Westminster - Here we come!

On Tuesday 17th January, I was awoken at 0530 by the bedside alarm clock, having dressed, washed and shaved, downed a cup of tea, off to the New Milton Conservative Club to depart at 0630 on a Solent coach with 53 fellow travelling compatriots to visit the cradle of British democracy at Westminster. Picking up at Everton, Lymington and Cadnam and then onto the M27 the entire party enjoyed witnessing the breaking of a crisp bright dawn.  After a short ‘comfort break’ at Fleet Service Station we arrived at the House of Parliament at 1015.  Our party included New Milton’s recent centurion Mrs Irene Taylor.

Having negotiated the strict security and with our identity cards aptly displayed; we gained entrance into Westminster Hall.  At this point, having picked up free copies of the publication “Parliament and You,” the party was split into three groups and introduced to their respective guides.

The 90 minute tour of this magnificent and all inspiring building with its fabulous ceilings, paintings sculptures and carvings  moved from Westminster Hall into St. Stephens Hall, Lords Lobby, House of Lords Chamber, Royal Gallery, Queen’s Robing Room, Central Lobby, The Members Lobby, Noes Lobby, and House of Commons Chamber returning to the Westminster Hall.  During the tour our guides were very informative and their dialogue was well received by all.

On arrival in Westminster Hall we were met by our sitting Member the Rt Hon Desmond Swayne.  Desmond, who had earlier attended a Cabinet Meeting, answered a number of questions raised and kindly had acquired a number of tickets to permit members of the party to sit in the “Strangers Gallery.”  Desmond also donated a bottle of whisky which he had signed by Prime Minister, David Cameron; this was raffled on the return journey and won by John Houghton (Milford).

On completion of the tour members were given ‘free time,’ luncheon was taken at various venues.  At 1415 a number of the party assembled in the Central Lobby to witness Mr Speaker and his entourage enter the Commons prior to prayers.  Those who wished to witness the proceeding of the day entered “Stranger’s Gallery” and were privileged to witness the Rt Hon William Hague at the Despatch Box answering questions on Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.  A number of others of the group entered the Lords and witnessed their proceedings.

At 1600, without exception, we all assembled at the pickup point and departed from Westminster, arriving back in New Milton at 1900.  The feedback was so positive; all were so very pleased and appreciative of their day spent at the Place of Westminster.  So much enthusiasm was displayed that I intend to have a re-run during May/June this year, which I hope will include a visit to Big Ben. Don’t worry it will not be in the Thames by then.

The day was made more enjoyable as no person was late at any pickup points, or after comfort breaks and NO moaning.  This was supported by the assistance I had from Beverly in the office, the information she circulated was appreciated by all concern, thank you Bev and Desmond for his support.

Cllr Goff Beck,  Barton & Becton Branch