Minutes of the 13th Meeting
Minutes of the 13th Meeting of the Kent & Sussex Regional branch of The Socialist Party of Great Britain held on 11th November 2012The meeting started at 2.20pm and was held at the Muggleton Inn, High Street, Maidstone, KentPresent: Dave Chesham (Secretary & Chair), Marie Chesham, Rob Cox (Treasurer) Visitor: Hannah Dutton 1. Minutes of the 12th Meeting dated 14th October 2012 were before the meeting.Motion 1. M. Chesham & Cox "That the minutes be adopted"AGREED (three members present)2. Matters arising from the previous minutesi) Aylesham Miners' Festival 2013 The Secretary reported that this annual event would once again be held at Aylesham next year and that an application for the branch to have a stall at the Festival would be made nearer the time.NOTEDii) Possibility of a debate with the Money Reform Society The Secretary had sent an email to this organisation but had yet to receive any response.It was AGREED that a further email be sent and that a postal address be sought.iii) Tonbridge and Weald Socialist GroupIt had not been possible to make contact with this group as the only relevant information on their leaflet which was being handed out in Tonbridge was that of a trade union website.NOTED3. EC minutes11th meeting, 3rd November 2012Some discussion took place on the EC's decision to purchase new chairs for Head Office. Whilst it was felt important to have some better seating for public meetings, Conferences and ADMs, the choice of fabric covered chairs was not considered to be the best option as ensuring their cleanliness would not be easy. A vinyl or other type of wipeable finish was thought to be a far better option.The decision to defer consideration of the proposed new HO signage until the January 2013 EC was welcomed.4. Treasurer's financial statementThe Treasurer presented a very comprehensive statement which showed a present branch surplus of £280.75 less current liabilities to Head Office of £66.75. Current branch membership was 9 including 3 members having dues waived.NOTED5. Auditing arrangements for branch Form 'C'It was AGREED that auditing of the branch accounts be undertaken and provision of other relevant information be made at the January 2013 branch meeting.6. Report of ADM proceedings It was AGREED to defer discussion until publication of the official minutes.7. Notice of business Rob Cox “Discussion on the role of the Campaigns and Media Committees”.It was AGREED to defer this item to the December meeting and that those members absent be advised of the decision. 8. Future propaganda activities i) Robert Tressell event It was AGREED that the Secretary investigate whether a Robert Tressell event in Hastings is being planned for next year.ii) Literature stalls in Canterbury and elsewhereDiscussion took place as to how we could make our future literature stalls more eyecatching to passers-by.It was AGREED that Rob investigate the availability of portable display equipment and stands.9. December meetingIn addition to the above notice of business members were reminded that any motions or changes to rule for Conference 2013 Agenda would have to be submitted in time for consideration at the December branch meeting. Items for discussion for Conference 2013 Agenda would have to be submitted in time for consideration at the January branch meeting.10. Any other businessi) TUC leafletFurther reference was made to this recent party publication. That the design of it appears to have been based on the official October TUC march leaflet did not generally find favour. ii) Party signIt was AGREED that the link to the designs for the proposed new HO signage be made available to all branch members and they be invited to submit further ideas for consideration at the December branch meeting.Meeting adjourned at 5.20pm**************************************************************************************************** The next meeting of the branch will be on Sunday, 9th December at 2.00pm. Same venue.Items for that meeting's agenda will include:-1) Notice of business Rob Cox “Discussion on the role of the Campaigns and Media Committees".2) Submission of motions or changes to rule for Conference 2013 Agenda.3) Submission of further designs for proposed new Head Office signage. For designs already submitted see here:-http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/forum/world-socialist-movement/designs-proposed-new-head-office-signage