As my local Labour Party branch secretary and general factotum, I receive a monthly report of membership changes from myself as Constituency Labour Party membership secretary, courtesy of a monthly report sent automatically from the Party's National Membership database. The timing coincides with the time I put aside to issue Invitations to branch meetings (aka Calling Notices or Agendas). So I pop a reminder note in with news about the Branch and details of its next meeting.
For the last two months, a particular name popped up showing ARREARS, ie behind on payment of subscription.
Imagine my delight when earlier this week I open a handwritten envelope from the person concerned who has written a personal note to me to reassure me that aged 96
...I thought/mistook last year's subscription for the current year. I have now sent £36 for the year 2007/08 and I hope this will be in order.
Not just in order, a marvel! That's the full membership rate for the Labour Party too.