Reception at the House of Lords

NfCG President, Lady Wilcox, hosted a reception at the House of Lords in September at which the move of the NfCG administration to Brunel University and the foundation of the Consumer Policy Institute were both announced. Marie Jennings, NfCG Chairman, thanked Lady Wilcox for making the occasion possible. "We are indeed lucky", she said, "to have such a knowledgeable and committed President. She is greatly respected and appreciated by us all".

Marie, noting that her two years as NfCG President were coming to an end, used the occasion to thank the many helpers and supporters who had made the past year successful. In particular she thanked Zurich Financial Services, whose help with this event had been invaluable.

She had set herself to achieve four ends in her time as Chairman:

1. establish a stronger organisation
2. ensure that the voice of the consumer is heard to a larger degree
3. underline the importance of consumers speaking for consumers and the value of their time and efforts dedicated to the public interest
4. demonstrate that NfCG is an organisation capable of fresh and innovative thinking with the will to 'make things happen'.

The Annual Report gave ample evidence of the vigour of the organisation. Goodwill had been established or maintained with government departments, regulators, business and academia, all of which had facilitated progress. Perhaps, she thought, our voice was not strident, but it carried reason, objectivity, and experience. Most significantly, the move of NfCG's administration to Brunel University and the establishment of the Consumer Polity Institute both provided a vivid demonstration of 'making things happen' with the slenderest of resources.

NfCG Award for a Lifetime's Service to Consumers

The House of Lords reception was the occasion for a unique presentation. Members had been asked to nominate and vote for a recipient for an award for lifetime service to consumers. As far as is known, this award has never been made before. Many names were put forward, many people have worked hard and long for consumers. In the end the recipient was a most deserving and suitable one, Dame Rachel Waterhouse, President of the Birmingham Consumer Group, whose credentials in the consumer world are unsurpassed.

Dame Rachel was present to receive the specially commissioned ceramic bowl from Lady Wilcox. She admitted that she had no idea that she was going to receive it. Nevertheless, her off-the-cuff response was witty and wonderful.

John Brown

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