Over Christmas ALDC has been busy recruiting some volunteer Councillor Columnists, to write in the headline "editorial" section of our website www.aldc.org. 

There are four online so far: 

Cornwall Councillor Alex Folkes explains why Cornwall is Different.

Peter Black AM talks about the link between Wales and Local Government

Bury Councillor Richard Baum talks of his frustration with some Home Truths on Gritting

and Gateshead Councillor Jonathan Wallace tell us, well, a Day in the Life of Jonathan Wallace

Have a read, and feel free to comment or tell us or the Councillors what you think! - open to all Lib Dem Councillors as well as ALDC members. 

Could you be a Councillor Columnist? 
If you think you could do better we'd love to hear from you! We're basically asking for a commitment to write a monthly column about being a Liberal Democrat Councillor (or why not  - a candidate or agent or staff member). All offers welcome, but it would be great to hear from more women councillors, group leaders, executive members, BME councillors political assistants, young councillors, new candidates - anyone with something interesting to say!

Email Anders at anders.hanson@aldc.org or speak to him on 01422 843 785. 

A memorial service is to be held for Sir Chris Clarke, the former Leader of Somerset County Council, who died in December 2009.   You are invited to join others to remember Chris at a service of thanksgiving and a celebration of Chris' life and work.

The service will be held on 5th February 2010 at 2pm in Wells Cathedral.  After the service there will be tea and a chat in the Town Hall, Wells, BA5 2RB.

Due to today's heavy snowfall across the North of England, the ALDC office in Hebden Bridge is closed today (5th January 2010) and all staff are working from home.

Advice service still available

However, if you do need need to speak to a member of ALDC's political staff then please complete our online form and someone will get back in touch with you as soon as possible.

Alternatively, try using our new improved search facility for your query in the top right hand corner of our website, as the information you need may already be available to ALDC members.

ALDC's office is closed from the end of Wednesday 23 December 2009, and will re-open in the morning of Monday 4 January 2009. 

An answer-phone will take messages, but these will not be checked until the new year. 

If you have any urgent queries, please use the advice form on this website, which will be checked periodically, and very urgent issues dealt with accordingly.  

The MyCouncillor system is being maintained through the holiday period. If you experience any urgent issues please use the advice form above. 

Can we take the opportunity to wish all our members and friends a

VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS 

AND BEST WISHES FOR 2010

An easy way to support ALDC at this time of year  - WITHOUT spending any extra money - is to make use of our Amazon and ITunes links. 

Both of these work in exactly the same way - you have the normal full Amazon and ITunes websites, but for every purchase you make ALDC receives a small fee from Amazon or ITunes - you don't pay a penny more!

Amazon is a mail order website, one of the biggest in the world. Amazon isn't just books nowadays, departments include: baby, beauty, mobile phones, clothes, electrics magazines and music.

ITunes is the main source of music downloads in the world - but is also good for films, TV shows, and those "apps" that people have on their IPhones! You can also buy ITunes gift vouchers which can be a great gift for people who listen to music on their IPod or similar!

To buy gifts from Amazon, and support ALDC - click here. 

To buy gifts from ITunes, and support ALDC - click here.