My slightly delayed election speech!

This is what I realised I should have said on elections night....the sad thing was I only realised it the day after! So I'll put it here for posterity...

So to tell you the truth, I had a complete mental block when I went up on stage last night. I'm not that good with speaking and getting to say what I mean at the best of times, and last night was no exception to that! Words are much better, and when I get my first blog I'll post this there :)Me running for exec has been a long time in coming. I only planned to come to uni for three years, then for various (good) reasons that has been extended a bit - my sabb year will be my sixth year at uni. Yes, I should probably be in the real world by now, and those of my close friends know how long it took for me to decide to actually run this year. This role and this organisation are things I care about, so I've decided to stay.
I must admit that I am a bit disappointed with some things. Firstly turnout - the reasons why it has been so low are anyones guess, but I'm sure as hell going to try and change it. With the exception of a few candidates and campaign teams, I felt as though campaigns have just not been as energetic as they have been in previous years. The lack of candidates must have something to do with this - yes, its good being uncontested, but what I think people don't understand that campaigning isn't just about you, its about your position. And you can't raise massive amounts of awareness on your own. Trust me. I've been especially disappointed with the behaviour of some people, but I congratulate elections committee on the way they have dealt with the issues that have arisen.
Enough of that. We have a new team filled with vibrant, knowledgable and creative people, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you. We have a new constitution, and many people, both staff and students, filled with ideas on how to engage students better and become one of the best student unions in the country. A new university structure means new opportunities for representation too - excellent. We can learn from the successes of the referendum and the problems with the e-voting in order to make elections run smoother. Its going to be good.
And now to some thank yous. Where to start?
Tom Marley, you have been rather elusive at some points, but you've kept me chilled out about the whole thing at some points.
Gaz, when you have been in Birmingham you have been great at campaign managing (all two of us!) and doing stuff and giving course related advice when I've needed it!
Mark Cottle, I hope your fingers have recovered....
To all of the candidates, its been fun.
Hollie and Oggy, you are absolute stars, and I look forward to working with you :)
and Suzy - I'll try and get a staplegun for each student approved!
Alex, Simon, Fabian, Will, Ed and Sarah - you have all given me great advice when I have needed it. Thank you. (oh and team indy chair 07/08 - we rule. miss you guys).
Brad, you are in fact, a constant source of reasoned advice and fun. We will have a cuppa soon....I promise!
David, you are the campaign manger who got away, and I can't thank you enough for the advice you have given me over the last few months. You have dealt well with my very boring guild related rants...well done and thanks again! I did, however, just lose the game.
I *think* thats it...I've probably forgotten someone....if I have I am sorry!I'm going to try and keep my head down over the next few months - I am very behind on my degree so that is number one priority for now!until then guys.....x

My first blog!

Hello everyone,
I'm a little unsure what to write for my first blog....as there has been so much going on! Instead, I'll keep it short for now.
We are three weeks into training and it has been so much fun! We've done team building events, learnt loads about the Guild and its different departments, and had many sessions with the current exec to help us plan out our year in office so that we make the most of it! However, I think my favourite bit so far has to be the building tour given to us in the first week, that took us literally all over the building to places we never knew existed...including the catwalk high high up above Deb Hall! We also were honoured to be present at the official opening of the Amos Room, attended by Baronness Amos herself.
I haven't got any photos up I'm afraid because I'm a bit new and confused by this blogging thing...but I will learn!
Watch this space!

Hannah