Alan Mak approached Ann Hollis and Bridget Docwra at the Community Fair in April 2025 to propose that Havant Conservatives lead a visit to the Houses of Parliament.
When this was arranged and offered to our members, the visit filled up more quickly than any since at least 2023. 42 members joined the coach for London on 12th January, with a waiting list of 27 who will be offered a place on Havant Conservatives' next coach trip to Parliament on 16th March.
The visit had a very early start for January, leaving Langstone Quays Resort at 8 a.m. so we could have a tea or coffee at our destination before our tour of the Houses of Parliament. That plan was foiled by two accidents at Petersfield which slowed traffic to a crawl for 10 miles and delayed us by about 45 minutes.
After passing through airport-style security to Westminster Hall, we split into 2 groups for a tour of the building. Unfortunately one of our members tripped and fell on the steep stairs at the back of the hall and gashed her head. She was put in the care of the paramedics then transferred to St. Thomas' Hospital and was kept in for 5 nights. We wish her a full recovery.
The rest of us proceeded to a very interesting tour of the House. The highlight for most of us was to go into the House of Commons and stand in the row behind the government front bench and see the line on the floor that cannot be crossed in even the most heated exchange of political views. We were generally surprised how small the chamber is in real life.
We went on to a question and answer session with our MP, Alan Mak.
There was time for lunch and a quick visit to the shop (branded keyring - £8) before a walk back to the coach and a remarkably quick return to Hayling.