TONY Blair was "so friendly" when he met long-standing Forest Labour Party members Joan Edey and Honor Truman at a reception at 10 Downing Street.
Another highlight had been seeing protesters scaling the massive Millennium Wheel on the South Bank!
"It was a very special occasion," said Honor, 79, from Coleford after she and Joan had travelled to London by train to be taken on a tour of the Commons before meeting leading party figures at No 10.
"I had also taken along my sister's autograph book, which I asked John Prescott to sign, and he said he would be 'proud, very proud' to do so.
"When I looked at it afterwards he had written 'a great honour' under his name!
"Everything went so well. I used to go to London a lot, but it has all changed. When you are older that sort of expedition can be very daunting. But it was a wonderful day."
Joan, 71, from Bream, said: "It was lovely, very relaxed. We went by train to Paddington and then by taxi to the Central Lobby where somebody met us and showed us around – we met Martin Bell, who I recognised by his white suit, and Tony Benn waved to us.
"Then we had tea and afterwards we were taken to Downing Street and went upstairs where we were met by Cherie Blair. She's so nice! There were lots of people there and there was a chance to say hello to everyone – Mo Mowlam, Claire Short and John Prescott, also Margaret Beckett.
"We were there about an hour before Mr Blair appeared and gave a little speech, then he came around and talked to everyone. And we had lots of photographs taken.
"I had wanted to ask a few questions about rural transport but unfortunately I didn't have the chance because we had to catch the train home. But it was a lovely day – so easy."
Both have been long-term Labour supporters. "I think I me and my brother were born in the Labour Party," said Joan. "Dad sang the Red Flag over our cradle and that was that."