South East Essex
Friends of the Earth

SEEFoE Meeting, 15th April 2008

Agenda for SEEFoE Meeting of 15th April 2008, 7:30pm

  1. Apologies for absence
  2. Minutes of last meeting
  3. Next Meeting
  4. Partnership Agreement Renewal
  5. Big Ask Day of Action
  6. Motions to Conference 2008
  7. Priory Crescent road scheme
  8. The Big Climate Meeting
  9. Forthcoming Events
  10. AOB

Minutes

  1. Apologies for absence:
    Sarah Fuller, Gabrielle Yeadel
    Present:
    Denis Walker, Peter Walker, Jon Fuller, Michael Downer, Michael Woolcott
  2. Minutes of last meeting:
    Were agreed unanimously
  3. Next Meeting:
    6 May 2008 at 7.30pm
  4. Partnership Agreement Renewal:
    It was now time for the annual renewal of the group's partnership agreement with national FoE. DW explained the procedure. Those present agreed the group's response to the annual questionnaire on the group's performance. Payment of the annual subscription of £20.00 was agreed.
  5. Big Ask Day of Action:
    DW, MD, PW and MW reported back on what turned out to be a very successful day of action. There were some reservations about the materials (the cardboard plane), and there was little media coverage, but the group felt this was an excellent opportunity to protest about aviation expansion.
  6. Motions to Conference 2008:
    The group decided not to offer any motions to conference. Suggested motions from other groups can be seen on the national website.
  7. Priory Crescent road scheme:

    DW and PW reported on progress with the PPPS campaign.

    An FoI request had established the astonishing sums of money Southend Borough Council had already wasted on the propose scheme - £1.875 million. At the current projected cost of £11.5m, the road will cost a staggering £28,000 per metre. The DfT recently explained that it is looking to the council to contribute 25% to the cost of the scheme - money they simply do not have. Naturally, the campaign group is feeling relatively positive at the moment.

    The group had published 20,000 leaflets and was working with Parklife to deliver these in the vicinity.

    The next campaign event would take place at the Civic Centre on 24 April. The theme would be "shocked Shoppers" - i.e. people who are amazed at the price of the road.

  8. The Big Climate Meeting:
    People were reminded that FoE had organised a public meeting on the Climate Change Bill on 22 April at the Friends Meeting House in London. This was an opportunity to press Hilary Benn MP on the need for a tough Climate Change Bill that includes aviation & shipping. People were urged to attend.
  9. Forthcoming Events:
    • 17/04 7:30pm - WEN: Chemicals in cosmetics and toiletries
      Fresh Horizons, 50 Ditton Ct Rd, Westcliff, SS0 7HF
    • 19/04 10am - WEN Earth Day
      Porters, Southchurch Road, Southend
    • 22/04 7:30pm - The Big Climate Meeting
      Friends Meeting House, Euston, London
    • 24/04 6pm - Priory Crescent photo opportunity
      Steps of Civic Centre
    • 26/04 - Getting waste out of the bin - phasing out residual waste
      Training day, details tbc
    • 26/04 - Human Rights and Habitats
      LSE
    • 03/05 - East of England regional meeting - Strategic Plan 2
      16-18/05 - Power Up (Rights & Justice weekend)
      http://community.foe.co.uk/events/power_up/
      Harborne Hall, Birmingham
    • 31/05 10am - FoE Regional Gathering
      Conway Hall, London WC1
    • 12-14/09 - Local Groups Conference
      Loughborough University
  10. AOB:
    The recent public debate on cycling in the Evening Echo was discussed.