Taunton and Wellington Lib Dems celebrate successful year

Taunton and Wellington Liberal Democrats celebrated a triumphant year at their AGM and fundraising dinner.

 

Both events took place at Taunton Rugby Club and included a special presentation to party stalwart Jefferson Horsley.

 

The annual meeting celebrated the election of two new Lib Dem MPs locally – Gideon Amos for Taunton and Wellington and Rachel Gilmour for Tiverton and Minehead.

 

Jefferson Horsley was presented with the Tim Pugsley Award for his outstanding support for the party over many years.

 

He became a Taunton Deane councillor in 1987, going on to serve as Leader for 12 years.

 

Jefferson said he was “shocked and humbled” to receive the award.

 

Presentations were also made to: Paul Adams, top canvasser; Kate Creswell, top deliverer; Sue Levinge, retiring as treasurer after eight years; and Sue Green, retiring as local party agent after five years.

 

Officers elected: Chair, John Wakefield; vice-chair, David Crabbe; secretary, Sharon Cox; treasurer, Rob Isaacs; membership development officer; Virginia Murray; elections officer, Paul Tooze.

 

Executive members: Liam Pollard (youth and student coordinator), Bob Beaupre (information and technology), Alastair MacLeod (events and fundraising), Humphrey Hardy.

 

The fundraising dinner, which followed the AGM, was attended by more than 130 people.

 

There were three main speakers, including Gideon Amos who said it was an honour to be attending the event for the first time as a sitting MP.

 

“The Government needs constructive opposition in Parliament, and we are providing it,” he added.

 

“I’m also privileged to be our party’s spokesperson on housing and planning – there are a lot of injustices in both areas which need addressing.”

 

The dinner also heard speeches from Rachel Gilmour and Lord Teverson, former MEP and a member of the House of Lords.