University of York Conservatives

People of the York Tories (2007–2008)

Information about the committee and honorary members.

Committee

	Matthew Kilburn Chairman Description courtesy of Julia Heaton Matthew Kilburn: quite possibly the only chairman ever to successfully carry off the phrase "eee by gum". Indeed, Matthew's estranged Yorkshire ways do not end there. It has been rumoured in the past that this happy chappie from Sherburn refuses to pay more than £1.50 for a pint of bitter and gets hysterical at any mention of the word "cocktail". Having only ventured outside God's county a handful of times, Matthew has led a sheltered life, where Leeds has provided him with all the culture (and eye opening experiences) he could possibly wish for. So after many painful years eating gravel 3 times a day and slaving away in Yorkshire's finest coal mines, Matthew was rescued by the mighty York Tories and transformed into a true English gent! As a staunch Adam Smith fanatic, Matthew's Conservative views tend to embody free markets and capitalism, thus making him another of the great York Tory libertarians.
	Jonathan Kerridge-Phipps External Vice Chair
	John Heritage Internal Vice Chair
	Christopher Etheridge Treasurer Chris is a politics student at Alcuin College and was elected Treasurer of the society on the basis of previous financial experience. He was chairman of his school council between the years 2006-2007, and subsequently gained himself the nickname "Ebenezer Etheridge". Chris is strongly Conservative and has lived in Croydon South, a safe Conservative seat, for the whole of his life. He is a true fan of Margaret Thatcher, spending many hours arguing with Socialists about the merits of her economic policy and the problems relating to dependency culture in modern Britain. His main interests other than politics include playing Cricket, Table Tennis and Pool, and creating annoying puns. These puns have divided the society, with some people labelling them "annoying" and others stating that "it would not be the same if the society lacked eccentricity". Despite the image presented on this website, Chris is not a heavy drinker but prefers to drink "socially" and "in moderation". He is however very keen on society socials including meals out and ten-pin bowling.
	Chloe Charlton Secretary
	Anna Appleton Campaigns Description courtesy of Hedley Mellor What can be said about our dear girl Anna? It would be folly to attempt to describe with mere words that wondrous beauty. When any man walks within sight of the face that glows with the sweet light of a summer sunset, the eyes that glitter like a thousand stars, the voice that flows like silk through the eyes, he is enraptured. He becomes dumbfounded like a man whose tongue has been forcibly removed by a blade. His mind is filled with nothing else but Anna. His thoughts can be turned to no other task. Even these words which I have here attempted are severely inadequate, and I am loathe to offer them to the world. I humbly offer them to you in the vain hope it will give you a true understanding of our great officer, our dear Anna Appleton.
	Gemma Tresser Events Description courtesy of Alan Yonge Gemma was elected with near universal acclaim as Events Officer after fighting off some fierce competition from R.O.N. In spite of her small stature (who would have thought there was someone shorter than Julia?) Gemma made a creditable if somewhat messy attempt to complete a Haguethon, also making her probably the only person ever kicked out of the Sea Horse. Like all good Tories she does have her eccentricities, a most untorylike fixation with the colour red (she will only eat red smarties) and she always seem to carry a spare pair of high heels around just in case she needs to seem taller. You are most likely to find her holding a large glass of red wine or possibly assaulting a certain Honorary Vice-President. Despite this I wish her luck, particularly with the next Haguethon, things can only get better!
	Charlotte Brown Press (To be said in a Wolverhampton drawl) Bro-o-wn! Black ho-o-le!
	Ralph Buckle Publicity A stud muffin of a dude with a deep, burning love for Matt Bellamy and David Tennent. Known to drool with a manic grin on his face in his sleep.
	Paul Giannaros Computing Description courtesy of the man himself I was born in Athens, AD 1989. At the wee age of 4½ I moved to England, with the family relocating to London. At the University of York I read Computer Science. I joined and am active in the York Tories because it allows for interesting discussion and good socials with like-minded people, but mainly because of the great group of friends that I've made there. Well, mostly great. My hobbies include playing the classical guitar and ukulele, reading (more non-fiction at the moment, but mostly literature of the last century) and walking. I think our taps should dispense Liefmans Kriek and not water.
	Ben Edwards Ordinary Officer
	Edward Morrison Ordinary Officer Description courtesy of Tom Barnes If you are seeking a modest, temperate and humble fellow then perhaps you should consider looking elsewhere. With an unusual affinity for spending large sums of money on military uniforms, colonial memorabilia, and pith helmets, the self-styled 'superior ordinary officer' is anything but ordinary so long as you forget he comes from Sheffield. Educated at Birkdale School in Yorkshire, Edward was most famously known for being the best mock election campaign manager not to have won. It is demonstrative of his strength of character that even after this loss that Edward continues to try and achieve power. Despite a brief flirtation with Nick Clegg, Edward is a true Tory, spending his free time adoring photos of Margaret Thatcher and expanding his extensive knowledge of individual constituencies, which is as unhealthy as his love for Strongbow and Dixie fried chicken.
	Hedley Mellor Ordinary Officer Description courtesy of Anna Appleton A popular topic of conversation among the York Tories is Hedley's sexuality, as when it comes to girls he does not excel. Instead, he tends to drop them in puddles and yell abuse at them. Whilst this may be a return to playground tactics where insulting is merely disguising his true feelings, there is still hope for all of those lucky men out there who are waiting for Hedley and his cardigans to come out of the closet. Mr Mellor's wardrobe is a source of constant entertainment, often consisting of flowery pashminas, military jackets, jumpers which are literally falling apart, straw hats and of course, his cardigans. As Hedley is in the middle of making a 'film’' he believes it is important to be as eccentric as possible, perhaps to distract people from the quality of this 'film' (genre still unknown). With his laser quest skills and drunken antics Hedley makes a fine contribution to this society and if he happened to be dropped into the lake all tied up, he would be sorely missed.