South East Essex
Friends of the Earth

SEEFoE Meeting, 6th March 2007

Agenda for 6th March meeting 7:30pm

  1. Minutes of last meeting
  2. Apologies for absence
  3. Big Ask
  4. Energy funding
  5. AOB

Minutes

  1. Minutes of last meeting:
    No minutes were available at the time of the meeting
    It was agreed that Denis Walker would take over as secretary.
  2. Apologies for absence:
    None received
    Present:
    Kim Power (co-ordinator), Denis Walker (secretary), Peter Walker (treasurer), Michael Woolcott, Sarah Fuller, Jon Fuller, Michael Downer, Nina Hughes
    New member:
    Nina Hughes
  3. Big Ask:
    FoE has created new Big Ask materials - postcards and leaflets - which KP showed the meeting. These can be seen on the FoE website at http://community.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/materials.html. Using these materials, we should restart our High Street campaign to get people to sign postcards while distributing free energy saving lightbulbs courtesy of the Energy Saving Trust (EST).
    JF noted that there is no mention of the 3% per annum reduction in CO2 emissions that was called for on the previous postcards. The Government had aimed for a 60% cut in CO2 emissions by 2050, but the Hadley Centre and others are now calling for a 90% cut by then. The card does call for the bill to be clear on what must be achieved each year and require annual progress reports, but the lack of a specific percentage is concerning - why is it not there?
    KP will ask why this has been omitted.
    SF points out that 3%pa isn't enough in any case as CO2 emissions are currently increasing at 2.5%pa. Have to enforce targets and not make them voluntary. Even enforcable targets might not be enough as there have been energy efficiency requirements in force since 1985, but no-one has ever been prosecuted for non-compliance.
    KP proposed that we target Basildon in particular with our Big Ask campaigning this time as Angela Smith is responsible for this area and the local Conservative MPs all appear to be on board regarding the Climate Change Bill.
    JF: Gordon Brown announced that all new housing is to be carbon neutral in ten years time. Why not now? The Labour administration is poor on this issue: could be doing more.
    It was agreed that we will target Angela Smith. 28th April was selected as the date for the High Street stall, starting at 10am. KP will seek permission from Basildon Council.
  4. Energy funding:
    NH has been on a course run by the EST on how to get funding for community-based energy projects.
    Millions of pounds of funding is not claimed each year in the UK, and she is looking for ideas for a community project that SEEFoE could take on.
    Examples of previously successful schemes include wind turbines at community centres.
    JF mentioned the wind turbine with a viewing platform at Swaffham which has been made into a tourist attraction. Having a similar scheme in Southend could work as it would provide good views across the Thames Estuary and the Thames Array could be seen from it.
    PW suggested a project to make Temple Sutton School carbon neutral.
    SF pointed out that this would be a good idea as other sources of funding would be available for a project like this - from business, etc. and all parties would gain positive publicity from the scheme.
    NH also pointed out that this would make the school a strong contender for the Eco Schools Award.
    PW to speak to TS headteacher then email us with his reaction.
    NH would be Project Manager.
    SF offered help and expertise as an environmental officer for the Fire Service.
  5. AOB:
    • Trident replacement:
      SEEFoE has been invited to make a statement at the Southend and District CND meeting on 7th March about the proposed Trident nuclear weapons replacement, with particular regard to the environmental impacts. MD has prepared a statement. We checked that this does not conflict with national FoE policy - there is no mention of Trident or its replacement that we could find on their website. The meeting unanimously supported the statement.
    • Finance:
      PW provided an update of the group's financial situation. A deposit of £10 has been made since teh last meeting, bringing our current balance to £552. Irene Willis gave a talk on behalf of SEEFoE at a school in Wickford and has put in a petty cash claim for £8.50 for materials from FoE Publishing Dept. This was approved and MD will reimburse her when he sees her at the CND meeting.
    • Priory Crescent:
      PW informed the meeting of the PPPS's recent meeting with James Duddridge MP regarding the Priory Crescent road widening scheme. PW, DW and MD attended, presenting him with 298 PPPS postcards. Duddridge promised to reply to all those from his constituents and to pass the others to their own MP. No letters have been forthcoming as yet.
    • Essex Uni Campus:
      NH asked if there is an FoE group at the Southend campus of Essex Uni. No-one was aware of one. SF pointed out that a People & Planet group would be more likely. NH proposed that we should investigate this and make contact with them to involve them in SEEFoE campaigns.
    • MediaShed:
      DW mentioned the MediaShed's Antarctic Data project, which will be collecting and using weather data from a weather station they are sending to the Antarctic as part of the International Polar Year. Their website is http://mediashed.org/
    • Next Meeting:
      The next meeting will be on 3rd April 2007 at 7:30pm. The venue is TBC, but provisionally 14, Scratton Road.