Minutes of the 15th Meeting
Minutes of the 15th Meeting of the Kent & Sussex Regional branch of The Socialist Party of Great Britain held on 13th January 2013The meeting started at 2.25pm and was held at the Muggleton Inn, High Street, Maidstone, KentPresent: Dave Chesham (Secretary & Chair), Marie Chesham, Rob Cox (Treasurer), Ed MannVisitors: Mandy Bruce, Hannah Dutton (both up until 5.30pm)Apologies for absence: none1. Minutes of the 14th Meeting dated 9th December 2012 were before the meetingMotion 1. Mann & Cox "That the minutes be adopted".AGREED 4-0 (four members present)We were pleased to welcome a new visitor to the branch, Mandy Bruce, who had been in communication with the Membership Applications committee. At the committee's suggestion she had decided to attend the branch with the aim of joining the party. Some time was given to discussing various aspects of the party's case with Mandy and as a result it was AGREED that the Secretary would send various additional items of literature to her (at her request) and that she would probably apply to join at the next meeting.2. Matters arising from the previous minutesi) Portable display standIt was reported that the EC had kindly acceded to the branch's request for a grant of up to £300 for the purchase of portable display stand and that a couple of members would visit a showroom in Croydon in the near future where various examples could be more closely inspected rather than relying simply on online illustrations.ii) Notice of business – Rob Cox “Discussion on the role of the Campaigns and Media Committees".Rob opened briefly on this item but was of the view that we should wait and see how the new terms of reference worked out and, if necessary, raise the matter again.iii) Report of ADM proceedingsIt was AGREED to defer this item to the February meeting.iv) Further items for discussion for 2013 Conferencea) Motion 2. Mann & Cox (re item 6 of the December meeting)“That the motion regarding the intended item for discussion to Conference “Are contesting council elections of any value?” be rescinded".AGREED 4-0 (four members present)b) It was AGREED to formulate an item for discussion concerning the use of candidates' photographs and that it be considered in detail together with a supporting statement at the February meeting.c) It was AGREED that consideration of further items of discussion and the appointment of the branch's delegates to Conference be deferred to the February meeting.v) Election of two auditors, auditing of branch accounts and adoption of Form 'C'Motion 3. Mann & M.Chesham “That D.Chesham and Mann be appointed branch auditors".AGREED 4-0 (four members present)The branch accounts were then audited and the branch's Form 'C' adopted.vi) Further nominations to EC subcommitteesIt was AGREED to defer consideration to the February meeting.3. EC minutesi) 1st meeting, 5th January 2013NOTED4. Future propaganda activitiesContact had been made with the Wealden Progressive Movement, an organisation which Ed had first encountered in Tonbridge some months ago. It was AGREED to contact this organisation with the offer of a joint discussion or forum type meeting.5. Any other businessNoneMeeting adjourned at 6.13pm****************************************************************************************************The next meeting of the branch will be on Sunday, 10th February at 2.00pm. Same venue.Items for that meeting's agenda will include:1) Further items for discussion for 2013 Conference (NB. Supporting statements must be provided for these at the meeting as latest date for submission to Head Office is Thursday, 14th February)2) Consideration of 2013 Conference preliminary agenda3) Consideration of ADM proceedings (minutes)4) Nominations to EC sub-committees5) Nomination of Project Officer to implement new Head Office fascia6) Suggestion of further dates for Head Office workshop