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In this section
- Section Home
- Membership
- Affinity Scheme
- The Consituency
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 | Association - About Us |
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Association - About Us
Rochford and Southend East Conservative Association represents the Conservative Party in the Parliamentary constituency of the same name.
The Association exists to:
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Promote the Conservative cause within the constituency
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Ensure the election and return of a Conservative Member of Parliament, Conservative Member of the European Parliament and Conservative Councillors in Southend Borough and Rochford District Councils and Conservative Councillors on Parish Councils.
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Raising funds for the Conservative Party
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Organise local political and social activities
- Select and train potential Local council candidates
The Constituency
The constituency covers an area of 9325 hectares and has 72454 registered voters. The Parliamentary constituency covers, as the name implies, areas covered by Conservative-controlled Southend Borough Council and areas covered by Rochford District Council of which combined there are eleven wards. On 5th May 2005 James Duddridge was elected with a majority of 45.3% of the vote, following the retirement of Sir Teddy Taylor who had represented R&SE for 25 years.
About Us
The Association is managed by the Association Officers and run by the Executive Council which comprisies all elected councillors and representatives of the eight branch committees. The Association officers, who are elected by members at the AGM and who usually serve a miximum of three years are:
President
Mr Tony Smithson
01702 585952 |
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Chairman
Mrs Sue Abrahams
01702 585946 |
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Deputy Chairman - Political/Campaigning
Cllr Mr Blaine Robin PhD
07813853096
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Mr Mike Lambert - Deputy Chairman Finance, Membership
01702 217212
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Deputy Chairman
Finance/Membership & CWO Chairman
Mrs Carol Ashley
01702 587442
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Assistant Treasurer
TBD
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| In addition the chairman of CWO and CF are Vice Chairmen of the Association |
Chairman
Conservative Future
TBD |
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| Each year the Officers, within 28 days of the AGM, present a Strategy Plan for the following year and this forms the framework for Association and Branch activity. The Officer team is responsible for ensuring that the Association objectives are sustained and that steady progress is maintained in all areas. |
Association Secretary
Mrs Carole Barber
01702 600460 |
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| The Association is supported by Carole Barber who manages the Association Offices. |
Association Structure
The eleven wards are serviced by eight branch committees. These local branches can only be as strong and effective as the members, who volunteer, make them. Volunteers can get involved with campaigning in a variety of ways according to the amount of time each is able to give.
 As a deliverer you would be responsible for a number of flats or houses, and would undertake to deliver newsletters and election addresses (probably four times a year).
As a Canvasser you would undertake the survey/canvassing in a given area to gain information about the electorate or issues of concern and voting intentions. This information is vital to the successful campaigning and helps to increase the membership base.
As a Fund-raiser you may feel that this activity would best use your skills. Each year each branch is given a fund-raising target and you might help to organise the many varied social events that take place during the year, helping to raise funds as well as giving members, their friends and relatives a fun time.
As a Branch Committee Member you would be part of a team which has the responsibility for recruiting and retaining membership, raising funds, communicating regularly with the electorate and campaigning to win elections.
As a Branch Officer you would be elected by the members of the branch at the AGM and undertake management responsibilities:
Chairman
Deputy Chairman Political Campaigning
Deputy Chairman Finance Membership
Assistant Treasurer
Special Interest Groups
Members are welcome to join one or more of the following groups.
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Conservative Policy Forum (CPF) - Chairman: Cllr Blaine Robin - The Policy Forum promotes political debate. Regular discussion meetings are held and the opinions forwarded to the Policy Department of the Conservative Party.
click here for more information
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Conservative Policy Forum (CPF)
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Conservative Women's Organisation (CWO) - Chairman: Mrs Carol Ashley
The Women's Organisation holds a range of social events, visits and activities, including monthly luncheons at which representatives of the political business and social world speak. These lunches are held on the third Tuesday of each month from September to May, at the Arlington Rooms, Westcliff. The Annual Lunch in June is held in the Pavilion restaurant, the Cliffs Pavilion.
click here for more information
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Conservative Women's Organisation
Conservative Future - Chairman: TBD
Conservative Future is the group available for members aged 16 - 30. Its committee organises its own events, manages a stall at Southend Freshers' Fair and supports election campaigns in target wards.
click here for more information
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Apart from events organised by local committees but open to all members and their friends, the Association Officers organise extra fund-raising events. On one occasion members, relatives and friends visited the Houses of Parliament. Other events arranged were a visit to Hampton Court Flower Show, Wine Tasting and Last Night of the Proms evening.
On two occasions Mark Stacey, who is an advisor on the T.V. show 'Flog It', valued prized possessions at an Antiques Roadshow and Supper held at the Rochford Conservative Club.
In November the Annual Dinner Dance was held at Essex County Hotel. Sir Alan Hazelhurst MP and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons., was our guest speaker.
During the summer months several branch committees organised Garden Lunches and usually the weather is fine!
A recent addition to the calendar of events is the Milton branch committee organised Burns’ Night celebration for 2009 the Haggis was addressed by Hilton Brown .
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