South East Essex
Friends of the Earth

SEEFoE Meeting, 7th February 2006

South East Essex Friends of the Earth Group (SEEFoE)

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 7 March 2006 at 7.30 p.m. at the Balmoral Community Centre, Salisbury Avenue, Southend

Agenda

  1. Minutes of last meeting
  2. Apologies for absence
  3. Reports on last meeting's action items:
    • Bank account & membership fees
    • Website
    • Draft press release
    • Boundaries
  4. Membership & membership secretary
  5. Discussion/agreement on campaign (Big Ask) & next steps
  6. AOB

Minutes of the meeting held on 7 February 2006 at the Balmoral Community Centre
Present: Kim (Coordinator), Bruno, Denis, Jon, Maike, Peter, Sue.

  1. Apologies for absence: Michael Downer, Irene Willis, Steve Jordan, Eileen (Bruno and Mavis joined another group)
  2. Minutes of previous meeting: were altered as to the fact that Denis had not been a member of the old SEEFoE.
  3. Matters arising: The bank account will be opened very soon with the Cooperative Bank. Members’s cheques have started to be sent in.
    Denis will set up phone number that is not Kim’s personal one but redirects calls to the latter. He pointed out that any member has access to and can alter the website. Denis will send new phone number to Kim.
  4. Reports: Kim reported that Chelmsford FoE does not bother about their boundaries. Maike pointed out that they are not active as a Mid Essex group. Jon suggested to work within the scope of the old SEEFoE-group, i.e. Benfleet, Rayleigh, Castle Point, Southend, Rochford. Peter said that council staff have not come back to him about shopping precinct permit.
  5. Discussion
    Press release drafted by Bruno was discussed and photo of group members taken. Kim will send press release and photos off. He will get relevant press phone numbers from Peter.
    Jon pointed out that the government’s target is a 3% reduction in greenhouse gases every year. He cited that there is scope of reducing 30% of current output by the public by putting in simple energy-saving measures. He also quotes scientific article that warns about melting of arctic ice sheet in Greenland. Maike warns about Essex drought and situation if temperature rises at the end of April.
  6. Action items
    Members decide to include simple display of energy saving devices like light bulbs in High Street event. The event will take place on a Saturday in early April from 10-1 preferably by the clock at the upper end of the High Street. Kim will get Big Ask cards, banners and material.
  7. Any other business
    Kim reported that FoE will do national mailshot for us. Denis reports on news coverage of Priory Park. Visitors welcome, especially Sat 4th March 1-6 pm for the opening of the Visitor Centre.