Sequestration

I beat the retreat! The first day of it anyway - made it through, made my thoughts known, listened to those of others and had some very stimulating discussions on the side. Having arrived a little late (no excuse) I found myself invited to sit in the only spare seat, at the head of the table beside the chairman and the CEO. I felt quite comfortable and used my position to advantage during discussions. It was a full table, councillors and staff, plus Fran Wilde to tell us where we sat in relation to the present Government and what to expect from them in the up-coming months. The councillors papers were very thought-provoking and useful. My own question resulted in a satisfying array of suggestions and support and I'm sure the other councillors felt much the same about their own. Staff reports too were very good material for discussion and I have to say, it was a convivial and productive time. Can't fault it really - even the catering was modest. Tomorrow, we're down to the 12 councillors plus one or two others I guess; someone to scribble down our utterences perhaps. Maybe a CEO thrown in for good measure. I've promised to bring a pair of stilts along to provide extra challenge for those who find the running, cycling, kayaking programme set by Ali too easy and I threatened to bring the unicycle as well, but as I'm still 'a distance' from being adept at the one-wheeler, I think I'll leave it here.