Forest has been nominated for an award. Seriously.
Unfortunately we had to nominate ourselves. Here's what happened.
A couple of weeks ago I took a call from someone who organises an annual awards event.
They'd heard good things about our Eat, Drink, Smoke, Vape party at the Conservative conference in Birmingham and thought it should be nominated.
Good-oh, I thought, recognition at last.
But there was a catch. We had to nominate the event ourselves and there was a small cost involved.
To cut a long story short they offered to waive the fee and I agreed to nominate our event.
This involved writing a short entry that I duly submitted two days after the closing date.
Not only was our nomination accepted but I then got a follow-up call inviting Forest to sponsor some element of the evening or book a table for ten.
I didn't reply.
They rang again yesterday, leaving a message. Today I shall respond as follows.
Thanks but no thanks. If our nomination (which we haven't paid for) is shortlisted I will happily purchase two tickets to attend the dinner.
Beyond that – sorry, not interested.
If we win an award (which is long overdue, btw) I don't want anyone to think – fairly or unfairly – that money is a factor.
Nominations are being considered by a team of judges and a shortlist for each category will be announced next week.
If Eat, Drink, Smoke, Vape is shortlisted I'll be pleasantly surprised.
If we actually win an award I'll be more than surprised. I'll be tickled pink.
Watch this space.
Update: The organisers have assured me that support for this event is definitely NOT a factor when considering their awards.
I am happy to make that clear!
PS. The winners of the inaugural Voices of Freedom Awards that Forest launched in July were:
Rod Liddle, associate editor, The Spectator
Claire Fox, director, Institute of Ideas
Chris Snowdon, director, IEA Lifestyle Unit
John Mallon, spokesman, Forest Ireland
Barry Curtis, campaigner against smoking bans in mental health units
I am happy to confirm that not a penny changed hands before, during or after our deliberations.