Members of Harwich Branch Labour Party packed the Acorn Suite at the Royal Oak public house on Thursday 11th January for the branch’s AGM.
Reports from branch officers confirmed that membership is high and still growing, successful fund raising has ensured a healthy bank balance and strong campaigning has brought genuine benefits to the local community.
The branch’s chair, Charlie Powell, secretary, Maria Fowler, and treasurer, Fiona Powell, were all re-elected unopposed and, although members were sorry to learn that the two vice chairs, Pam Morrison and Maison Urwin, were not seeking re-election, two worthy successors in Rob Shephard and John Kelly (pictured above) were elected to replace them.
Branch chair, Charlie Powell, says, “It was a very positive AGM with members reflecting on a great result in the county council elections, an increased share of the vote locally in the General Election and a strong recognition within the local community that, whatever your personal political views, it is Labour councillors who put the effort in and get the results for the Harwich Peninsula.”
A particular celebration at the AGM was the success of the hard fought campaign to retain Harwich’s Minor Injuries Unit which was threatened with closure in early 2017. Members placed on record their thanks to Maison Urwin for co-ordinating the Labour led campaign that was successful in keeping the unit open and reflected on how devastating it would have been for local residents had it have closed.
“Government cuts and the failure of our local Conservative MP to stand up for the Harwich Peninsula mean that Labour is constantly battling to protect our local services and facilities and our successful campaign to keep our Minor Injuries Unit was a major triumph and a great relief,” continued Charlie Powell. “With the closure of our rail ticket offices, the continued threat hanging over local full time fire-fighters and the dreadful state of the A120 there are still many battles ahead but our AGM proved that Harwich Labour remains strong and determined to do our best for our local community.”
For further information please contact Harwich Labour Branch Press Officer Garry Calver on 01255 551940