Yes, this was the 29th Annual Conference of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party. What a great venue, The Grand Pavilion Matlock Bath, as one of our members put it “Beautiful Place, Beautiful Scenery and Wonderful People”. None more so than Dale Rowles and his entourage for setting it all up with the help of other local party members (we know who you are) don’t we, well done!
I was invited to arrive on Mon 23rd Sept, with the kind courtesy of Paul and Jayne Williams, who own the Bank House Hotel, which always works well to be on hand for Radio Interviews, Television and Newspapers. On Wednesday 25th myself and Dale were on Andy Potter’s BBC Radio Derby show which went extraordinarily well. Our Newspaper coverage is on various sites now. We had constant press agency, filming and interviewing over the weekend which was thoroughly enjoyable.  I have been told that many items will be picked up all over the world!
The weather and the atmosphere went hand in hand, it was just what the Loonys had ordered. There was the comment, that we have never called off a Cabinet Reshuffle because of bad weather. This weekend was no exception, in fact, the sun shone for two shuffles in one day. Yes, there was a split in the cabinet, in fact the bloody doors fell off, compliments to Michael Caine
The bands and entertainment in general were of the highest value, and for a great part, party members performing, ‘Gripper and the Gurnards’ features ‘Nick the Flying Brick’ on bass, of course Knigel and Michael ‘The Big Fibbers’ stalwart party members, and Dale Rowles of ‘BB Blackdog’ along with several other members of his band.
Dr Hasbeen, The D.H.Lawrence Skiffle Show, Deviant Amps and the ‘Glow People’ all turned in excellent performances, held together by the wonderful ‘Lord Montague Jacques Fromage the lll’ compère extraordinaire who came in from America, plus Axel and friend who flew in from Germany. Thanks to the Black Pig Border Morris Men for escorting us around town, and for their impromptu performances
The conference meeting wasn’t prolonged , the Leader took the floor and welcomed everybody, and told of a few events and things of interest that have happened, and about to happen in the future. There is a new Australian and Portuguese connection. There are a couple of pieces about the Loony Party that the Guinness Book of Records are interested in. We are still the only mainstream Political Party with a bank balance in the BLACK! We now have our own Facebook page reported ‘Mr R.U.Seerius’- ‘Chinners’ couldn’t report anything cause he got lost in the dark, but well done with the badges. Nice for Dave Savage to turn up and Charin Singh plus the Rochdale boys and what the heck, all of you, what a great time!
We decided that next years’ conference will be held in Wales, Lord Offa of the Dykes and Lady Cath will be the main organisers, with the help of myself  and others whenever needed.
With that in mind, we would like to welcome all the new members who joined up over this marvellous weekend, and encourage you to join us there next year if we don’t see you before. On a parting shot thank you to all the public houses for making us welcome, and a special sorry to the ‘Princess Victoria’ for drinking you dry!
See you all again soon Hopefully
Until then Stay Loony
Howling ‘Laud’ Hope
Party Leader