At the annual meeting of the Tamar Valley Branch of the South East Cornwall Conservatives, held in the Queen's Head, Albaston, the chairman, Mrs Shirley Ough reported a successful year. She said that the branch met on a regular basis, and its meetings not only included the general business side of the branch but also general topics with some lively discussion.

She said that a general election would probably be held either in 2001 or 2002 and members must work together to ensure a Conservative candidate is returned in South East Cornwall.

The treasurer, Mr Ivor Ough presented a successful financial statement.

Col A Patrick Hall, chairman of the Association, who attended the meeting said that the Party had been going through a difficult time. He said that the European election had been a tremendous success, with the candidates coming to the constituency and actually going out into the field.

Officers elected were: Chairman, Mrs Shirley Ough; vice-chairman/treasurer, Mr Ivor Ough; secretary , Mr Chris Hunn; committee, Messrs S Squance, C Walter, M Hulme, Mesdames W Hunn, M Sayer and J Cutts.