Lib Dem recruiting bandwagon thunders on

9.02.17pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 29th Sep 2004

Recognised for recruitment efforts, Chelmsford's Lib Dem PPC Stephen Robinson at the Party Conference

With well over 100 new members recruited in the last year, and new student members recruited from APU 'Freshers' Fair', the Lib Dems are going from strength to strength locally. And Chelmsford Lib Dems were one of four constituency parties out of the whole country shortlisted for recruitment efforts.

At the Party Conference last week, Chelmsford were runners up for a prestigious prize - the Penhaligon Award - for recruitment and the way we involve members both politically and socially. This is out of 600 constituencies throughout the country.

The APU 'Freshers' Fair', is an opportunity for new students to the University to get involved in its activities, including sports and debating societies. Many 'Freshers' were very interested in our Youth & Student members take on the appalling record of the Government on Higher Education fees and the War on Iraq, and three new members signed up as a result.

Our record on involving members not only gives anyone the opportunity to contribute to policy issues locally, but we provide regular newsletters and e-mail updates on areas of interest to the membership. Branches also run social events such as recipe parties and coffee mornings so members get to know each other on a social as well as political level.