Minutes of the 11th Meeting

Minutes of the 11th Meeting of the Kent & Sussex Regional branch of The Socialist Party of Great Britain held on 2nd September 2012The meeting started at 3.05pm and was held at the Muggleton Inn, High Street, Maidstone, KentPresent: Dave Chesham (Secretary), Marie Chesham, Rob Cox (Treasurer), Ed Mann (Chair)                           Visitor: Richard HarrisApologies: Hannah Dutton1. Minutes of the 10th Meeting dated 5th August 2012 were before the meeting. Motion 1. Cox & M. Chesham “That the minutes be adopted”AGREED  (four members present)2. Matter arising from the previous minutes                                                                                                                                                                                                           Canterbury StallIt was reported that three branch members and a supporter had a very useful three hours in Canterbury on August 24th.  Three copies of the current SS and a pamphlet were sold and a number of back numbers and leaflets given away.  In addition several conversations were held with passers­ by.It was confirmed that the next stall in Canterbury would be on Saturday, 22nd September which two branch members and at least one supporter have committed themselves to running.  Same time (noon) and place.3. Matter arising from the April meeting                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Party SignMotion sent to the EC in April and considered by the May EC. [“We welcome the quotes that comrade D.Lambert has obtained and request that the artwork for the proposed new sign be uploaded onto the website forum together with examples of the different types of signs being quoted for in order to facilitate feedback from branches.”]                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Motion 2. (to the EC) Cox & Mann “The best part of four months have elapsed since the EC stated it  would provide the information requested.  The branch would like to know when the artwork for the proposed new sign will be made available for inspection by members”AGREED  (four members present)                                                                                                                                                             4. EC minutes of the 8th meeting, 4th August 2012There was considerable discussion arising from these minutes concerning the ADM weekend and the EC’s decisions arising therefrom.  The following motions were proposed, seconded and agreed.Motion 3. (to the EC) D.Chesham and Cox “That the EC’s decision to schedule the workshop at 6.30pm on Saturday, 20th October undermines the intention of those who supported the Conference motion on the matter and renders the event unviable. The branch suggests the workshop be postponed until 2013 Conference.”AGREED (four members present)Motion 4. (to the EC) Cox and Mann “That the EC’s decision to schedule the workshop at 6.30pm on Saturday, 20th October constitutes a clear violation of the Conference motion on the matter which stipulates that it should be a one-­day workshop.”AGREED (four members present)Motion 5. (to the EC) Cox & Mann “Whilst recognising the opportunity the TUC Rally affords to propagate the Party’s case this branch feels that it shouldn’t take precedence over our democratically agreed activities.”AGREED (four members present)[N.B. A discussion then took place concerning the draft text of the TUC leaflet and, in particular, the wording of paragraph 7 and the EC’s decision to print 15000 copies.  It was agreed to return to these matters at a later date]Motion 6.  (to the EC) regarding item 7 (a)  Cox & M.Chesham  “This branch would like the suggested list of films to be shared with others.”AGREED (four members present)5. Appointment of delegates to 2012 ADMMotion 7.  Mann & D.Chesham  “That all those members present plus DH be appointed delegates to 2012 ADM”AGREED (four members present)                                                                                                                                                                                                                               6. Motion for which notice had been given                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Motion 8. Mann & Cox “That in view of problems relating to the Socialist Standard, EC minutes and bank statements it is proposed that branch meetings should revert to the 2nd Sunday of the month “Addendum .D Chesham & Mann  “and that the starting time of meetings be 4.00pm instead of 3.00pm at present”Addendum and substantive motion AGREED (four members present)[N.B.  A request to change the starting time of meetings had been received from a supporter and was considered important.  Subsequently, it transpired that the supporter had requested an earlier start time rather than a later one.  In view of this misunderstanding, all those who had been present at the meeting were contacted by email and unanimously agreed to amend the starting time from 4.00pm (in the motion) to 2.00pm.  This decision to be ratified at the next quorate meeting]                                          7. Future propaganda activities                                                                                        None at present other than the literature stall in Canterbury on September 22nd.8. Any other businessA suggestion to have a stall at the Aylesham Miners Festival was received from the Central Organiser.It was agreed to defer this item. Meeting adjourned at 6.40pm***********************************************************************In line with a decision taken at an earlier meeting there then followed a regular period of discussion on various matters.  This continued until 7.45pm.The next meeting of the branch will be on Sunday, 14th October at 2.00pm when the ADM agenda and reports will need to be discussed.  Same venue.