charity, grantmaking, voluntary sector, community foundations (From The Northern Echo)

charity, grantmaking, voluntary sector, community foundations

11:51am Friday 19th February 2010 in

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Yesterday I was party to the Cabinet Roadshow that rolled into old Durham town to talk to the people of the North East.

It had all been very last minute and cloak and dagger stuff, with the venue being emailed late on Tuesday night. However, when I realised the significance of the event with the whole of the Government in the room at once, I could understand the reason for secrecy.

Gordon Brown performed better than I expected and didn't appear to have any notes when he delivered his 20 minute presentation at the start.

The audience was not necessarily the usual suspects, rather it seemed those selected were people that were working at ground level.

The Cabinet Minister on my table was local MP Kevan Jones who is very much in touch with what's happening, particularly in the community and voluntary sector so that was a bonus.

Following Gordon's speech about Corus and the future of the North East, we all had the opportunity to ask the allocated Cabinet Minister questions and give feedback - so we'll see what transpires.

At the end of the day, I think it is good for County Durham to have such prestigious visits, considering these things are normally held in Newcastle. This was apparently thanks to MP Roberta Blackman-Woods (according to GB). Showcasing the fantastic facilities available here to the powers that be, such as Durham Johnston School is very important, as it is now being beamed across the media channels.

We all know it's probably an electioneering ploy, but it's still good for the region and I was glad to be part of the experience.