War and remembrance of colleagues killed in Iraq, workplace struggles, sackings and victories, the union’s strategic review, Building Our Collective Strength – these were the big issues at the 2003 ADM held in Llandudno in April.

There were memorable moments over the four days, such as the eloquent but humorous speeches by World Service journalists Abdul-Hadi Jiad and Adli Hawwari sacked by Greg Dyke. Much time too was spent on essential if yawn-making organisational issues - read all the reports fit to print in the current and future issues of the Journalist.

There were lighter moments - music traditional and trad from a choir and jazz group at the “Welcome to Wales” night, plus a history of the Penrhyn strike in poetry and archive readings.

A key moment for Welsh members was Jeremy Dear’s promise that a new assistant organiser will work to build the union in Wales. At a meeting of Welsh delegates with John Fray and key staffers plans were laid to tackle weaknesses, revitalise branches and chapels, recruit PR staff, and campaign on issues like the Communications Bill. Perhaps not a roadmap yet but useful steps in the direction of a revitalised NUJ in Wales.

Lila Haines