Saturday in Swansea for the Plaid Cymru Conference

This was day two of Plaid Cymru's main annual conference, held at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea. I was working yesterday so missed day one, although I did watch the livestream of leader Rhun ap Iorweth's keynote speech. 

I enjoyed the whole shebang, from voting on motions, to the packed out fringe meeting about local government, to listening to speeches announcing policy commitments, to the conversation about Cardiff Dracs with the staff member on the FAW stand in the exhibition hall.

One of the highlights was a speech by Lindsay Whittle, who is the Plaid Cymru candidate for the Caerphilly by election. Lindsay's authentic passion shone through. 

Lindsay shared stories of how his family were affected by the terrible and deadly mining industry, and dismissed the ignorant suggestions from Reform UK about reopening the mines. I'm proud to have been canvassing for Lindsay up in Caerphilly these past couple of weeks. He is a candidate with a pure love for his community that is inspiring.

Rhun did an interview on stage with Elin Jones. I was struck by the line that people have a choice in next year's Senedd election of "a vision with Plaid Cymru or division with the other parties". Overall, like his speech yesterday, there was a message of hope and taking positive steps towards a better, more inclusive society. 

The concluding speech, by Liz Saville Roberts, one of Plaid Cymru's MPs in Westminster, was very upbeat too. She talked about the openness and generous compassion of Wales in a moving way, showing how 'national pride' can be inclusive and welcoming. 

And one of the best things was spending most of the day with Sara - it's been ages since we have sat next to each other through a conference. 

We introduced each other to people we knew, and that was another lovely aspect of the day - saying hello to people who came canvassing in Grangetown or who I've been out knocking doors with in Caerphilly, and making new friends too. 

And I even got an official FAW logo badge for my collection of football badges! (It was my one freebie from the exhibition.