#Notwestminster - Thank You

I will post in more detail about yesterday's event when I have fully recovered and had a chance to reflect properly.  This post is simply a big "Thank You."

I have never been involved in planning an event on this scale before and therefore take my hat off to people who do this sort of thing for a living.  I now realise that it is a big jigsaw, with many pieces.  Those pieces only fall into place as a result of people who are willing, committed and selfless.  So this post is in recognition of all those folks who contributed to #notwestminster.

Thank you to.... our sponsors.  Without them having the bravery to buy into a concept the event would not have got off the ground.

Thank you to.... our supporters.  In particular, my employer, Kirklees Council, Brent at the Media Centre for providing an outstanding venue and Huddersfleld University whose students gave up their time to help the planning and running of the day.

Thank you to.... the team.  All of the leg work was carried out by a few selfless folks who did the majority of the work in their own time because they believe in local democracy.  How great is that?  So thanks to David, Spencer, Andrea, Aggie, Jane, Andrew and a special shout out to Diane Sims who is truly a digital artist.

Thank you to ... our participants who pitched their ideas and backed it up with their valuable time on a Saturday.  I was truly gob smacked at the incredible depth of experts who signed up without hesitation.

Thank you to.... my LocalGov Digital colleagues without whom there would have been none of this.  Sarah Jennings and Liz Copeland deserve special mention as do Carl Haggerty, Phil Rumens and Sarah Lay.  Their support, advice and encouragement have been invaluable.

A very personal thank you to.... Dave Mckenna.  For many years Dave has been a sounding board, an inspiration, partner in crime and the brains of the outfit.  We started LDBytes together and had the germ of an idea to one day have a local democracy event.  Without him there would definitely have been none of this *tips hat*

And finally, thank you to.... everyone who came, contributed and committed to keep the conversation going.  At a time when there seems to be an obsession about the price of local democracy it is reassuring to be reminded that there are many people who value local democracy and are prepared do something about making it work better.