Day 1 on the 'Round'...
I delivered just over 200 of my manifesto leaflets, yesterday. The weather wasn't on my side, but at least I kept the leaflets dry. Thank goodness I went for a semi-glossy finish otherwise people would have been holding paper pulp in their hands.
The electoral roll is not produced in a walk order, so my wife, Jo, and I have spent some time making one. We've established a good system with the help of an up to date almanac and Google maps.
I'm starting in my local vingtaine - the Grand Vingtaine, and will work my way West to Samares via Rocquier.
I must admit I didn't knock on many doors to begin with. From the householder's perspective I must have looked like a half drowned rat more endearing to pity than a vote. As the clouds cleared I became more adventurous. The responses were varied - body language told me on one occasion that someone really hadn't liked being roused just for me to introduce myself and hand him a leaflet...but this was just one response; other people were quite chatty. The very last person I spoke with providing detailed information concerning a Home Affairs department, most of which I can not repeat here.
Another gent rang up to congratulate me on the layout, and on the information within the leaflet. This is good to hear as one piece of advice was to keep it to a double A4 otherwise people would not read it. I'm glad I ignored this advice and went with 4 x A4.
Someone else paid a social visit and remarked positively on the leaflet. She said she must pop down and get registered as she would be voting for me. I broke the news to her gently that registration closed on the 3rd November. (If I lose a seat by one vote I won't hold it against you.)
I will not be canvassing, today, as this day is not for me, but for millions who died to protect our freedom.
