Slaley was the highlight of the day as we all stopped for lunch in the village hall and supported Albert Weir's charity sale. Bought a few things, including a big cooking pot and we all ate too many of the home made cakes in the tea room. Albert has become a friend and his efforts on behalf of charity have to be seen to be believed - and it was great to support him. Suitably laden down with home made jam, cakes and bric a brac we canvassed in Slaley, the Shire [great conversations on the doorstep in Whitley Chapel and Juniper] before going down to Whittonstall; long chat to the campaigners against the open cast - reassuring them of my support.
Finished up by canvassing Headley on the Hill with local councillors, meeting several members of the aprish council there. Rested sore feet in the Dr Syntax pub in New Ridley before finishing up in Barrasford in the early evening.
Had started between 9-11.30 in clear sunlight on the Broadway as teams of helpers led by Councillor Richard Dodd and Veronica Jones fanned out on Middle Drive, the Lairage / Ladywell and Duns Green. We spoke to hundreds of voters in Ponteland alone; saw my first Liberal poster in the Ladywell.
Slept very well!
