Chinese Liberal Democrats celebrate 9th birthday in Bournemouth

CLD's 9th birthday party in Bournemouth was lots of fun! There were about 50 hungry guests, old friends and new, filling five tables. Our guests of honour, Lord Paddy Ashdown and his wife Jane, regaled us with their good humour and stories about their time living in Hong Kong.

The food, especially the sea bass and Satay chicken, was delicious and much appreciated. Special thanks to Mr. Wong and his staff at the Ocean City Restaurant for hosting us; to our treasurer, Philip Ling, for organizing the event; and to Linda Chung for choosing a delicious menu complete with individual Chinese egg custard 'birthday' tarts.

Speeches were by CLD Chair Linda Chung, Lord Paddy Ashdown, and CLD Vice-chair, Merlene Toh Emerson. Paddy as an old China hand had a go at teaching us the most perfectly toned Mandarin, and understood the significance of having a Ninth Birthday, wishing us further nine times nine years of longevity and happiness.

On behalf of everyone, Linda thanked Paddy for his commitment and support as patron of the Chinese Lib Dems over the past nine years.