Kent and Sussex Branch

[Anonymous]

Minutes of the 18th Meeting of the Kent & Sussex Regional branch of The Socialist Party of Great Britain held on 14th April 2013The meeting started at 2.00pm and was held at the Muggleton Inn, High Street, Maidstone, KentPresent: Mandy Bruce, Dave Chesham (Secretary & Chair), Marie Chesham, Rob Cox (Treasurer), Ed Mann, Jacqueline ShodekeVisitor: Hannah DuttonApologies for absence: Glenn Morris1. Minutes of the 17th Meeting dated 17th March 2013 were before the meetingMotion 1. Mann & Shodeke “That the minutes be adopted”AGREED 6-0 (six members present)2. Matters arising from the previous minutesi) Contact with Wealden Progressive MovementAs we had not received any further communication from the WPM as had been expected or responses from other groups that Ed had contacted it was AGREED to defer consideration of the formation of a joint discussion forum until the May meeting and that the Secretary contact the WPM again.ii) Portable display standTwo members visited the Croydon showroom where these stands could be viewed on March 27th but unfortunately the items on display there were not suitable for outdoor use. A number of different portable display stands were contained in a 'Spaceright' catalogue Mandy had brought along to the March meeting and after much deliberation it was agreed to purchase one of these.Motion 2. Shodeke & Bruce “That the branch purchase the Xib-it Medium Pole & Panel Exhibition Kit C display stand in red plus carrying case”Amendment 1. M.Chesham & Bruce “Remove “red” and insert “red and grey””CARRIED 4-1-1 (six members present)Amendment 2. Cox & M.Chesham “After “red and grey” insert “each panel to be preferably red one side and grey the other””CARRIED 5-0-1 (six members present)Substantive motionAGREED 6-0 (six members present)Motion 3. (to the EC) Mann & Cox “In view of the total cost (including VAT & carrying case) of the portable display stand and as a result of further research the branch has undertaken the EC be requested for a further £150 grant (in addition to the £300 already granted). The branch's earlier grant application was based on items that were not of sufficient quality or robustness.”AGREED 6-0 (six members present)3. Consideration of 2013 Conference deliberationsAlthough the minutes of Conference were not yet to hand Rob pointed out that we were required by rule 21 to hold at least one specially summoned meeting within five weeks of Conference prior to voting on the final agenda items. In view of the fact that two weeks had already elapsed since Conference and that most branch members had other commitments which would prevent them attending a further physical meeting within the required time-frame it was AGREED to hold online consultations. Dates to be arranged.4. EC minutes2nd meeting – 2/2/133rd meeting – 2/3/13NOTED5. Treasurer's quarterly reportThe Treasurer presented his quarterly report to the branch which showed a balance of assets over liabilities of £325.05.Motion 4. Mann & M.Chesham “That the Treasurer's report be adopted”CARRIED 5-0-1 (six members present)Two members requested that their dues be waived.Motion 5. Mann & Cox “That the requests be acceded to”CARRIED 4-0-2 (six members present)6. Nominations for a Committee of three members to agree a new Head Office fascia designMotion 6. Mann & Cox “That Jacqueline Shodeke be nominated”Motion 7. Shodeke & M.Chesham “That Ed Mann be nominated”Motion 8. Shodeke & Mann “That Darrell Whitehead and Fraser Anderson be nominated”ALL THREE MOTIONS AGREED 6-0 (six members present)7. Summer SchoolMost of those present indicated their intention to attend Summer School this year.8. Kent Miners' FestivalThe Secretary reported that a formal application for the branch to have a stall at this year's Kent Miners' Festival had been submitted and a reply received from the organising committee that the application was being considered. This festival would be held this year in the village of Tilmanstone.9. Future propaganda activitiesIt was AGREED that the branch's outdoor literature stall activity in Canterbury would re-commence this season on Saturday 18th May at 12 noon. Same location as previously.10. Any other businessi) Autumn Delegate MeetingThe Secretary pointed out that the EC had fixed the date of the 2013 ADM for the 2nd weekend in October which conflicted with the scheduled meetings of two regional branches.Motion 9. (to the EC) Mann & Shodeke “That the EC be requested to move the 2013 ADM from the 2nd to the 3rd weekend in October in view of the two scheduled regional branch meetings.”AGREED 6-0 (six members present)ii) Party Website ForumConcern was expressed at the continuing wanton and capricious disruption being caused by a small number of website forum users.Motion 10. (to the EC) Cox & Mann "This branch welcomes the decision of the EC to review the rules and guidelines relating to the party internet portals. We look forward to an outcome which gives confidence to the Internet Committee to be able, where necessary, to intervene to prevent disruptive behaviour quicker and for longer. In cases of sustained and repeated abuse of the party's goodwill, the application of suspensions of one week duration appear to be wholly inadequate."CARRIED 5-0-1 (six members present)DIVISION CALLED: For – D.Chesham, M.Chesham, Cox, Mann, Shodeke.  Against – none.  Abstained – Bruceiii) Branch meeting datesAt least one member informed the branch that he would be unable to attend the next branch meeting due to a pressing prior engagement.Motion 11. Mann & Shodeke “That the May meeting of the branch be held on the third Sunday; namely May 19th”AGREED 6-0 (six members present)Meeting adjourned at 6.45pm****************************************************************************************The next meeting of the branch will be on Sunday, 19th May at 2.00pm. Same venue. 

[Anonymous]

Next meeting of K&SRB – Sunday, May 19th 2013 at 2.00pm at The Muggleton Inn, 8 High Street, Maidstone ME14 1HJ (first floor)http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/event/kent-and-sussex-regional-branch…AGENDAElection of ChairApologies for absenceAdoption of minutes of previous meeting (including ratification of change to item 9)Matters arising from April minutesi) Contact with Wealden Progressive Movement and other organisations and individuals interested in forming a local joint discussion groupii) Portable display standiii) Canterbury Stall – 25/5/13iv) Specially summoned email meeting – 27/4/13 to 6/5/13Membership Application Department's report to the March ECReport by comrade Perrin on Party InvestmentsOpen letter on the crisis in the SWPReport on the review of the principles and rules of the SP forumsEC minutes – 4th meeting – 6/4/13                       5th meeting – 5/5/13   Branch July meeting (clash with Summer School)Summer School – 12-14/7/13Kent Miners' Festival – 26/8/13Future propaganda activitiesAny other business 

[Anonymous]

Minutes of the 19th Meeting of the Kent & Sussex Regional branch of The Socialist Party of Great Britain held on 19th May 2013The meeting started at 2.13pm and was held at the Muggleton Inn, High Street, Maidstone, KentPresent: Dave Chesham (Secretary), Marie Chesham, Rob Cox (Treasurer), Ed Mann, Jacqueline ShodekeVisitor: Hannah DuttonApologies for absence: Mandy Bruce, Les Courtney, Richard Harris, Glenn Morris1. Election of ChairMotion 1. Mann & Shodeke “That D.Chesham be Chair”AGREED2. Minutes of the 18th Meeting dated 14th April 2013 were before the meetingMotion 2. Cox & Mann “That the minutes be adopted and that the decision to change the date of the branch's literature stall in Canterbury to May 25th (item 9) be ratified ”AGREED 5-0 (five members present)3. Matters arising from the previous minutesi) Contact with Wealden Progressive MovementDespite the fact that Ed had sent emails to AFED, SOLFED, THE COMMUNE and a TZM contact in Maidstone no replies had been received. Neither had there been any further contact with WPM.Motion 3. Mann & M.Chesham “That Ed continue to pursue the Wealden Progressive Movement and arrange a meeting with Julian Wilson in the first instance”AGREED 5-0 (five members present)ii) Portable display standRob explained that since the last meeting there had been second thoughts about the branch's decision to purchase the Xib-it Medium Pole & Panel display stand because of the potential problems with its storage and transport. Rob had investigated several alternatives including a Velcro roll-up stand.Motion 4. Mann & Shodeke “That the April motion be rescinded and we now purchase the Velcro roll-up stand to be stored at Head Office and call for a nomination from the branch to handle the purchase”Amendment  Shodeke & Cox “That reference to “Head Office” be removed”CARRIED 4-1-0 (five members present)Substantive motion as amended “That the April motion be rescinded and we now purchase the Velcro roll-up stand and call for a nomination from the branch to handle the purchase”AGREED 5-0 (five members present)Motion 5. Mann & Shodeke “That Rob be nominated to handle the purchase”AGREED 4-0-1 (five members present)It was also AGREED to make enquiries about a suitable folding table and banneriii) Literature stall in Canterbury – May 25thA branch member requested travelling expenses to CanterburyMotion 6. Mann & Cox “That the expenses be agreed”AGREED 4-0-1 (five members present)iv) Specially summoned email meetingAs we were required by rule 21 to hold at least one specially summoned meeting within five weeks of Conference prior to voting on the final agenda items and that most branch members had other commitments which would have prevented them attending a further physical meeting within the required time-frame it was AGREED at the previous branch meeting to hold online consultations.This took the form of an email meeting which commenced on April 27th and continued until May 6th.4. Membership Applications Department's report to the March ECMotion 7. (to the EC) Cox & Mann “This branch welcomes the report and requests the EC to ask the department to consider:1) Increasing the prominency of the hyperlink to the Object and Declaration of Principles document at the start of the membership application (both a textual reference and a more prominent hyperlink).2) With the aim of increasing successful membership applications there may be added alongside each 'question' a hyperlink to a further 'study guide' to assist applicants' understanding of the party case and the level of understanding expected of successful applicants.”AGREED 5-0 (Five members present)5. Report by comrade Perrin on Party InvestmentsIt was AGREED to defer consideration until the June meeting6. Open letter on the crisis in the SWPNOTED7. Report on the review of the principles and rules of the SP forumsFollowing discussion of this report the following motion was moved and seconded:Motion 8. (to the EC) Cox & Mann“1) TimingThis Branch considers there should be proper consultation with Branches before the EC agrees matters of procedure with widespread effect within the Party unless urgency is justified. This should allow a majority of Branches to be adequately consulted. In pursuance of such the Branch urges the EC to extend by a further 28 days consultation on the Field and Miller report.2) The draft guidelinesThis Branch proposes that the moderators' guidelines should place a responsibility on the Internet Department to publish the user name and contact details of the 'duty' moderator on each forum and a statement where to direct complaints.3) Cross-postingGiven the importance placed on providing a clear definition of cross-posting we find the definition provided lacking clarity. Cross-posting is not just 'same or similar' posts but continuing debate, discussion or argument across multiple threads. In this way it is related to being off-topic, but not the same. To this extent this Branch finds that using 'same or similar' is insufficient.4) Deletion of postsPosts which do not threaten the Party in a legal aspect should not be 'hard' deleted. They should instead be moved to the rubbish bin. This would allow comrades to access such posts at a later date if needed whereas deleting such posts is an irreversible decision. We do not need to tie our own hands over such matters.”AGREED 5-0 (Five members present)Following discussion of this report it was AGREED lay down a notice of business for consideration at the next branch meeting:“The functionality of the Party website”8. EC minutes4th meeting – 6/4/135th meeting – 4/5/13It was AGREED to defer consideration until the June meeting.9. Branch July meeting (clash with Summer School)Motion 9. M.Chesham & Mann “In view of the fact that the branch's July meeting clashes with the Party's Summer School the date of that meeting be changed to the first Sunday, i.e July 7th”AGREED 5-0 (Five members present)10. Summer School – 12-14/7/13Four branch members and two supporters have already booked for Summer School with the possibility that two further members and one supporter may also decide to go.11. Kent Miners' Festival – 26/8/13As nothing further had been heard concerning our application for a stall at this event it was AGREED that the Secretary contact the organisers again.12. Future propaganda activitiesNONE13. Any other businessNONEMeeting adjourned at 7.40pm********************************************************************************************************The next meeting of the branch will be on Sunday, 9th June at 2.00pm. Same venue. 

[Anonymous]

Next meeting of K&SRB – Sunday, June 9th 2013 at 2.00pm at The Muggleton Inn, 8 High Street, Maidstone ME14 1HJ (first floor)http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/event/kent-and-sussex-regional-branch-maidstone-1AGENDAElection of ChairApologies for absenceAdoption of minutes of previous meetingMatters arising from May minutesi) Contact with the Wealden Progressive Movementii) Portable display stand, folding table and banneriii) Canterbury Stall – next date tentatively arranged for 22/6/13iv) Motions to the June EC:a) Membership Application Department's report to the March ECb) Report on the review of the principles and rules of the SP forumsNotice of Business – “The functionality of the Party website”Report by comrade Perrin on Party InvestmentsConference 2013 voting resultsEC minutes – 4th meeting – 6/4/13                          5th meeting – 4/5/13                          6th meeting – 1/6/13Summer School – 12-14/7/13Kent Miners' Festival – 26/8/13Future propaganda activitiesAny other business 

[Anonymous]

Minutes of the 20th Meeting of the Kent & Sussex Regional branch of The Socialist Party of Great Britain held on 9th June 2013The meeting started at 2.00pm and was held at the Muggleton Inn, High Street, Maidstone, KentPresent: Dave Chesham (Secretary), Marie Chesham, Rob Cox (Treasurer), Ed Mann, Jacqueline ShodekeVisitors: Hannah Dutton, Richard Harris (left 5.30pm)Apologies for absence: Mandy Bruce, Les Courtney, Glenn Morris1. Election of ChairMotion 1. Mann & Shodeke “That Cox be Chair”AGREED2. Minutes of the 19th Meeting dated 19th May 2013 were before the meetingMotion 2. Cox & Mann “That the minutes be adopted”AGREED 5-0-0 (five members present)3. Matters arising from the previous minutesi) Contact with Wealden Progressive MovementEd reported that he had been in touch with Julian Wilson of the WPM but a further meeting had yet to be arranged.NOTEDii) Portable display standRob reported that the Velcro roll-up stand which was ordered had now arrived. It had not been possible to ascertain where the folding table at Head Office had been purchased but as it was thought that this design would be the most suitable for the branch's purposes it was AGREED that further efforts be made to obtain the necessary information.As suitable Party table banners were already available it was AGREED that we did not need to acquire another one for the foreseeable future.ii) Literature stall in Canterbury – May 25thIt was considered to be a successful afternoon and it was therefore AGREED that another stall would be held on Saturday, 22nd June – same time and place.iv) Branch motions to the June ECIn view of the fact that the branch's motions had been referred to the respective committees by the June EC is was AGREED to return to the subjects at our next meeting. 4. Notice of Business – “The functionality of the Party website”General discussion took place but one issue of particular concern was the advertising of opponent's events on the Party's website and elsewhere. No particular action was proposed except to monitor the situation closely.5. Report by comrade Perrin on Party InvestmentsDiscussion took place and it was AGREED to defer further consideration of the matter until the next meeting.6. Conference 2013 voting resultsA short discussion of the results ensued. One of our branch members had written on his ballot paper a note expressing concern that he might be lapsed if he didn't pay any dues.Motion 3. D.Chesham and Mann “That Rob write to the member in question offering reassurance over his membership and asking whether he would be able to recommend a venue in Burgess Hill at which he would be able to attend a meeting of the branch”AGREED 5-0-0 (five members present)7. EC minutes4th meeting –  6/4/135th meeting –  4/5/13NOTED8. Summer School – 12-14/7/13Motion 4. M.Chesham & Cox “That £50 be allocated from branch funds to assist members' attendance at Summer School this year”AGREED 3-0-0 (three members present)9. Kent Miners' Festival – 26/8/13As nothing had been heard from the organisers of this event regarding the branch's application for a stall the Secretary had emailed them again.NOTED10. Future Propaganda ActivitiesNone at present11. Any other businessThere followed a period of general discussion during which the question of advertising Party meetings and other events was raised.Motion 5. (to the EC) D.Chesham & Cox “This branch would like to see additional money spent on advertising Party activities including branch and public meetings and events such as Summer School”LOST 2-3-0 (five members present)Motion 6. (to the EC) Mann & M.Chesham “This branch is disappointed that upcoming Head Office events and Summer School have been insufficiently advertised”AGREED 5-0-0 (five members present)Meeting adjourned at 6.22pm********************************************************************************The next meeting of the branch will be on Sunday, 7th July at 2.00pm. Same venue.Please note that this will be the first Sunday in July 

[Anonymous]

Next meeting of K&SRB – Sunday, July 7th 2013 at 2.00pm at The Muggleton Inn, 8 High Street, Maidstone ME14 1HJ (first floor)http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/event/kent-and-sussex-regional-branch-maidstone-1AGENDAElection of ChairApologies for absenceAdoption of minutes of previous meetingMatters arising from June minutesi) Contact with the Wealden Progressive Movementii) Portable display stand, folding table and banneriii) Canterbury Stalliv) Motions to the June EC:a) Membership Application Department's report to the March ECb) Report on the review of the principles and rules of the SP forumsReport by comrade Perrin on Party InvestmentsCorrespondence from branch membersBranch financial reportEC minutes – 6th meeting – 1/6/13Summer School – 12-14/7/13Kent Miners' Festival – 26/8/13Future propaganda activitiesAny other business 

[Anonymous]

Minutes of the 21st Meeting of the Kent & Sussex Regional branch of The Socialist Party of Great Britain held on 7th July 2013The meeting started at 2.15pm and was held at the Muggleton Inn, High Street, Maidstone, KentPresent: Dave Chesham (Secretary), Marie Chesham, Rob Cox (Treasurer), Ed Mann, Jacqueline ShodekeApologies for absence: Les Courtney, Hannah Dutton, Glenn Morris1. Election of ChairMotion 1. Cox & M.Chesham “That Shodeke be Chair”AGREED2. Minutes of the 20th Meeting dated 9th June 2013 were before the meetingMotion 2. Mann & Cox “That the minutes be adopted”AGREED 5-0-0 (five members present)3. Matters arising from the previous minutesi) Contact with Wealden Progressive MovementNo further contact with them as yet; an informal meeting has still to be arranged.NOTEDii) Portable display stand, folding table and chairsFurther enquiries had revealed the source where the two folding tables at HO had been purchased sometime ago. The same design was still available from a few different outlets.Motion 3. D.Chesham & Mann “That Rob be requested to purchase a table and two folding chairs at the best available price”AGREED 5-0-0 (five members present)iii) Literature stall in Canterbury – June 22ndIn view of anticipated adverse weather conditions it had been decided to cancel the stall planned for June 22nd.Motion 4. D. Chesham & Cox “That the next stall in Canterbury be held on Saturday, 3rd August from noon”AGREED 5-0-0 (five members present)iv) Branch motions to the June ECIt was AGREED to await sight of the EC minutes.4. Report by comrade Perrin on Party InvestmentsExtensive discussion of this report took place and it was AGREED to return to the subject at our next meeting.5. Correspondence from branch membersRob had received a letter from Les Courtney.NOTED6. Branch financial reportRob presented reports of the Branch Finances and Socialist Standard sales to June 2013. He was thanked for the reports and arising from the subsequent discussion the following motion was moved and seconded.Motion 5. D.Chesham & Shodeke “In view of the Party's decision to abolish dues there is now no longer any obligation upon branches to make remittances to Head Office based on contributions made by members to branches”AGREED 5-0-0 (five members present)7. EC minutes6th meeting – 1/6/13NOTED8. Summer School – 12-14/7/13Altogether five members and two sympathisers would be attending.NOTED9. Kent Miners' Festival – 26/8/13As no firm confirmation been received regarding the branch's application for a stall at this event it was AGREED that Rob get in touch with Gary Cox, one the organising team.10. Future Propaganda ActivitiesNone at present11. Any other businessNoneMeeting adjourned at 7.25pm********************************************************************************************************The next meeting of the branch will be on Sunday, 11th August at 2.00pm. Same venue. 

[Anonymous]

Next meeting of K&SRB – Sunday, August 11th 2013 at 2.00pm at The Muggleton Inn, 8 High Street, Maidstone ME14 1HJ (first floor)http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/event/kent-and-sussex-regional-branch-maidstone-1AGENDAElection of ChairApologies for absenceAdoption of minutes of previous meetingMatters arising from July minutesi) Contact with the Wealden Progressive Movementii) Portable display stand, folding table and chairsiii) Canterbury Stalliv) Motions to the June EC:a) Membership Applications Department's report to the March ECb) Report on the review of the principles and rules of the SP forumsv) Report by comrade Perrin on Party InvestmentsEC minutes – 7th meeting – 6/7/13Kent Miners' Festival – 26/8/13Chatham contactReport of Summer SchoolItems for Discussion for ADM 2013Future propaganda activitiesAny other business 

[Anonymous]

Minutes of the 22nd Meeting of the Kent & Sussex Regional branch of The Socialist Party of Great Britain held on 11th August 2013The meeting started at 2.16pm and was held at the Muggleton Inn, High Street, Maidstone, KentPresent: Dave Chesham (Secretary), Marie Chesham, Rob Cox (Treasurer), Jacqueline Shodeke (from 2.30pm)Visitor: Hannah Dutton (to 5.30pm)Apologies for absence: Mandy Bruce, Les Courtney, Ed Mann, Glenn Morris1. Election of ChairMotion 1. Cox & M.Chesham “That D.Chesham be Chair”AGREED2. Minutes of the 21st Meeting dated 7th July 2013 were before the meetingMotion 2. M.Chesham & Cox “That the minutes be adopted”AGREED 3-0-0 (three members present)3. Matters arising from the previous minutesi) Contact with Wealden Progressive MovementIn view of Ed's absence it was AGREED to defer this item until the next meeting when it is hoped he will be able to be present.ii) Portable display stand, folding table and chairsRob reported that the folding table and the two chairs had now been purchased at slightly less cost than expected. In addition, as the table had been slightly damaged in transit Rob had negotiated a reduction of £10.There was praise for Rob for the amount of work he had put in regarding the acquisition of the items for the branch's propaganda efforts in Canterbury.iii) Literature stall in Canterbury – August 3rdIt was generally considered that the last stall had been one of the more successful. It was tentatively AGREED to have another stall in Canterbury on Saturday, September 21st. Same location and time.iv) Branch motions to the June ECa) Membership Applications Committee's report to the March ECThe branch was in receipt of the Committee's response to our motion to the June EC (see motion 7. KSRB – May meeting)Motion 3. (to the EC) Cox & Shodeke “This branch is perplexed by the interpretation made by some comrades that our motion of May 19th suggested applicants for membership be “spoon-fed” the answers, which we feel is not the case, as a re-reading of the second sentence of the original motion may make clear. Further, that the first suggestion regarding the prominence of the hyperlink to the D of P document appears not to have been addressed.”AGREED 4-0-0 (four members present)b) Report on the review of the principles and rules of the SP forumsThe reply received from the Internet Committee was NOTEDv) Report by comrade Perrin on Party InvestmentsIt was AGREED to defer consideration4. EC minutes7th meeting – 6/7/138th meeting – 3/8/13Arising from the August EC meeting: Motion 4Motion 4. (to the EC) Cox & Shodeke “That the Premises Committee be congratulated for making Party members aware that those present at Head Office on July 6th failed to follow the most basic security procedures and welcomes the initiative to add a more prominent sign to remind those 'last to leave' to act appropriately. Further, the branch sees no good reason for removing the Spintcom post in question which did not constitute a breach of security. This branch expects the EC to provide justification for any instruction to the Internet Committee to delete posts made by or on behalf of committees and departments.”AGREED 3-0-1 (four members present) Division – For: M.Chesham, Cox, Shodeke. Against: none. Abstained: D.Chesham5. Kent Miners' Festival – August 26thPlans for the branch's literature stall at this event were finalised. Offers of help had been received from a sympathiser in Dover and a member from another branch.It was AGREED to thank Rob for the preparation of material for use at the Kent Miners' Festival including the revamp of the Party's pamphlet “The Strike Weapon: Lessons of the Miners' Strike 1984-85” and two leaflets for branch use.6. ContactsThe Secretary produced correspondence with an enquirer from Chatham who had been communicating with the Membership Application Committee. In view of the content of the material it was AGREED that no useful purpose would be served by pursuing the matter.Information had been received about the activities of “revolutionary socialists” at the University of Sussex and of a facebook group with a similar description in Kent. The Secretary AGREED to attempt to make contact with the latter.7. Report of Summer SchoolAll those from the branch who attended reported favourably although there were some misgivings that contributors in discussion at the sessions did not always make themselves sufficiently audible to the rest of those present. There was concern that this issue could be reflected in the quality of recordings made of the sessions. Jacqueline AGREED to investigate the feasibility of roving microphones being employed in future.8. Items for Discussion for ADMAfter some deliberation the following items for discussion were proposed and AGREED for submission to ADM, subject to supporting statements being provided as agreed to the Branch Secretary in time to meet the submission timetable (i.e. as soon as possible):Item 1: Online Membership Applications“In order to ensure compliance with Rule 1 and to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, should the “form A” be incorporated into the on-line membership application form with a tick-box option for the applicant to signal their acceptance of the Object and Principles (e.g. as often used by trading companies on the web to get customer acceptance of their terms and conditions of sale)?”Supporting statement to be provided by comrade Cox.Item 2: Targeting Resources“Are there opportunities being missed to target resources at attracting supporters to the Party in areas where Branches are functioning at present and could benefit from increased membership/activity?”Supporting statement to be provided by comrade Cox.Item 3: Amendment to Rule"Should Rule 21 be augmented with the following?:Rule amendments which have not previously been submitted for discussion by a Branch or the ECto the preceding ADM shall fall unless, for reason of urgency, at least two thirds of delegates sitting agree otherwise.All other rule amendments shall be subject to scrutiny by the standing orders committee who may rule these to be out of order if they consider they are inconsistent with the item previously submitted to ADM. The proposing Branch may overturn this ruling subject to the agreement of at least two thirds of the delegates sitting.In all cases of delegates being asked to vote on issues relating to rule amendments, both the submitting Branch and standing orders committee be given at least five minutes to address Conference on the grounds relevant, before the vote be taken. Any further discussion shall be at the discretion of the Chair.”Supporting statement to be provided by comrade Cox.Item 4: Summer School“Does the Party value Summer School sufficiently?”Supporting statement to be provided by comrade Shodeke.Discussion on a further item relating to how the Party could most effectively mandate delegates elected to public office ended when the meeting became inquorate.Meeting adjourned 8.08pm

[Anonymous]

 Revamp of the Party’s pamphlet, with additional material, specially produced by the Branch for the Kent Miners’ Festival. Text here:http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/pamphlets/strike-weapon-lessons-miners%E2%80%99-strike

[Anonymous]

Next meeting of K&SRB – Sunday, September 8th 2013 at 2.00pm at The Muggleton Inn, 8 High Street, Maidstone ME14 1HJ (first floor)http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/event/kent-and-sussex-regional-branch-maidstone-1AGENDAElection of ChairApologies for absenceAdoption of minutes of previous meetingMatters arising from August minutesi) Contact with the Wealden Progressive Movementii) Canterbury Stall – 21/9/13http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/event/literature-stall-canterbury-12-noon-0iii) Report by comrade Perrin on Party Investmentsiv) Kent contactsEC minutes ­ 9th meeting – 7/9/13Report of Kent Miners' Festivalhttp://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/forum/world-socialist-movement/kent-miners-festival-26813Upcoming Party Pollhttp://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/event/party-poll-meeting-clapham-200pmFuture propaganda activitiesAny other business 

[Anonymous]

Minutes of the 23rd Meeting of the Kent & Sussex Regional branch of The Socialist Party of Great Britain held on 8th September 2013The meeting started at 2.13pm and was held at the Muggleton Inn, High Street, Maidstone, KentPresent: Dave Chesham (Secretary), Marie Chesham, Rob Cox (Treasurer), Ed Mann, Jacqueline ShodekeApologies for absence: Les Courtney, Hannah Dutton, Glenn Morris1. Election of ChairMotion 1. Mann & Shodeke “That E.Mann be Chair”AGREED2. Minutes of the 22nd Meeting dated 11th August 2013 were before the meetingMotion 2. Shodeke & Cox “That the minutes be adopted”AGREED 5-0-0 (five members present)3. Matters arising from the previous minutesi) Contact with Wealden Progressive MovementEd reported he'd been in contact with Julian Wilson, one of the representatives of the WPM who we had met in Tonbridge earlier in the year. It was agreed that Ed should contact Julian again with the view to arranging a further meeting with the WPM.ii) Literature stall in Canterbury – September 21stThe date was confirmed for the branch's next stall in Canterbury. The Secretary suggested that it would be useful to have a theme of some description displayed on the new roller stand rather than a haphazard collection of slogans. It was AGREED that he prepare something specifically for this occasion.iii) Report by comrade Perrin on Party InvestmentsIt was AGREED to discuss this matter further under the Upcoming Party Poll item.iv) Kent contactsThe Secretary had sent a message to the RevSoc facebook group based in Canterbury but had received no reply. It was reported that there was a Left Unity group in Chatham. It was AGREED the Secretary make contact with them.4. EC minutes – 9th meeting – September 7thThe minutes of this EC meeting were not yet available but Rob (a member of the current EC) was able to report extensively on the proceedings.5. Kent Miners' Festival – August 26thThe branch had two stalls at this event which proved highly successful. About two hundred leaflets were distributed, including two of the branch's own: "The Abolition of the Wages System" and "No Governments, No Leaders, No Led", together with the sale of seven copies of the branch's newly revamped party publication, "The Strike Weapon". A number of pamphlets were also sold and several back numbers of the Socialist Standard given away. Five comrades and a supporter were present.A discussion took place concerning “The Strike Weapon” pamphlet and how much should be charged per copy. It was AGREED that the cover price should be tentatively set at £1 (Rob to provide self-adhesive price labels) with postage and packing an additional 80 pence. To facilitate sales of this item as well as other literature the Secretary AGREED to arrange to open a PAYPAL account in the branch's name.6. Upcoming Party PollIt was AGREED to defer this item to the next meeting7. Future propaganda activitiesi) 2014 European ElectionsThe branch AGREED in principle to field candidates in South East England in the 2014 European Elections subject to EC approval.  There was also some discussion relating to 2014 local council elections.8. Any Other Businessi) Vacancy on the Executive CommitteeMOTION 3. D.Chesham & M.Chesham “That Ed Mann be nominated for the vacant position on the EC and that he provide a suitable supporting statement for his candidacy”AGREED 4-0-1 (five members present)Meeting adjourned 6.55pm 

[Anonymous]

Next meeting of K&SRB – Sunday, October 13th 2013 at 2.00pm at The Muggleton Inn, 8 High Street, Maidstone ME14 1HJ (first floor)http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/event/kent-and-sussex-regional-branch-maidstone-1AGENDAElection of ChairApologies for absenceAdoption of minutes of previous meetingMatters arising from September minutesi) Contact with the Wealden Progressive Movementii) Report of Canterbury Stall — 21/9/13iii) Kent contactsiv) Paypal accountv) European elections 2014EC minutes — 9th meeting — 7/9/13i) Letter to 'Socialist Platform'EC minutes — 10th meeting — 5/10/13Consideration of ADM Agendahttp://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/event/autumn-delegate-meeting-clapham-1030amNomination of delegates to ADM — 26-27/10/13Party Poll Meeting – 26/10/13http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/event/party-poll-meeting-clapham-200pmNominations of 2014 Party Officers and Executive Committee membersQuarterly Finance ReportFuture propaganda activitiesAny other business 

[Anonymous]

Minutes of the 24th Meeting of the Kent & Sussex Regional branch of The Socialist Party of Great Britain held on 13th October 2013The meeting started at 2.00pm and was held at the Muggleton Inn, High Street, Maidstone, KentPresent: Dave Chesham (Secretary), Marie Chesham, Rob Cox (Treasurer), Jacqueline ShodekeVisitor: Hannah Dutton (until 6.00pm)Apologies for absence: Les Courtney, Ed Mann, Glenn Morris1. Election of ChairMotion 1. D.Chesham & Shodeke “That D.Chesham be Chair”AGREED2. Minutes of the 23rd Meeting dated 8th September 2013 were before the meetingMotion 2. Shodeke & M.Chesham “That the minutes be adopted”AGREED 4-0-0 (four members present)3. Matters arising from the previous minutesi) Contact with Wealden Progressive MovementAs Ed was not present it was AGREED to defer the item.ii) Literature stall in Canterbury – September 21stAnother good three hours spent were during which several conversations were held with workers. A number of the branch's own leaflets, "The Abolition of the Wages System" and "No Governments, No Leaders, No Led" were handed out and one September Socialist Standard, one "Socialism Or Your Money Back" one "Socialist Principles Explained" and two of the branch's revamped "The Strike Weapon" pamphlets were sold.iii) Kent contactsThe Secretary had sent a message to the Left Unity group in Chatham but so far no response had been received.Rob had found two local Left Unity groups (in Lewes and Folkestone) on the LU website. It was AGREED that the Secretary attempt to make contact with them.iv) Paypal accountThe Secretary reported that as sellers (of literature) the branch would be subject to a minimum charge of 1.4% on each total sale plus a transaction charge of 20p per item. Rob suggested a cheque or postage stamps as an alternative means of payment. It was AGREED to defer the item for further consideration.v) European elections 2014The branch AGREED in principle to provide at least one candidate to stand in the European elections next year (subject to EC approval) providing that other party candidates are forthcoming in the South East region.4. EC minutes — 9th meeting – 7/9/13The question of the letter sent to 'Socialist Platform' by the Executive Committee was raised.Motion 3. (to the EC) Cox & D.Chesham “This branch calls upon the EC to make clear it does not intend the meeting (motion 30, September EC) to be an invitation to discuss 'merger' proposals, but to discuss whether there is a need for a new 'socialist' party to be formed.Further that the EC challenges the 'Socialist Platform' to explain:a) How the proposed Left Unity Party could claim to be a genuine socialist party were it to reject the 'Socialist Platforms' items A,B,C, F and G as originally proposed (EC agenda, September 2013 and as appears in the addendum below).b) How the platform itself can maintain its self-proclaimed socialist credentials, while committing to a campaign of reforms (and the continuance of a State after the revolution?)Following the holding or rejection of the invitation for a meeting between the SPGB and the 'Socialist Platform' as proposed, a further EC statement be issued for circulation to the platform signatories, the press and local LU groups in order to challenge them to debate, nationally and locally, the folly of any individual regarding themselves as a socialist joining a Party which makes reformist demands or does not reject participation in the administration of capitalism.AddendumA. The

Party is a socialist party. Its aim is to bring about the end of capitalism and its replacement by socialism.B. Under capitalism, production is carried out solely to make a profit for the few, regardless of the needs of society or damage to the environment. Capitalism does not and cannot be made to work in the interests of the majority. Its state and institutions will have to be replaced by ones that act in the interests of the majority.C. Socialism means complete political, social and economic democracy. It requires a fundamental breach with capitalism. It means a society in which the wealth and the means of production are no longer in private hands but are owned in common. Everyone will have the right to participate in deciding how the wealth of society is used and how production is planned to meet the needs of all and to protect the natural world on which we depend. We reject the idea that the undemocratic regimes that existed in the former Soviet Union and other countries were socialist.F. The

Party aims to win support from the working class and all those who want to bring about the socialist transformation of society, which can only be accomplished by the working class itself acting democratically as the majority in society.G. The

Party aims to win political power to end capitalism, not to manage it. It will not participate in governmental coalitions with capitalist parties at national or local level.”AGREED 4-0-0 (four members present)Motion 4. (to the EC) Shodeke & D.Chesham “This Branch would like to know what the EC understands by the phrase “extra-parliamentary means” contained in its letter sent to 'Socialist Platform'?”AGREED 4-0-0 (four members present)5. Consideration of ADM AgendaThe various items for discussion on the agenda were considered. Our delegates, when appointed, would be instructed accordingly.6. Nomination of delegates to ADMAll four members present AGREED to serve as delegates. It was further AGREED that Ed be appointed delegate in his absence subject to his agreement.7. Party Poll MeetingIt was AGREED that the branch oppose party funds being placed into investment funds and that the delegates emphasise instead the need for the party to discuss how to wisely spend its money rather than devise means of getting the best return on it.8. Nomination of 2014 Party Officers and Executive Committee membersIt was AGREED that the following 10 members be nominated (subject to their approval) for the 2014 Executive Committee:Rob Cox, Eddie Craggs, Carla Dee, Steve Clayton, Claudia Hogg-Blake, Mike Kelly, Mark Lansbury, Ed Mann, Jacqueline Shodeke, Frank SimkinsIt was further AGREED that Oliver Bond be nominated for General Secretary, Tristan Miller for Assistant Secretary and Rob Cox and Howard Moss for Auditors.9. Quarterly Finance ReportThe Treasurer then gave a quarterly report which showed an annual surplus to 12/10/13 of £15.41with an accumulated fund of £261.41. Rob would present a draft budget in time for the December meeting.It was AGREED that a collection be taken at each branch meeting in future.10. Future propaganda activitiesNONE11. Any Other BusinessNotice of Business (Rob Cox) 'The Media Committee terms of reference'Meeting adjourned 6.35pm 

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Next meeting of K&SRB – Sunday, November 10th 2013 at 2.00pm at The Muggleton Inn, 8 High Street, Maidstone ME14 1HJ (first floor)http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/event/kent-and-sussex-regional-branch-maidstone-1AGENDAElection of ChairApologies for absenceAdoption of minutes of previous meetingForms 'A'Matters arising from October minutesi) Contact with the Wealden Progressive Movementii) Kent contactsiii) Paypal accountiv) European elections 2014v) Motions to the ECi) Letter to 'Socialist Platform'EC minutes — 10th meeting – 5/10/13                       – 11th meeting – 2/11/13Notice of a specially summoned meeting to consider the upcoming Party Poll on financeNominations for vacant positions on 2014 Executive Committee and Party Officers[One EC member, one Trustee, a Treasurer and an Assistant Treasurer]Nominations for 2014 EC sub-committeesDiscussion item for December 2013 Executive Committee concerning rejection of membership applicantsDiscussion item for December 2013 Executive Committee concerning funding of Summer SchoolNotice of Business (Rob Cox) 'The Media Committee terms of reference'Future propaganda activitiesAny other business 

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