The power of words and the value of 'thank you'

I have always had a soft spot for small Conservative Associations who punch above their weight and focus their energy on beating the opposition rather than beating-up each other. Such Associations (of which Chatham and Aylesford is a prime example) don't have the numbers or the time to wallow in self indulgent bickering or introspection.

Another example is Hastings & Rye who, despite their own hard-fought battles with Labour at local and national elections, found the time to send a team of seven to Maidstone two weeks ago to help with Matt Boughton's by-election campaign. 

Naturally I thanked them both personally and on my daily blog in which I used the words, 'they fight like lions to keep their constituency Conservative'. 

This morning, out of the blue, this photograph arrived in my inbox. It is of the main Hastings & Rye Conservative Association noticeboard as you enter their office, and there is my quote, suitably adorned with a photograph of a roaring lion. The photo was sent by the Association *Chair, Liam Atkins, with a note of thanks for being so inspirational. 


I am pleased my words hit the spot as they were heartfelt. Acknowledging peoples' hard work and remembering to say 'thank you' is not something we always do well in the Conservative Party.  

* Apparently Liam is the Deputy Chair and also Group Leader, not the Association Chair. 'Mea Culpa' and apologies for any confusion caused!