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Editors Ramblings
 Hello! I’m Liz Needham and I just been appointed to the newly created
position of Network Communications Officer. This position means that I am a National Officer and have a seat on the National Committee. I do not, however, have a vote at National Committee meetings.
One of the tasks which has fallen to me is the editing of Network, so be patient with me as this is my first attempt. Feel free to contact me with any
constructive criticism you think may help in the future.
Firstly, a little bit about me. Personal details first – I’m 36, single and live in St Albans with
my 17 year old daughter, Rachel. I pride myself on knowing myself quite well, so I’ll tell you now that I can be stubborn, bad-tempered and a pain to work with. My memory for names
and faces is terrible and I’m shortsighted, so please don’t think me rude if I ignore you.
I work as an accountant in Amersham for A&G Imports Ltd. You may remember recently that Tesco’s and Levi’s were involved in a legal case regarding grey and parallel imports,
which was lost by Tesco’s. The case was actually fought between A&G Imports and Davidoff, with Tesco’s assisting A&G and Levi’s assisting Davidoff. Although we lost the
legal battle, it was very exciting working for a company who were prepared to pay for their principles.
I was brought up in Dublin in a family where politics were discussed constantly. My parents were very involved in the Irish Conservative Party, Fianna Fail, and there was always a
stream of politicians and party workers coming through the front door.
I subsequently worked in the Civil Service in Dublin, where I worked in the Ministers’ Offices
for Education and Finance. This early introduction to the political scene meant that I was bound to have an opinion on everything (and those of you that know me can confirm this). I
grew up firmly believing in the democratic political process and still do. Things may not always be perfect in the UK, but there are far worse places to be.
I joined Luton MAG in 1996 and very much enjoyed the social aspect of the organization. I
worked as the political officer for the Eastern Region. In 1997 I started St Albans (now South Herts) MAG and was the Rep there for two years. I then worked at a regional level in
London and Home Counties, assisting Cathy Phillpots with political activities, and also working as the County Rep for Hertfordshire and Middlesex.
I currently own two bikes – a 1996 XV535 Virago, and a 1995 GSF600 Bandit. Both are customized, taxed, MOT’d, insured and used regularly, although the Virago is coming off the
road this winter for some TLC. I use my bike to get to work, and do at least a 50 mile round trip Monday to Friday, all year round, and regularly use it to get to parties and rallies.
That’s it about me. I hope it tells you a little of who I am and what I’m about.
Liz Needham. Tel: 07775 962761 E-mail: lneedham@ukonline.co.uk
This bumper issue of Network contains the minutes of April’s AGC, an introduction to Nicki Bassett-Powell, our new chairperson, and we are also focusing on the issue
of bike parking. Is there enough secure bike parking in your area, and would you be willing to pay for secure parking if it was provided?
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