Minutes of the 8th Meeting of

Minutes of the 8th Meeting of the Kent & Sussex Regional branch of The Socialist Party of Great Britain held on 3rd June 2012The meeting started at 3.15pm and was held at the Muggleton Inn, High Street, Maidstone, KentPresent: Dave Chesham (Literature Secretary & Chair), Marie Chesham, Rob Cox (Treasurer), Ed MannVisitor: Hannah DuttonApologies: Glenn Morris, DH1. Minutes of the 7th Meeting dated 6th May 2012 were before the meetingMotion 1. Cox & Mann “That the minutes be adopted.”AGREED2. Matters arising from the previous minutesi) Future of Branch There was nothing further to report at the moment.NOTED                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ii) Canterbury StallDue to the unavailability of members it had not been possible to have the literature stall in Canterbury which had been planned for Saturday, 19 May.  However, a new date of Saturday 23 June was arranged.  Those intending to go should meet at the Stour Street Car Park prior to setting up the stall in the Parade (between High Street and St.George’sStreet) close to Marks and Spencer around noon.http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/event/literature-stall-kent-high-street-canterbury-12-noon-0NOTEDiii) Possible debate with SPEW and othersA further attempt had made to contact the local branch of SPEW with a view to suggesting a debate but still without success.NOTEDEd reported that he had still not received a reply to the email he had sent to the Anarchist Federation.NOTEDRob had now received details of room hire charges at the University of Kent in Canterbury.  A room to accommodate up to fifty people would cost £75 for an evening session.NOTEDA brief discussion followed about alternative venues and those organisations we could approach with whom we might hold a debate.iv) motions to the EC                                                                                                                                                                                                                       a) Party Sign (see April meeting ­ motion 4)It was agreed to monitor progress.b) Membership Applications (see April meeting ­ motion 6)Motion 2. (to the EC)  Cox & Mann “This branch thanks the EC for giving consideration to its resolution of 15 April (May EC minutes ­ item 6(b)i).  However, the branch is disappointed that the intention of the motion has not been recognised, namely that the branch consultation should take place before the new member is provided with an opportunity to consider any choice of which branch to join. This branch would like to be given the choice as to how it could best accommodate the needs of new members.”AGREED                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Motion 3. (to the EC)  Cox & D.Chesham “This branch requests the EC to ensure that copies of Forms ‘A’ accepted via the Membership Applications Department be provided to the Secretary of the allocated branch.” SUPPORTING STATEMENT”The Branch Treasurer pointed out that he is having to write to new members to ask for their date of birth and date of admission (to determine when and if they are liable to pay dues as per rule 2), and for their contact details (phone/email etc), when they have already provided this information on their Form A.  This does not give a good impression of party efficiency and is a waste of time and effort for all concerned.”AGREED3. EC minutes of the 5th meeting, 5th May 2012NOTED4. New branch standing ordersMotion 4. Cox & Mann “That consideration of the new branch standing orders be deferred until the next meeting and that all branch members be requested to submit any suggestions as to how the branch should implement them.”AGREED5. Departmental terms of reference (draft report)                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Motion 5. (to the EC)  Mann & M.Chesham  “This branch notes that a draft report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Departmental Terms of Reference has been published. The branch would like to know why the EC has not allowed branches, the units of organisation within the Party, and members without access to Spintcom, the opportunity to consider the report and make any observations, etc.”AGREED6. Head Office propaganda meetingsFor your information the following meetings will take place at The Socialist Party of Great Britain’s premises at 52 Clapham High Street, London SW4 7UN during this month.Sunday 10 June, 3.00pmWAR: ITS CAUSE AND CURESpeaker: Gwynn ThomasSunday 24 June, 3.00pmTHE SECRETS OF THE INCAS: HOW THEY RELATE TO TODAY’S PROBLEMSSpeaker: Bill MartinPlease note the day and earlier starting time for these meetings.7. Summer SchoolLast minute travel arrangements were discussed for the four branch members and one supporter who would be going to Summer School in Birmingham this year; three branch members plus one from another branch would be going by road and two others by train.NOTED8. Workshop weekendIt was reported that Lancaster branch was organising a residential workshop for the weekend of September 7th/9th, for members only, to explore ways of using video toadvance the socialist case and that there were a few places remaining.NOTED9. Any other business                                                                                                                                                                                                                           i) Vacancies on Campaigns Department Motion 6. (to the EC)  D.Chesham & M.Chesham “That Jacqueline Shodeke be nominated for one of the vacancies on the Campaigns Department.”AGREEDii) Reminder of Notice of Business for July meeting ­”Consideration of possible items for discussion for submission to the 2012 ADM”Meeting adjourned at 5.30pm***********************************************************************In line with a decision taken at an earlier meeting there then followed a regular period of discussion on various matters.  This continued beyond 7.00pm.