It’s just occurred to me that I haven’t done my usual round-up of the Regional Conferences tour, so here’s what happened when Hannah, Lloydie, Martin and I went from London to Plymouth to Birmingham to Liverpool and then home again at the end of May. (Can’t access my electronic diary at the moment but I think it was 23 - 26 May?) Important thing to note - we did it all by train this time which was an effort and a half, though it did give Hannah the chance to improve her Top Trumps skills!

Once again, NUS Extra was at the top of everyone’s agenda, with question after question after question on the issue. One thing I’d like to point out is that the decision to trial NUS Extra was passed at NUS Conference after a heated and very detailed debate. Whether you like it or not, it’s got a democratic mandate and we’ve all got a duty to see it through.

I’ve not been involved in the project beyond discussions at NEC Meetings, National Council and Regional Conferences (couldn’t get involved at conference, was Chair’s Aide!) so I have to say how impressed I am with the development of it. At the start of the year, Martin said he’d like to see X, Y and Z attached to the card and they’ve pretty much gone out and got X, Y and Z. Lots of points came up at regionals about other discounts people want, and my best advice is that if there’s something you want, contact Martin and Joe and let them know! (Don’t forget that Martin leaves at the end of the month.)

Something for me to brag about - completely unexpected, my Pro-Choice and Proud of it campaigns pack got loads and loads of praise from delegates (especially West Midlands and North-West!) so thanks to you all for opening the fortnightly mailing and not ditching the contents! Oh, and don’t forget to pass the pack onto your Women’s Officer - it’s a Women’s Campaign thing, not Welfare!!

Actually, I really can’t remember that much about regionals this time (that’ll teach me to write my blog about it once everything has faded!) but I think I have covered the main points. Travelled by train, NUS Extra, praise for Pro-Choice pack… Oh yes, the elections for NEC observers! Congratulations to everyone who got elected, look forward to seeing you on the 11th of July. If only you knew what you’d let yourselves in for… :)

Ok, a few pointers for NEC-elect who might not know what to expect from regional conferences next year…

• Always know who is in possession of the box.
• Coffee is so much better than tea - and yes, football is better than rugby
• You can’t get a taxi on the night that the team of the city you are in wins the European Champions League (or whatever it’s called - but well done to Liverpool!)
• Speaking of Liverpool, taxi drivers might say they know there are different universities and different unions, but they don’t. And when a sabbatical officer gives you directions, go in the opposite direction!

Jo x

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