January kicked off at the Onward think tank, with a discussion between Nick Timothy and Michael Lind on The Future of Conservatism.
After a catch-up with Lord Willetts, I headed over to Kensington to host our first ward DCP training session in my remit as Vice Chair for Training and Development of the Kensington, Chelsea and Fulham Association; and as a ward DCP myself I can say I found it extremely useful!
Later that week, I dashed over to the City for the Draper's new year service and was thrilled to hear the second lesson, given by none other than Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey.
Over the weekend, Martin (the pup) and I braved the weather to show our support to the Hemel Hempstead Conservatives and listen to local issues on behalf of their much-loved MP Sir Mike Penning, who will be stepping down at the next election. On Sunday, we were in Windsor to campaign for the local councillors who will be up for re-election in Eton Wick and Castle this May.
The following week, I visited my local school to undertake my Governor duties and meet with the Head of PE, who filled me in on his plans for the year ahead and how the children had been getting on.
The children are truly thriving thanks to the opportunities offered by government funding. A highlight was seeing the new school PE kit, designed by the children themselves.
That evening I dashed to Millbank for Bright Blue's Drink Tank with David Davis, who I had a fantastic discussion with about immigration and the task at hand.
The following day we celebrated our 4th CWO KCF Speaking club, this time at our fab member Ellie's gorgeous home; and welcomed our first male guest (her husband) who is keen to become an honorary member!
The next evening I assumed a new role as scribe for the CFCC, penning my thoughts on a fantastic event hosted by CFCC President, Baroness Chalker, at the House of Lords, in which we welcomed the High Commissioner of St Kitts and Nevis and Gyles and Aphra Brandreth to discuss poetry in the Commonwealth. For a recount of the evening, please feel free to check out my recollections here.
To round off the week, Martin and I travelled to Bramley in South East Surrey to campaign on behalf of local MP and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and discuss local issues on the doorstep. We very much enjoyed our £2 bus fare - a Conservative initiative introduced to boost local transport in rural areas.
I was thrilled to join the West Worthing Conservatives the following evening at their Association dinner in celebration of Chinese New Year. As it was the year of the rabbit, it seemed only fitting to present a Peter Rabbit of thanks to the association chair and MP Sir Peter Bottomley, who were thrilled with the addition.
In the final week of the month, I headed to Westminster Hall to supprt Conservative Friends of Cyprus and my friend Jason Charalambous, for a new year celebration and the cutting of the Vasilopita. We were honoured to be joined by the Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, MP Theresa Villiers and Vice Party Chair Saqib Bhatti.
Later in the week I attended the Green Alliance conference, to hear from panellists Sue Pritchard, Chief Executive of the Food Farming and Countryside Commission, and Dr Jason Beedell of Strutt and Parker land management, to discuss community wind farms, overseas carbon sinking, financial incentives for land use, and the need for pace in achieving our net zero goals.
Finally it was back to Windsor and the Colnbrook and Poyle Ward in Slough, to campaign for local councillor Puja Bedi with the CWO South East ahead of the May elections.
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