The Gravesend Parliament

I have been wanting to post an article on this, the most fantastic of all institutions for some time. The reason I haven't of course is because I thought it best to obtain a photograph of the benches to complement my post. I have been unable to obtain such a picture thus far through fear of attack. However, today was the day I snapped and ran.

The Gravesend Parliament [GP] is where it all happens. Only on the driest of days will you find Gravesend's finest engaged in insipid discussion on the benches of the GP. Insipid it seems, but only at first, until one realises that the GP is comprised of the UK's most talented politicians. They can often be found engaged in debate on the most important of issues, such as "special brew vs meths". Each member will stand/slump with a can in hand - reminiscent of the conch shell from The Lord of the Flies. He who holds the can highest is seemingly given the floor to speak. It is an interesting marvel of our current democracy. It is a shame that I only get to see the GP in action when I have to nip across the road to get some lunch. It pains me to think that my job is so meaningless when I look at the members of the GP carrying out their most important of duties. Today sadly, there were no MGPs around - no doubt taking a well earned extended bank holiday.

There are sub-committees of the GP too. My colleague and I found a group of three MGPs (Members of the Gravesend Parliament), cans in hand at the side of the Parrock Street car park no doubt discussing issues pertaining to Highways or perhaps automotive security issues. We can only conclude that this is one of the important Tri-partite Sub-liaison Committees established by the current Prime Minister. It is interesting to see that many of the members have a keen interest in local justice and can often be found gathered at the local Magistrates' Court.