Oh, the irony!

Our council workshops continued this afternoon with another briefing on key issues facing us in this term of council. Much of it was covering old ground but I can see the sense in updating an incoming council. This helps bring new councillors up to speed and refreshes the memories of those who have been around awhile.
This workshop was not too long, finishing at 6.30pm - the same time a Vision Manawatu function started at the Convention Centre.
This was to be a black tie dinner and awards presentation to the local businesses who have graduated from the Smart Business Acceleration Programme. Members of the Ministry of Economic Development’s Small Business Advisory Group were to be in attendance and it certainly looked to be a very interesting and worthwhile evening.
I was looking forward to being there. However, I have had to work. I debated whether to put in my apologies and not attend the workshop (and apart from wanting to be there to congratulate our graduating businesses I consider it pretty poor form to accept an invitation only to have to later pull out) but my sense of obligation got the better of me. So, I attended the workshop this afternoon and came back to work.
Isn’t it ironic that I had to miss a business function geared to small business because of my small business needing me to work?
Interestingly enough, when I called Vision to tender my apologies I learned that only four councillors had accepted the invitation to attend. As far as I know, only two actually did. Although my absence could not be avoided (and I worked until 3.30am this morning in the hope that I could get enough time away from work today) I still feel a sense of collective embarrassment that so few showed any interest in this function honouring local business.

Tomorrow, Thursday, we have yet another council workshop. Friday sees me committed to council work for most of the day. I might have a day off on Saturday and check out the Christmas Parade. Let’s hope the weather improves for the weekend!