The event was held in the art deco splendour of the council chamber at Hackney Town Hall. Rodney Bickerstaffe was there plus various old friends from my youth.
John was on form and gave an impassioned explanation of how the Labour Party managed to win elections in working class areas such as Hackney on an 80% turnout. His argument was that for all the gimmicks such as postal voting and longer polling hours the best way to get them to vote is to give people something to vote for.
So that's me together with former councillor Eddie Millen, John Kotz himself and veteran Communist party stalwart Monty Goldman.
Hackney Town Hall Council Chamber hasn't changed much since I was last there in 1971 - except that above the Mayor's chair there is now a portrait of our unelected head of state.
UPDATE Luke Akehurst, who I am reliably informed is an excellent local councillor representing Chatham ward on Hackney council has also posted a review on his blog. This may also be an opportunity to thank Luke for taking us on a guided tour of the "rogues gallery" of former mayors to see familiar faces and and relive some great memories.
