On Monday 11^th March 2002 Thoburn McCaughey and Glenda Thompson travelled to London for Commonwealth Day.

After an unfortunate start the first visit was to meet the staff of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) at their Headquarters at 7 Millbank Road, London. There we met people representing Australia, Canada, Namibia, Jersey and many other countries. In total there were 33 of us.

During the introduction we were informed about the various member states and given a brief outline of the CPA. This was followed by a panel discussion on the Commonwealth, CPA and Parliamentary Democracy led by CPA Secretary-General Hon Denis Marshall, QSO and Ms Joan Ryan MP. Ms Joan Ryan gave an interesting account of how she got involved with politics, starting of as a councillor and then becoming an MP.

At lunch we were able to talk to the staff and the representatives from other countries, gaining more knowledge of the CPA and the role they have in the Commonwealth.

The afternoon consisted of an informative talk by a Human Rights lawyer who originated from Western Africa. She stressed the importance of people being treated equally and fairly irrespective of colour or religion.

The day concluded with the Commonwealth Day Observance in Westminster Abbey. This was attended by Her Majesty the Queen; Head of the Commonwealth, The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH Prince Charles. The observance was celebrated with song and dance and the theme "Diversity" was well reflected by the content of the programme.

The day was very enjoyable and we both gained more knowledge on the CPA and Commonwealth.

We would both like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to go.

Thoburn McCaughey and Glenda Thompson

Ulster Young Farmers Club