which Chris Grayling (Shadow Home Secretary) speaking and taking questions on all aspects of Conservative party policy; this event will be returning to its usual day, Friday, but will be Friday the 4th of December, at the usual venue, the Epsom Conservative Club.

However, the next events chronologically for the EECF are canvasses – we have training canvasses on the 31st of October and 21st of November 2009, we are in Epsom High Street and Kiln Lane Sainsbury’s on the 7th and 28th of November 2009, and we are in Ashtead High street on the 14th November 2009. All of these events are featured in greater detail on our Facebook page; so please come and have a look or e-mail office@epsomconservatives.com for a full list of events and literature.

Epsom & Ewell CF host the TPA

By Alexander Clarke

Last Friday (August 28th 2009), at the Epsom Conservative Club, the Epsom and Ewell Conservative Future held its second ever event, the first at its new venue.

There was an excellent speaker Mark Wallace, Campaigns Director for the Taxpayers’ Alliance, who gave us a brilliant talk on Quangos. The evening was highlighted by its free conversation and ebullient jokes; which were helped along by the enjoyable atmosphere and pleasant surroundings.

The announcement of next months speaker, Allen Sykes of the UKNDA was greeted with much applause and we hope very much that all and more will attend.

To find out more about Epsom and Ewell CF click here.

Supporting Epsom and Ewell's Local Regiment! Success

How much does it take to make Independent Resident Association councillors have a change of heart?

• 3500 leaflets
• Close to 3000 signatures
• Over 2000 e-mails from YOU the electors of Epsom and Ewell
• 200+ man hours stood in Epsom High Street
• 8 Newspaper articles
• 4 Months of non-stop activity by your Local Conservative Party
• 1 television report

= Freedom of the Borough for the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment - Epsom and Ewell's Local Regiment!

The Story of the Campaign

On Tuesday 10 November, the eve of Remembrance Day, Conservative Party Councillor Sean Sullivan proposed a special meeting of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council should convene to discuss and inevitably grant Freedom of the Borough to the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment alongside the 35 Independent Topographic Squadron Royal Engineers (TA); showing support for the local TA regiment and our local regular army regiment, where all who join the infantry from Epsom and Ewell serve.

You might think that no-one could have voted against such a meeting to discuss this important issue, but Cllr Sullivan and his supporters faced a barrage of disapproval from councillors who would not even discuss the issue, saying the Regiment ‘weren’t local enough’, and granting of such a high honour to the PWRR would be ‘inappropriate’.

Since that vote, a group of individuals who felt the Councillors were not representing public opinion collected nearly 3000 signatures to show the Councillors they were wrong and not representative of their residents. At the Council meeting on the 15th December, the meeting was granted by a narrow margin. After the Christmas period and time for reflection, a unanimous vote at a special meeting passed the motion - granting the Freedom of the Borough of Epsom and Ewell to the brave soldiers of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment!

Something that should never have been in question!

A Message from the Campaign Team

Thank you to everyone, without you, the people, the electors of Epsom and Ewell, rallying to this cause in this way shows just how out of touch the ruling Residents Association is with your opinions.
For your support; e-mails to councilors, for your signatures and kind words in the street we thank you - we thank you most sincerely.

Supporting Epsom and Ewell’s local Regiment!

By Alex Clarke (Chairman EECF)

For those who have never been, let me say that Epsom and Ewell is a great borough, with the Downs often covered in snow in the winter and horse racing in the rest of the year; Headly Heath within easy reach – it is for me, a dog owner, brilliant. It is centred on a real market town high street, with an actual market almost every day – with farmers markets and French markets of special days. It is by any definition an idyllic place to live; and being just 40 minutes by train from either Waterloo or Victoria stations is just the cherry on top of a very well iced cake; in my, a resident since birth, very humble opinion.

Therefore, when Cllr Sullivan proposed to grant the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment the Freedom of the Borough; on the eve of Remembrance Day he had no idea that anyone would even consider voting against it. However, they did, in fact the rest of the committee did – and whilst I am sure all of them turned out on Remembrance Day with their poppies on prominent display, I wonder if they thought of the local families of our borough’s soldiers in our local regiment…and whether they thought about the pride and joy they would have given those families, those mums and dads, brothers and sisters to see their warriors, their local heroes, marching through their home town heads held high! I really wonder about how they denied an honour such as this to so worthy a regiment as the Princes of Wales Royal Regiment, the Tigers?

I am, I admit, a military historian, I believe in showing our gratitude for those who have give their lives for our nation, and its people; but what about showing it to those who still live? The PWRR is a prime example of this living bravery, this ongoing valour; it is the regiment of Johnson Beharry VC and countless winners of the MC are to be found amongst its number – all from the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. As well as having had a significant presence, and demonstration of bravery, from battles as far back as Blenheim, Quebec, Minden, Albuhera, Sobraon, Sevastopol, Gallipoli, Ypres, Kohima, Salerno as well as serving in the campaigns in Korea, Malaya, Kenya, Cyprus, Aden, Borneo and Northern Ireland. Now yes it is a ‘newish’ regiment…and its past is traced through such regiments as it was formed from; the Royal Hampshire, the Middlesex and of course the regiment of importance for Epsom and Ewell…The East Surrey’s (for a full list of this please go to the British Army Site http://www.army.mod.uk/infantry/regiments/6304.aspx).

I, personally, feel that the extraordinary situation which the residents of Epsom and Ewell now find themselves in has been exasperated by the lack of, for want of a better word, a cognizant reason being given by the councillors who refused to grant the Freedom of the Borough, to the PWRR our Local Regiment. For example they claimed it, the descendant of the East Surreys, was not local enough! Despite, the borough of Epsom and Ewell, being almost in the centre of the regiment’s recruitment area! Whilst also completely ignoring the history and ancestry of this regiment; which they would of known had they come to see Professor Richard Holmes (the former Colonel of the Regiment for the PWRR) recent talk at a fundraiser in honour of our Local Regiment and Help the Heroes. They have also listed the number of other towns which have already granted the PWRR the ‘Freedom of the Borough’…as if there is such a thing as being awarded too many honours for such service!

We the Epsom and Ewell Conservative Future are now looking to the 15th of December and hoping that the full council meeting will vote differently to this committee. To do so we need support…and for that we are gathering signatures in Epsom High Street on Saturday 12th and Sunday 15th, and please everyone who can come along and sign it – even better come along and help us gather signatures we need as many as we can to convince this council to Support Epsom and Ewell’s Local Regiment!

p.s. for those who wish to support us please sign this online petition: http://www.gopetition.com/online/32077.html

or our facebook page and where you can sign up to come and help is http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&gid=175890528436

Supporting Epsom and Ewell’s local Regiment! 2

By Alex Clarke (Chairman EECF).

For those who have never been, let me say that Epsom and Ewell is an interesting and unique borough; and not just in the political sense. With the Downs and countless other spots of beautiful tranquillity there are plenty of places to go to get away from the hurly-burly of modern life and to contemplate the world in peace. This is juxtaposed with a busy, buzzing vibrant market town full of shops; cafes and market stall all selling all kinds of goods and delicacies. Such a place is ranked very highly by those who dwell in it, and such a place has history as is reflected in our proud clock tower – sometimes described as the Brick Big Ben. It is quite simply a happy place to live, and great place to grow up as I have here.

Therefore, when Cllr Sullivan proposed to grant the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment the Freedom of the Borough, on the eve of Remembrance Day, he had no idea that anyone would even consider voting against it. However, they did, in fact the rest of the Committee did – and whilst I am sure all of them turned out on Remembrance Day with their poppies on prominent display, I wonder if they thought of the local families of our borough’s soldiers in our local regiment…and whether they thought about the pride and joy they would have given those families, those mums and dads, brothers and sisters to see their warriors, their local heroes, marching through their home town heads held high! I really wonder about how they denied an honour such as this to so worthy a regiment as the Princes of Wales Royal Regiment, the Tigers?

This week, the Council got a second chance to right this wrong, and at the full Council meeting on Tuesday the 15th of December, Cllr Sulivan once again stood up and with powerful oratory presented a compelling case – backed by 2000 signatures that have been gathered so far. The point of this meeting though was not whether or to grant the Freedom of the Borough, but rather whether to convene a Special Meeting of Council to decide the matter. It was a heated debate, with one Residents’ Association Councillor’s remarks comparing the Conservative Councillor to the BNP struck from the record on a point of order. Unfortunately those put forward by another Councillor of the same group suggesting that the awarding of the Freedom of the Borough to the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment would DEMEAN the award, were not stricken from the records.

The matter went to a vote, and I can say with joy in my soul that we won, 16 votes for, 13 against and 5 abstentions. Therefore there will be another meeting to decide the matter once and for all and for us to be successful we need not a mere majority but 2/3rds of all votes cast – therefore 26 votes will need to be cast in our favour.

Therefore we will continue our campaign, continue to collect signatures and write to our Councillors, and continue to be a presence. That this debacle is set to continue is an outrage, it is something which I certainly never expected to see in my little town; but here it is and it is now our duty to see that it ends as it should, with our local regiment, the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, being granted the Freedom of the Borough of Epsom and Ewell.

p.s. for those who wish to support us please sign this online petition:

http://www.gopetition.com/online/32077.html

or our facebook page and where you can sign up to come and help is:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&gid=175890528436

or to see the recent write up in the Daily Mail:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1236484/Youre-worthy-Council-snubs-honour-British-Armys-decorated-regiment.html

or for more background please go to the blog of our local conservative group leader, Cllr Sean Sullivan

http://epsomintouch.blogspot.com/