Sarah Witchard, chairman of the Alresford and District Liberal- Democrats, described the past year as another curate's egg when she addressed the annual general meeting. Success and joys had been tempered with disappointment.

May brought city and parish elections, when Simon Cook stood as their candidate.

He brought freshness and vitality to the campaign and probably worked longer hours and walked more miles than most previous candidates.

He easily won the parish election and Sarah said it was a joy to see how easily he fitted into the team. They lost the city seat to the Conservatives, although the majority this year was significantly lower.

In July, city councillors Rodney and Ros were married, so there are now two Cllr R. Sabines.

Social events had included a lunch, quiz evening, an evening party and next month they welcome Paddy Ashdown to the Liberal-Democrat annual dinner. Fund-raising is an on-going necessity and moneys have come mainly from donations and the May Fair. County elections take place next year, and the general election is also expected, Sarah reported.

A small group from Alresford and Worthy's branches is to meet to plan the run-up to the county election

Plans are also being made for the election in 2002, when the district will have elections for four seats on Winchester City Council.

Three will represent Alresford, Bighton and Old Alresford, and one seat will represent Bishop's Sutton, Cheriton and Bramdean. Sarah thanked the committee for its hard work and enthusiasm, especially Joan Read, the secretary. She also thanked Mandy Bulloch, who stood down from Winchester City Council after four years work.

She will be missed in the villages as well as Alresford. President, Sue Gentry, gave her personal thanks to Sarah Witchard. Elected for the coming year were: President, Sue Gentry; chairman, Sarah Witchard; vice- chairman, Sue Dinnis; secretary, Joan Read; treasurer, John Hudman; membership secretary, Dorothy Hamiduddin; committee members, Fiona Southwick, with councillors Rodney Sabine, Ros Sabine and Simon Cook ex-officio. Guest speaker was Sandra Gidley, newly elected MP for Romsey, who talked about her thoughts and experiences on standing for, being elected to and serving in Parliament.