Highlights from Conservative Conference.......

Since we came back from Birmingham we have said how tired we are ......maybe it is our age but we think it was also about concentration, great conversations and the socialising ....

Then this morning we saw David Cameron in Afghanistan on Sky we both commented on how resilient he must be - what stamina!  Having had a successful conference he then visited by elections before flying off to Afghanistan still as fresh as a daisy, looking statesmanlike and being up to speed with his next brief.

We have come to the conclusion to be a top politician you need so many qualities including the ability, like Margaret Thatcher, to need little sleep!....oh and rhino hide!!!

There were many notable speeches and I am sure you aware of them already.  For us we really enjoyed William Hague, Phillip Hammond, Theresa May and David Cameron.  All spoke with such passion and authority.

The most difficult point I think for David Cameron was talking about his son and the NHS.  His voice broke at one point but he managed to recover - that takes courage with something which is so painful to you.

Samantha Cameron conducted herself with dignity throughout and looked amazing on the final day. What she had to contend with along with the PM was the constant, in your face, photographers. I know they have a job to do but why take so many of what is essentially the same shot?  Well we all know why when we see the papers the following day - they want some kind of slip or emotion which captured the moment and which will be quite lucrative.

Some photographers where about 3 feet from Samantha Cameron pointing their lenses at her

face - must have been really disturbing.

The atmosphere during the whole conference was really positive and upbeat - quite at odds with some

of the reporting which went on. After Cameron's speech the atmosphere in the Symphony Hall was electric and the standing

ovation went on for quite a while.

What is amazing about these events is how enjoyable they are and can be.  I am sure it must be the same for all parties. It is not only about politics but also about thought provoking issues and speakers who come from all walks of life.  One was Victoria Pendleton who talked about the importance of sport in a child's life and how it should be encouraged for all the benefits which ensue.

We heard from schoolchildren and from school leavers who had achieved great things against all odds.  Not taking the conventional university route but instead testing their arm in entrepreneurship with great success.

You also mingle with people you think you know but only because they grace your living rooms on the TV on a regular basis!!!

Apologies for quality of photos as very difficult to take in the venue......at least they weren't intrusive!

It is great particularly at our age to have a common interest and to indulge - keeps the grey cells working!!

So now its looking to the General Election which is going to be a tremendous challenge and gearing up for all the leaflet deliveries!!!

Manchester Images............

continued from previous post ..................

I was absolutely amazed at the number of cameras aimed at the speakers ....and which annoyingly kept clicking non stop hoping for the special pic. It makes you realise the the smallest face or wardrobe malfunction can be interpreted in a thousand ways and recorded for posterity - enough to make you a quivering wreck.

So nothing was off limits on the image front.  The men got off pretty lightly with the hairstyles having the most coverage..... Boris of course with his unmanageable thatch and George Osborne's newly combed forward coiffure.........

Weight was also mentioned but concentrated on the cost of the Spa getaway to achieve this....Michael Gove seemed unperturbed by the scrutiny.  Certainly he had benefitted from the experience as he showcased his svelte physique.

The women came in for more detailed criticism.  Instead of championing those who had made an effort, looking groomed and smart and doing their bit for the fashion industry - we instead  had unjustified derogatory remarks - some very personal and hurtful.  You certainly need to have rhino hide to be in the public eye. Here is a bright woman holding down one of the most important jobs in the country and all that features heavily is her appearance.

Theresa May had the camera turned on her mercilessly commenting on her tartan Vivienne Westwood suit and comparing her unfavourably to the model who wore the outfit on the catwalk. Ms May also had the audacity to wear a little glitter on her Russell and Bromley shoes.  She can't win.  I give her 10/10 for pursuing her love of fashion and for being her own person.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2439731/Home-Secretary-Theresa-May-takes-tips-Cara-Delevingne-Vivienne-Westwood-suit.html

Then there was Karen Brady of "The Apprentice"  and also the newly appointed Government's Small Business Ambassador.  She addressed the audience in a slightly nervous but authoritative way -  she has a a proven track record and is a very capable business woman.  So was this reported ?......well yes but what will stick out most in the write ups was that her dress was from BHS and cost around £38.  They then compared this unfavourably with a similar dress worn by Ffion Hague which was more expensive.  This snap only shows a side view of Ms Brady (difficult to take anything with swirling arms and cameras) but she looked pretty good to me.  

The press can't make their minds up whether a woman should wear expensive or cheap, high street or designer, flamboyant or safe.............this was clearly illustrated by Samantha Cameron's outfit which was smart and charming. The dress and shoes were inexpensive but someone found out that the belt cost £150.  Anyone would think this was a hanging matter.  Ironic really when some of the female  commentators outfits cost a great deal more than the PM's wife which came in at under £300! 

Confidence is something women always seem to have a problem with.......putting on a brave exterior and believing in yourself does not come easy. Finding the right outfit to fit the occasion is a challenge but helps in the image and confidence stakes,  however it doesn't take much to destroy this.  This is why I feel for women in the public eye as they seem to be fair game for a variety of comments often unrelated to the work they do.  Its bad enough not being in the public eye....... 

So thinking about the sisterhood.....next time you think about saying something bad about another woman and her style and taste............don't!  :)