Today I had to dress smart for the launch of the ASB line in Notts. As far as I can tell, I was just there to make up the numbers, look smart and get some free food. It was odd as I was probably the only temp there amongst a lot of people who had proper responsibilities in their jobs.
I had the pleasure of meeting the MP for Nottingham North, whose name I forget, who seemed like a guy with some good intentions. Unfortunately someone had sent him to the School of Sychophantic Nauseating Speeches - probably the first thing that happens when you become an MP - and he totally sucked up to Louise Casey, the Home Office minister who came to meet everyone. If there were babies there he would have kissed them (but only in front of the camera).
Louise was far more likeable than the MP - being a Civil Servant she doesnt have to suck up to the electorate or whoever - and her speech was very motivating and made me want to do some work. However, one sensed that it was a tiny bit meaningless when she said that Nottingham was a 'special city' but she was off to Derby and Coventry later, probably to give identical speeches. Much like when Rock Band X comes to town and declares the crowd 'the best crowd ever'.
But on to the important stuff: the food was rather disappointing. I had one small salmon (tinned, not smoked) sandwich which was not up to the standard of my usual M&S lunch. While it may seem like a waste of money or total decadence to put on nice food, what is the point of having the launch at lunchtime if you're not going to put on a nice spread for everyone? Inconsiderate bastards. Poor show, people, poor show.
