Minutes of the 30th Meeting

Minutes of the 30th Meeting of the Kent & Sussex Regional branch of The Socialist Party of Great Britain held on 13th April 2014The meeting started at 2.06pm and was held at the Muggleton Inn, High Street, Maidstone, KentPresent: Dave Chesham (Secretary), Marie Chesham, Rob Cox (Treasurer), Jacqueline ShodekeApologies for absence: Mandy Bruce, Les Courtney, Hannah Dutton, Ed Mann, Glenn MorrisVisitor: Dan (from 2.25 until 5.00pm)1. Election of ChairMotion 1. D.Chesham & Shodeke “That D.Chesham be Chair”AGREED2. Minutes of the 29th Meeting dated 9th March 2014 were before the meetingAGREED3. Matters arising from the previous minutesi) Les CourtneyIt was AGREED to further defer this item as Mandy wasn't present.ii) Contact with the Weadlen Progressive MovementIt was AGREED to take no further action for the time being.At this point a visitor, by the name of Dan from Folkestone, arrived and it was AGREED to suspend standing orders. A long discussion took place and it soon became clear that he was well- informed politically and very sympathetic to our ideas. He provided an email address so that we could keep him informed about branch and party activities.iii) Motions to ConferenceA discussion took place concerning the branch's two Conference motions and one amendment to Conference motion which had been ruled out of order.iv) Advertising in 'The Net'It was AGREED to hold an online meeting to further discuss this item and make a decision.v) Euroelections – 22/5/14a) Constituencies in the branch's catchment areaIt was reported that Executive Committee had agreed to the branch's request to target a further five parliamentary constituencies all of which are in its catchment area. These are:Chatham and AylesfordSittingbourne and SheppeyFolkestone and HytheDartfordGraveshamWe subsequently heard that the Election Committee had suggested a further constituency, Hastings and Rye, which brought to 20 the total number of constituencies which will have the Party's election statement delivered using the free postal distribution service.b) Literature stalls to coincide with election campaignSubject to confirmation it was AGREED that Election/Literature stalls would be held in Maidstone on April 26th, Tonbridge on May 5th and Canterbury on May 10th. Two further stalls would likely be held on May 15th and May 20th; locations to be decided.Rob presented two leaflets he had designed, both based on the London election statement text, one of which could be used at the stalls and the other for house-to-house distribution in areas already being covered by the official election statement, expressly advertising the existence of Kent and Sussex branch. It was AGREED to adopt these leaflets and to thank him for producing them.4. Consideration of Conference 2014 final agendaThe members present discussed the items on the final agenda; its delegates to be instructed accordingly.5. Appointment of Conference delegatesIt was AGREED that the four members present be appointed delegates to Conference.6. Quarterly financial reportThe Treasurer presented the branch's quarterly financial report showing a balance in hand of £418.83. Rob was thanked for his report.7. Summer School – 20-22/6/14Members were reminded that they would need to book soon if they wished to attend.8. Kent Miners' Festival – 25/8/14The Secretary reported that he had booked a stall at this event to be held again at Eythorne near Dover.9. EC minutes – 3rd meeting – 1/3/14NOTED10. Future propaganda activitiesa) Possible day or weekend school in 2015It was AGREED that this item be deferred.11. Any other businessa) September meeting – suggested change of dateDue to an event planned at Head Office on the second Sunday in September it was AGREED that the branch meeting be moved to the third Sunday. i.e. September 21st.b) May meeting – suggested change of dateAs it was realised two members would be unable to be present at the branch's scheduled meeting in May it was AGREED that the branch meeting be moved to the third Sunday. i.e. May 18th.Meeting adjourned at 6.18pmCollection taken: £10.05