An Enchanted Evening

Chinese Liberal Democrats held their Lunar New Year banquet on 16 Feb at the glittering China Boulevard by the river to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. Guests included Liberal Democrat members across the boroughs as well as supporters from Think London, the Chinese Embassy and the UK China Culture Association.

Footage from Chinese Channel on the General Elections in 2010 was screened over dinner followed by a sneak preview of the much anticipated documentary on the Chinese candidates by C-Cubed media, commissioned by the BC Project to be televised later this year.

Though the Business Secretary Dr Vince Cable MP was unable to attend the event due to late voting on the AV referendum, he sent his apologies and well wishes to the 130 guests. Ballroom dance continued to be the theme for the evening, as Brian Paddick valiantly stepped into Vince's shoes and spoke of the successes of the party in Coalition. In the meanwhile CLD Chair, Merlene Emerson, likened the Coalition to a dance where the partners will need to keep in step with each other.

Looking ahead, she said that Chinese Liberal Democrats will be working to ensure proper counting of the Chinese population during the Census 2011 in March and in helping to secure a successful outcome to the "Yes" Campaign in the May referendum on a fairer voting system. There are also plans for outreach to other regions and CLDs will be in Sheffield next month for the Lib Dem Spring Conference.