This is an edited version of an early one I sent into FSB then yet to be published.
- Late June. You may remember I commented a while back on our newly formed local Reform Group. A report, if not 100 % warmly, at least politely received. About 14 people from all walks, generally well educated, literate, prosperous, motivated in life, much as gather here on FSB. I didn’t get to know them all in the short time available at the pub but assumed we had a common cause.
Do I need to define? OK, Labour ashes, scattered to the four winds, Tories lured onto the rocks to be plundered and broken up. Starmer, Reeves ridden backwards through Westmonster on donkeys to Traitors Gate. LibDem, Green who? *
Not my meeting, not my train set, I would have handed out simple name badges, sticky labels, first names only with a more professional one planned for the future, you know clear plastic with a safety pin? Lanyarded? A group panoramic photo was taken. My suggestion that names could be dubbed on for future ref was met with the owl like blinking of a perplexed owl. Non IT type, I thought at the time. But it starts.
Generally speaking, Hail fellow well met, and the meeting dispersed in good humour. I’d volunteered to be Treasurer, promised as non onerous. Fine, I’m a boomer, maffs a doddle, ex entrepreneur, bon viveur. I don’t do oner, I’m behind on DIY and it’s mid-July.
Being IT worthy, I drafted some logo’d badges, drafted business cards, blanks with mine complete as an example. Early days on plain printer paper, might even donate thin card in the future…
Added the fairest policies breakdown from the Telegraph. The proper cards were better but you get the drift. And, for the local by election -
All warm inside I sent them off to the Chair saying if they sent me a list I would fill them in. And waited….
…and reminded…
My email was claimed not received. I resent.
Ho no! Head Office says no to lists, name badges, biz cards. GDPR or some bolleaux…
I see (the).
The decent guy who does the Social Meeja. We have ‘X’ FB, Inst, and for the, ta da, execs, the inner circle, a WhatsApp group.
For those that are familiar with me, I often disguise my ramblings but there’s always a point in them. Also, that I can overreact poorly to …never mind.
“Who the b%$*&y f^£@ is Head Office?” For the purpose of this, Janet.
“How do I get to speak to this high and mighty Janet and her white mice!?” - via WhatsApp.
Silence. One of the ‘execs’ replies, “Yes I was wondering…”
Head Office isn’t London, it’ a nearby town.
Will I do some canvassing? Leafletting? (onerous).
I look up the opposition. The Tory’s already been out for 15 days backed up by the MP’s office, the Golf Club and who knows. The LibDem, no media presence at all. The independent? Ex Parish councillor.
Good stuff. Only the social media guy was aware.
The return from FB etc? 5 replies out of 600. The various headers quote RUK’s London address, like contacting the Pope but harder. Of 16 Instagram followers two of them are me in disguise.
3500 followers on FB, the candidate for the GM robbed 7000 votes off the Tory victor last year. Where are they? There’s more but zzzz…
With 5 replies, ‘Janet’ won’t invite an hour or so away Tice or Andrea Jenkyns for support.
I point out there’s a problem with comms, not social media, that’s just blank stationery. Hard work is pointless if it’s ineffective. I’m asked not to be negative. Grrr.
I see Ben Habib’s point now. I signed up for Restore but I will persevere, * ornery critter that I am. I reiterate, a nice bunch of people poorly led, unsupported, leaflet monkeys, FOSKID. One click away from the exit Whatsapp group button, I should have volunteered more oner. I can indeed run a bath. Not with the water turned off though.
Update – end July
- I drafted Newsletter no #1, tasteful, non-controversial, updates and cuttings from Llandudno, Conwy, the Senedd, south Lincolnshire, where councillors have jumped ship from the Tories, The Reform councillors UK map – morale building stuff.
I did a bit of canvassing with the candidate. I didn’t know him, just a man with his dog, wandering the streets. Now he’s taken on substance, I like him, know his dog’s name (who now has a name tag of his own). I emailed him the draft newsletter, his own business card which swung it for my ideas.
The modern letterbox has teeth, I’d forgotten, and not the family dog within.
The social media guy and I supported him on social media – Facebook has some quite unpleasant people, suffice to say it’s not Greens, Tories or LibDems that are bitter and spiteful so who does that leave?
Contacting the group is easier, less awkward now. We’ve broken bread together.
Meeting number two. New faces, none of the earlier wider prelim group other than the inner circle could make it. It was informal, the Branch is pending incorporation to be ratified as official soon. (Janet to attend!)
I was a bit disappointed – other than the inner circle they blinked at the idea of a newsletter, business cards. New information? I like information, it doesn’t weigh much. They dissolved into small groups and chuntered about the state of UK affairs (bit like FSB) so it was just an inner circle meet with new friends. In theory the wider group making 26.
Our man didn’t win, the Tory did, a Rodney, Rupert type, no doubt he’ll pee people off but two days later it appears the LibDem Leader of the Council is to be voted out, so she obviously did. The Labour vote? Negligible.
Of interest, one of the stallholders on our Friday market, big Reform supporter, he and his old school chums practically form their whole branch; he has our Dame Andrea as his pin up. One of the chums is the local Mayor. Where? Skegness, and he knows…?
If Janet can’t get a big gun, maybe there are other ways to skin this cat? Of cats, I asked the meeting if anyone good at herding cats would like the role of social secretary. One said “but you can’t herd cats…”
Bloody hell….
Not to add but Microsoft’s Copilot version below I found interesting. Spooky when turned into 3rd person reported. Quite handy for those who don’t follow my alt English.
You said:
Summarise this doc
Copilot said:
Copilot
AI-generated content may be incorrect
This diary offers an insider's view of the early experiences and challenges faced by a local ReformUK political group, highlighting organizational struggles, communication issues, and grassroots campaigning efforts.
- Formation and initial meeting dynamics: The local ReformUK group gathered about 14 motivated and well-educated individuals with a shared cause against major parties but lacked professional organization such as name badges or clear member identification. The first meeting ended amicably with the author volunteering as Treasurer. 1 2
- Communication and administrative obstacles: Attempts to create business cards, name badges, and access member lists were blocked by "Head Office" citing GDPR concerns, hindering effective coordination. Social media efforts yielded minimal engagement, and the group's leadership was perceived as disconnected, limiting support and outreach. 3 4
- Campaigning and local election experience: The author participated in canvassing with the local candidate, who was initially unknown but became a relatable figure. Despite efforts including a drafted newsletter and social media support, the candidate lost to the Tory opponent, reflecting limited impact in the election. 5 6
- Group cohesion and future outlook: Subsequent meetings saw reduced wider participation, with discussions focusing on UK political issues but lacking concrete plans like newsletters or social events. The group remained small and informal, with questions about leadership and member engagement continuing.
I still had to reformat it!