Reply To: Kent and Sussex Branch
[The following is posted on behalf of the minute taker]
Minutes of 86th meeting of Kent & Sussex Regional Branch held on Sunday, 13th January, 2019.
The meeting commenced at 2.50pm at the Muggleton Inn, High Street, Maidstone, Kent (First floor)
Present: Mandy Bruce, Dave Chesham, Rob Cox (Treasurer), Dan Fabian and Shannon Kennedy.
1. Election of Chair
Motion 1. Chesham/Bruce “that Fabian be chair” AGREED 5-0-0.
2. Apologies for absence
Hannah Dutton, Dave Humphries.
3. Confirmation of agenda items
Confirmed.
4. Adoption of minutes of previous meeting
Motion 2. Chesham/Kennedy “that the minutes be adopted” AGREED 5-0-0.
5. Matters arising from the minutes of previous meeting
a) Folkestone Socials/SS Sales (Lime Bar Cafe)
Cox has spoken to the owners of the (now closed) Lime Bar who are keen to continue selling the Standard at their events. Cde. Thomas to liaise with Andi Elliot.
b) T-Shirts & Bags
Order for bags for sale from Head Office. Chesham reports that a number of bags have been purchased online. Cox agrees to approach AMS to address the pricing discrepancy on previous t shirt orders and to place an order for further T-shirt stock.
c) Advertising
‘the .Net’ magazine – Report from Cde. Bruce
Bruce to get further info from web for next meeting.
d) Motion to the EC (introductory pamphlet suggestion)
“That the E.C. considers producing an introductory party pamphlet based on the Class War introductory pamphlet”.
EC consideration was deferred.
e) Motion to the EC (website suggestion)
“KSRB recommends that the whiteboard video be moved from its present position on SPGB homepage, to the top of the page.”
EC consideration was deferred.
f) SPGB Enamel badge quotations (Bruce)
Bruce to action agreed badge enquiries as agreed in December minutes.
6. Branch Financial Report 2018
Appointment of Auditors
Chesham and Kennedy volunteer to audit report. AGREED 5-0-0
7. Annual Party Conference 2019 (Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April)
The deadline for motions and amendments to rule (items must be accompanied by a statement in support) is Friday 1st February 2019. Kennedy to propose a motion that he will put forward to branch members online. There was discussion on his draft wording
8. Notice of Business (Bruce)
a) That Cde. Buick’s article “What Would a Real Socialist Revolution Look Like?” from October’s Standard be published as a brochure for free distribution at literature stall and events etc. Item deferred from March meeting [Item 7a, for “mock up a layout for possible leaflet”]
Deferred with apologies
b) “The use of a recent piece from the January Standard giving the “Case against Capitalism” as a free handout” Item deferred from March meeting [Item 7b].
Deferred with apologies
9. Forms ‘A’ & ‘F’ and Branch membership transfers
Cox reports on correspondence with comrade Humphries who has been allocated to our branch after re-joining the SPGB (via M.A.C.).
Chesham conveys the sad news of the passing of Comrade Marie Chesham. Motion 3. Fabian/Kennedy “that Cde. Chesham’s form F be accepted” AGREED 5-0-0.
10. EC minutes December 2018.
Noted.
11. Future propaganda activities
Bruce proposes holding a street stall at the Wigtown Book Festival in Scotland. Bruce agrees to get further info. Bruce reports that the Beltie Bookshop in Wigtown has purchased a number of SPGB books and pamphlets for sale in their shop.* The proprietors also expressed an interest in selling The Standard. Bruce to find out about costs and terms of selling the Standard and pass on to Beltie Books.
12. Any other business
Cox has received an email from a student at Christchurch University in Canterbury who suggests SPGB sends a speaker to their ‘Making Politics Matter’ meetings. Cox has contacted the college who are keen that we attend and Cde. Thomas who has agreed to speak. Confirmation of the date (March?) awaited. Cox also asked if other members may attend?
It appears the Socialist Society there may no longer be active.
13. Collection
Collection £9.07
Standard x2-£3.00
Rosa Luxemburg pamphlet x2-£5
*plus £7 pamphlets from shop
14. Discussion Item
How we present our case (The more challenging aspects) Cde Cox raised the issue of whether we should seek to avoid raising aspects of the Party case in circumstances where there may be insufficient opportunity to properly explain the issue to those not familiar with us, and who may therefore become confused or make incorrect assumptions about what we propose (for instance in leaflets). It was suggested this be circulated to members as a suggested item for Conference (motion or discussion item).
Adjournment 6.00pm
