Blog
Epidemics and pandemics, what is to come?
I’m really delighted about a new project I am working on to promote a medical/scientific conference called Infection 2009 which is being held in Birmingham next month. It might not sound a very sexy subject, but the topics which its world leading experts will speak...
Phillip Lee and the X factor
The moment I met Dr Phillip Lee at Manchester rail station and realised he was shortlisted for the Bracknell primary, I instantly knew Iain Dale had his work cut out. It was impossible not to instantly warm to his genuine and open nature, his easy smile and the...
How charities can attract philanthropists.
It was reassuring to hear at yesterday’s conference about raising funds from the rich that there are many millionaire philanthropists with spare money to give away. I was just one of 1,848 delegates from the third sector keen to discover the key to this. And after...
How to ask for a million pound gift
“How to ask for a million pound gift†is the title of one of the eye catching presentations which will be given today at a conference I am attending entitled Raising Funds From The Rich. It is aimed at the third sector and I am hoping to pick up some tips as chair...
Who holds the aces in the new ECR group?
I wonder how many of you stopped off at the European stand promoting our Conservative MEPs at the Conservative Party Conference and picked up a new set of playing cards featuring members of the recently formed ECR group? It’s a great way for everyone to get to know...
Alan Clark, the cad
I’m spending this evening at a book reading with Ion Trewin, author of Alan Clark, The Biography, and wondered if you had read it and recommended it. I did enjoy Edwina Currie’s review in The Times: Alan Clark never stopped himself doing something stupid if he...
Conservative Health Minister pledges boost to Alzheimer’s funding
Shadow Health Minister Stephen O'Brien's words were music to the ears of Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, when he pledged increased proportional funding for dementia research. He disclosed to the packed audience at a fringe meeting at...
The huge challenges for Alzheimer’s research
Alzheimer's research is a subject very close to my heart, so I was pleased to see it was included as a topic at one of the fringe meetings at the Conservative Party conferences. Prof Clive Ballard, Director of Research for the Alzheimer's Society, describes in this...
The race for SW Norfolk
I am delighted to learn that James Tumbridge has made it through to the final stage of the selection as Conservative parliamentary candidate for South West Norfolk. He stood in Ian Gibson’s seat in Norwich North in 2005 – recently won by Chloe Smith who makes her...