Over seventy guests have attended the Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association's Victory Dinner held at the White Heather, Caenby Corner on the evening of Friday, 29th May.
Guests were welcomed on arrival with a glass of bucks fizz or orange juice and enjoyed a preprandial drinks reception. Senior local Conservatives were in attendance, including Sir Edward Leigh MP, Cllr. Jeff Summers (Leader of West Lindsey District Council), Cllr. Roger Patterson (Vice-Chairman of West Lindsey District Council) and Cllr. Nick Guyatt (Porfolio Holder for Finance on East Lindsey District Council) together with a number of district and county councillors.
Around a quarter to eight guest were invited to be seated for dinner and Cllr. Giles McNeill (who served as Agent in the recent election campaigns) provided grace. Guests enjoyed a menu of homemade carrot and coriander soup with herby croutons; followed by succulent Lincolnshire chicken breast wrapped in smoked bacon accompanied by a white wine, mushroom and smokey bacon sauce. For dessert guests enjoyed an individual peach Melba crumble tart served with a custard. Mr. Edward Rouse made the loyal toast. To follow guests enjoyed coffee and mints.
Mrs. Stephenie Rouse, the Association's Chairman, introduced Sir Edward Leigh, who provided an address. She thanked a number of individuals who had worked particularly hard in ensuring the smooth operation of both the general and local elections campaigns. Sir Edward also took the opportunity to thank a number of individuals who had been instrumental in his campaign, congratulate Cllr. Summers and the Conservatives on West Lindsey District Council for increasing their numbers from 20 to 24 and welcomed Cllr. Guyatt who succeeded an independent in the Wragby Ward of East Lindsey. Sir Edward discussed a number of current issues facing the Conservative government. He particularly noted the negotiations and legislation for a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU, the recent Queen's Speech, together with other issues. He took questions from Cllr. Summers, Mr. Thomson, Mr. Rouse and Lt. Com. Powell.
Cllr. Summers proposed a Vote of Thanks followed by the draw the raffle. After a throughly enjoyable evening the event broke up around eleven o'clock.
