A resounding success

The UNISON South West 'Get Active!' weekend was hailed a resounding success by delegates attending the event.

The event, which took place on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 January, drew UNISON activists from across the South West.  They participated in workshops focusing on the union's organising and the wider learning agenda, with workshops and rally full to capacity on both days.

On the Friday evening delegates attended a rousing rally where they were saw Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary, speaking first hand.  One delegate, Jackie Stewart, from the UNISON Gloucester Police Branch, said:

"Dave Prentis gave an impassioned speech explaining that we were all in this together and that this fight against the cuts wasn't just about jobs but they type of society we want to live in."

Sue Orwin, Branch Secretary from the UNISON Torbay health Branch, who attended the event said it was a "resounding success."  Sue added:

"During the evening rally Dave Prentis congratulated regional activists on the successes of the past few months.  This was followed by music from an extremely talented Gracie Petrie, a young singer/ songwriter with such a powerful message of protest, humour and optimism running through her fantastic work.  What a talent!"

Another delegate, who proclaimed himself an avid event goer, said: "I have not enjoyed a live event so much in years."

The union event was held for a second year running, following the positive feedback and turnout in 2011, with many activists saying how much they had gained from the workshops and how much they'd been inspired by the whole event and in particular Dave Prentis, Gracie Petrie and Rosie MacGregor and her workshop protest union choir. 

ENDS

For further information contact:

Tanya Palmer, Regional Manager, UNISON South West c/o 0117 9689479 or 01823 285318

Issued: w/c 30 January 2012

Photo credits - Roger Spackman and Karen Williams