The first opportunity for our MP Nick Ainger to come along to the branch meeting since the finance crises began came last Saturday, October 18 (writes M. N.).

After a brief business meeting, chaired by branch secretary Marjorie Bevan in the absence of Tony Wales, who was meeting Minister Edwina Hart about a health issue, the meeting welcomed Nick, who began by explaining very clearly and precisely how this crisis began.

As a member of the Treasury Select Committee at Westminster, Nick said how much 'ribbing' he'd been getting since his election to this committee as the crisis seemed to have 'taken off' since his membership just a few weeks ago!

He told the meeting of his recent visit to Japan where there was a financial melt-down about 10 years ago and members of the Select Committee had gone to 'learn lessons'. But before members were able to report back, Gordon Brown's analysis and announcement of how Britain was going to deal with the situation, pre-empted their report.

After explaining about the situation in detail, Nick on to say that in this constituency, we were better placed than most to cope as unemployment was so low and there had been much investment in jobs. There were fewer than 600 long-term unemployed in Nick's constituency due to much investment and development over the last 10 years.

Finally, Nick announced that just 10 days previously, he had been invited by the PM to become Assistant Minister to Paul Murphy by sitting on the Regional Economic Council of Wales. This will mean Nick getting detailed knowledge of small businesses in Wales which he believes are vital for the prosperity of the country.

There were a number of interesting comments and questions at the end of Nick's talk which he dealt with fully. A most interesting meeting was enjoyed by the members.

Marjorie reminded people that next month our speaker will be Eluned Morgan MEP. Eluned has visited us in the past and has a very good knowledge and wide understanding of European issues having been an MEP for 15 years.

Marjorie also circulated the list for the annual constituency dinner on January 16, 2009, to be held at the Fourcroft Hotel when the speaker will be Dr. Kim Howells MP, Minister for State at the Foreign Office. Kim is a highly articulate, amusing raconteur. Anyone interested in buying a ticket for the dinner should contact Marjorie on (01834) 842604.