Minutes of Amnesty International meeting Medway branch Monday 14^th October 2013

Present Mary Smith, Rosemary Osgood, Ian Gray, Duncan Mcgruffog

Apologies: Carol Gravestock

New Members none

Correspondence: Mary had received standard letter from Gillingham MP regarding The Lobbying Bill, Ted Wilcox had also received letter from same MP regarding Women’s rights in Afghanistan – copy of CVS received plus survey which Mary will complete on behalf of the group. Ian had received communication regarding Burmese prisoner (see Action)

Rosemary gave an update on group campaigns: further letters to be sent out on Afghanistan (protect women’s rights). Mary took copy of creative action making patchwork squares – Rosemary will action to supporters

Treasurers Report and Fundraising:  Ian reported that we have £453 in account. Street collection raised £ 11.44

Christmas cards and good will be sold at the Rememberance day service at St Mary Magdelane Church – Mary and Rosemary will attend

Mary reminded everyone about the Amnesty Catalogue – if anyone wishes to order Christmas goods – the group get 10% off – orders need to be by 28^th October (you can see a catalogue online – main Amnesty site)

Countrywide Action Groups

Nothing to Report

Death Penalty

Nothing to report

Poverty and Action Campaign

No Actions

Action File : Duncan will be running the new prisoner campaign – Dr Tun Aung Burma – he has received file for action /Duncan and Ian will draft letters for group and supporters to sign from next month. Plus a reminder that Tony Fairman Co-ordinator for the Burma prisoner of conscience will be coming to the February meeting – please come

AIUK: Rosemary reported that action month is from Sri Lanka  - Ian took 2 copies of letters to be sent gov to sign, and Rosemary will e-mail others across to Duncan and 6 others to send out.

Write for Rights:  Rosemary will order materials and one action will take place at St Margaret’s Church Rainham Mary and Carol to attend

Any other Business: Rosemary will check with the activism team re material not coming in via post plus Volunteer Fair at Kent University (Mary and Rosemary to man the stand) on the 6^th November

Group agreed that there will be no meeting in January but that the group would meet for planning for the year.

Date of next meeting 11^th November 2013 at 8pm