12th April 2022
The Conservative Party works best when it has a properly functioning pyramid system of communication and activity down to grass-roots members and voters in wards and polling districts. As with any pyramid, it is stronger when the base is robust and local branches form the first layer after the members themselves.
What we're doing...
We're reorganising our existing branches into 5 'new' branches. These are:
Baswich, Penkside, Weeping Cross & Wildwood;
Seighford & Church Eaton;
South Staffordshire;
Stafford Town; and
Stafford Trent Valley.
How this will affect you...
When you become a member of the Conservative Party, you automatically become a member of your local Association and your local branch depending on the area where you live. That doesn't mean you can't choose to be a member of a different branch. For example, we have members of our current Colwich, the Haywoods and Hixon branch who live outside the area but prefer to remain members of this branch. And you can continue to be a member of a different branch to the one covering your residential area, if that's your preference. Just let us know.
Which is my branch?
Broadly, members have been allocated to branches reflecting where they live. There are some exceptions, for example, where members have expressed a preference for a different branch. Those members who live in constituencies other than Stafford have been allocated to the new Stafford Town branch. You'll receive an email confirming details of your new branch in the coming weeks.
Why we're doing it...
Branches provide a structure of organised members and activists through whom campaigning and communication to the wider electorate can be achieved on a greater scale and for better outcomes. They provide a vehicle for greater membership involvement.
The Association can communicate effectively with its members using the branch network and ultimately, an effective local branch network creates greater scope for democracy within the Party.
Of course, we understand not every member wishes to be involved in the political activities of the Association, so we offer an opportunity to get involved in the more social side of being a member of the Conservative Party both at an Association level and a branch level.
What happens next?
The Association is hosting a number of events during May, offering several opportunities to meet the Conservative Councillors who represent us on Stafford Borough Council, South Staffordshire District Council and Staffordshire County Council. These meetings will be an opportunity to share your views with our Conservative Councillors and also to learn more about the new branches. It's also a chance to get involved in choosing the branch officers (chair, deputy chairs and officers) who will run the branch.
When and where are the meetings?
All the meetings will be held at our Castle Street premises.
13th May 2022 - Stafford Trent Valley - incorporating, Colwich, the Haywoods and Hixon, Milford and Milwich
17th May 2022 - Seighford & Church Eaton
19th May 2022 - Stafford Town - including Common, Coton, Doxey & Castletown, Forebridge, Highfields & Western Downs, Holmcroft, Littleworth, Manor and Rowley
20th May 2022 - South Staffordshire - including Penkridge North and Acton Trussell, Penkridge South and Gailey, Lapley, Stretton & Wheaton Aston and the small area of Blymhill, Brewood and Coven ward that falls into Stafford constituency.
24th May 2022 - Baswich, Penkside, Weeping Cross & Wildwood
All the meetings start at 7PM and refreshments will be available.
You'll also find the details on our 'Events' page.
I do hope that you will be able to join us at one of the meetings.
With best wishes
Duncan Sandbrook
Chairman
Stafford Conservative Association