South East Essex
Friends of the Earth

SEEFoE Meeting, 6th June 2006

Agenda for 6th June meeting 7.30 pm

  1. Minutes of last meeting
  2. Apologies for absence
  3. New member & presentation request
  4. SEEFoE Bank Account
  5. FOE National Conference
  6. Climate change/launch meeting
  7. FOE Regional gathering review
  8. Future campaigns
  9. AOB

Minutes

Minutes of last meeting: all ok, no changes made

Those present at meeting: Kim, Alex, Tracey, Sue and Michael

Apologies for absence: Irene Willis, Keith Jones, John Fuller and Peter and Denis Walker

New members: Jacky and Mr. Reilly, our member numbers are now 21

Presentation requests

New member, Jacky Reilly, has asked if one of our members could do an alternative energy presentation for Castle Point Labour Party, on either the 26th June 2006 or November 23rd 2006.

At the meeting we volunteered John (in his absence) but if he is unable to do these dates Kim volunteered to present on the November date.

SEEFoE Bank Account

At the last meeting it was agreed that we should ask Roger for details of the bank account, which is still not open, and that Sue would take over the necessary arrangement. We have all the information and Peter has agreed to finish organising this as he is nearer to the bank.

FoE National Conference

The FoE National conference will take place from 8th to the 10th September, at University of Nottingham. Places cost £60.00 per representative, a little more for an en suite room! As a new local FoE group we are entitled to 2 free places and at the meeting we agreed if more than 2 people wished to represent SSEFoE the cost will be reduced using the free places. i.e. if 3 go each will pay £20.00. Please note anyone wishing to go, the places must be booked by the 18th August.

SEEFoE Launch meeting

Tony Juniper of FoE has given us some dates (Tues, Wed, Thursday of the week beginning 9th October) when he will be able to attend and give a talk on climate change issues. Peter knows of a local school that could be used. Hopefully the meeting will generate new local members as well as attracting the public to climate change issues. it is necessary to have as many members as possible available to provide help during arrangements at meetings and on the final day (yet to be arranged).

We hope to have a display with climate change information and local FoE members to chat to the public. Alex has agreed to organise the display.

The Essex Energy Efficiency Agency could contribute by doing a presentation. The meeting will take place in the evening with presentations lasting approximately 1 hour. Tea and coffee will be served and will provide an opportunity for us to chat to the public.

As a group we need to discuss what we want to achieve at this meeting.

Regional Gathering Review

The Friends of the Earth Regional gathering on 6th May was Attended by Kim, Denis, and Peter, who who reported that it was very informative. The MPs for Basildon, Billericay, and Thurrock have still not signed the early day motion 178.

We have been asked to look at campaigning in the other areas, particularly those that are labour, by FoE and hopefully generate enough interest to get groups set up. Rayleigh, however, is our priority. The basildon MP cannot sign as yet as she is a junior minister, but it FoE are still keen for us to adopt the MP as she is worth targeting for when the bill comes up for voting in the future, and they hope to get a group set up in that area. After that FoE’s next priority would be Thurrock.

We need to come up with a date before the next meeting, hopefully in the next couple of weeks to target Basildon, light bulbs and all.

Mark Francois of Rayleigh/Rochford had still not signed, Sue and Kim will attend his surgery to present the Big Ask postcards and urge him to sign, on Saturday 10th June. If they are unsuccessful we will have to think about targeting Rayleigh with a campaign, yet again.

Southend Incinerator

There is a meeting at the local council on 13th June concerning a proposed large incinerator in Southend. Please attend if you can to support those who are campaigning against it.

AOB

Critical Mass in Southend on June 9th. Details available from Irene Willis irene.willis@tiscalli.co.uk

Greenspace lecture at 'Camp Bling' will be on 27th June - this is the SEEFoE Climate Change talk. If anyone would like to help with writing and presenting this talk, please contact Denis denis@seefoe.org.uk

Next Meeting will take place on the 4th July, 7.30, 16 Queens Road, Southend.