Monday 19th September was the Emergency NEC meeting to receive and discuss the Anti-Semitism report. I think many of us were glad to finally receive the report after so much discussion. Its available on the website and we all agreed on the press release NUS issued in response. After this, the observers came in and we discussed the national demo issue. We considered different options for action, listened to the feedback from the regional observers, which was invaluable and had a debate. Thankfully, my scruples weren’t called into question this time. I’m happy with the outcome of the meeting- that we will have a National Demo Ocotober 2006, which we will start building towards now, and we will look at regional action this year. I feel that the issue we should be taking action on this year is International Students, with the right to appeal and visa extension charge issues, and I will be supporting this idea.

Tuesday I was in the new office, unpacking and setting about the task of trying to get on with work without a computer or internet access. I then went down to Farnham, to the University college of the Creative Arts in the evening and gave Steve (VP Farnham) a hand getting ready for the next day. On Wednesday we were back at the union first thing setting up and I ran an NUS/Welfare/Campaigns type stall.

Back to London on Wednesday afternoon to meet a crew from Channel 5 who interviewed me about students working to pay for their education and the pressure of this. It should be on one night next week so keep your eyes peeled! Then on Thursday morning BBC ‘Its your money’ programme came into the new office to interview me about student finance. I have also been paid £350 for the article which I wrote for the Telegraph which was published on A level results day.

Friday and I headed off to the South West- to Bristol for UWE’s freshers’ fair, the biggest in the country by all accounts. Organising that was a mean feat so well done to all the officers down there. Friday evening I trekked down to Devon to stay with Will Page on his lovely nature reserve. I’m a Northerner and a city girl but even I was overawed by how lovely Devon is- if anyone fancies a break get yourself down to Will’s it comes highly recommended!

Saturday morning we went to Exmouth for the demo. We helped them prepare for the demo, sorted out placards, amist many jokes about how it would be our only chance to do so this year. I have to say, I found the Exmouth course closure demo inspiring. The amount of work the officers down there have put in, the way thay brand new students have been mobilise, the way that the town are rallying behind the students- there is no doubting the passion of all down there to keep Rolle college open. We have been and will continue to be behind them all the way and I sincerely hope they are successful in their fight. I would also urge any officers sending this to send messages of support and solidarity from their union to Katie & co.

Sunday, back to London, 2 hours at home to sort myself out and then up to Leeds, for Leeds Met’s Well Fair (see what they did there?!) on Monday. I was in my element as you can imagine, and talked to lots of students about free prescriptions, spoke to organisations that were there, and stole some good ideas for welfare campaigns. It was a really good event and something other unions could consider doing in the future.

Over to Manchester on Tuesday for a Co-op housing meeting, which was fairly productive. We also had a tour of a co-operative in Manchester which was really interesting and let us properly envisage the reality of what this project could be.

I spent the journey back and a few hours in an internet café that night organising Mature Students Committee meeting on Saturday.

Following a serious incident on Sunday at Farnham, where some students where injured I went down there again on Wednesday to survey the wreckage, assist the union in its response and help out in whatever way I could.

On Wednesday afternoon myself and Sian met with Nicky from ULU to plan some joint events on World Mental Health Day (October 10th).

Its now Thursday and I’m playing catch up after 3 incredibly hectic weeks. Due to the move and the computer problems I’m only managing to check my emails sporadically, so I’m sorry if I’ve not replied to you as swiftly as usual and I’ll be back on track soon.

One final word from the VP Welfare to all you officers out there- beware fresher’s flu! Take care of yourselves during freshers’ week and the start of term- I know its really busy and you could practically live in your offices but if you run yourselves into the ground now you’ll be no use to anyone!

Veronica x

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