Minutes of Amnesty International Medway Group Meeting

On Monday 12^th August 2013 at Friends Meeting House Rochester

Present: Mary Smith, Joan Wade, Rosemary Osgood, Duncan

Apologies: Ian Gray, Carol Gravestock

Correspondence:  Rosemary had received information on AIUK Conference York October 5^th (Is Europe A Chocolate Soldier) free conference: to book e-mail martha uktesco.net.

Conference on North Korea in London 3^rd Sept London – to register e-mail londonforum2013@eahrnk.org  - one speaker is Kim Joo-il who spoke at the South East Conference plus MP Fiona Bruce

Links information received giving details around the South East of what happening with other Amnesty Groups – e.g. Sevenoaks Walk, Film Screenings by Canterbury Group

Mary had received the local Council of Voluntary Services Booklet – with details of training courses etc.

Treasurers Report and Fund Raising

Current balance is £ 483 and the affiliation fee has been paid

Mary reported that the Street Collection is now on OCTOBER 5^th in Rochester from 10am

Xmas Catalogue will be available to buy goods/cards

St Mary Magdalene Church in Gillingham will be the venue to sell  cards/small items on November 10^th 2013

CAPS   Nothing to report

Poverty & Human Rights Campaign  - nothing to report

Death Penalty Mary has six names to send actions to

Action File

Ian informed us (by e-mail) that in Burma a number of prisoners were released but not Dr Tung. Medway group is now assigned to his case – Ian will be receiving information sheets for Action – Duncan would like to be involved in this as well – so will confer with Ian at the next meeting

The co-ordinator Tony Fairman lives locally and we hope to have him at the Sept meeting to discuss how best to get involved - Tony will confirm date as soon as possible

Action AIUK   No Action this month

Any Other Business

Discussion on Getting New Members – looked at Facebook  – Duncan volunteered to look at this, Rosemary to put notice in community column in Kent Messenger for October street collection and to encourage more members – any other ideas please forward

To have Calendar of Events for the whole year. Discussion on approaching outside venues for Write for Rights Card Writing Action in December - Mary to explore Rainham, Duncan – The Arts Centre in Chatham, Joan/Rosemary Strood Library and churches in Strood

Date of next meeting  - September 9^th 2013