WHEN Oxford Town Hall hired out its main hall to a large Christmas party it had no idea the country would soon be going to the polls.
And once the general election date was declared as Thursday, December 12, it was clear there was going to be a clash.
But by then it was too late to change and St Aldate’s Church, a short distance away, was chosen as the best possible alternative.
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While it appeared there was much less room for those counting the votes, the change in venue did not harm the efficiency of those running the election and the declaration came about 3am - when it had been predicted.
Once the votes had been counted the candidates lined up on the stage, close to where the church band keep musical instruments.
Churches in the county have a long history of hosting election hustings so St Aldate’s Church was carrying on a long-established tradition of helping the democratic process.
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Anneliese Dodds, who held onto the seat with a decreased majority, made a special point of thanking the church for hosting the count at short notice.
She said: “It’s an incredible honour to be re-elected in this wonderful place.
"I have to say it’s also very moving to do so in such beautiful surroundings so I would like to thank St Aldate’s for hosting this count.”
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