Hereford Freshers' Fair a big success

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 28th Sep 2006

Hereford Lib Dems' stand

On Wednesday 27th October the Hereford Colleges held their first combined Freshers' Fair. Hereford Liberal Democrats were very kindly invited to have an exhibitors' stand and so we spent a day talking and listening to the students of the County.

We received a warm welcome from both staff and students and enjoyed quite a few lively debates throughout the day. It wasn't too much of a surprise that our 'Scrap Tuition Fees' petition was a big hit, attracting 160 signatures. Even more of a draw were the freebies we had to give out, badges being especially popular. By the end of the event, our stickers were to be found all over the campus (including plastered over the UKIP stand!).

In their absence, we helped decorate the Tories stand...

Unfortunately, the Conservatives were unable to attend. An exhibitor on a neighbouring stall mused that it would be rather ironic if they were caught up in the chaos of Belmont roundabout.

The Lib Dems, on the other hand, had a very strong showing - Paul Keetch MP, Cllr Anna Toon and Cllr Alan Williams attended the event. It was a great opportunity to hear about the issues affecting young people in Herefordshire, and to tell people something of our policies and ideals.

I'd like to thank everyone who helped us, especially Roger Willott for getting us there, and Helen Jones and Anna Toon for their time. A special thank you to David Hurds who kept the show on the road and whose ideas achieved a blanketing of Lib Dem stickers across campus!

Lastly and most importantly, thank you to the staff and students of the colleges, who were all extremely friendly and helpful. We look forward to next year!

Owen Howell