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We were pleased to welcome Luther, an observer from the Hindu community, and Amrit
(Bass) from the Sikh community.
3. Matters Arising (i) Registration - Charity Commission
We are not a charity under the Act, we do not have to register. The Constitution has been
amended accordingly, and can now be published.
3. Matters Arising (ii) George Firsoff's paper on a proposed
Special Development Fund
John Harrison (our retiring Representative in the Chamber) has written a
letter to Sir Michael Lickiss, Chair of the RDA, broaching this issue. To
be sent with a similar letter to the Chair of the Regional Chamber, and to
wait for replies before taking further steps. We should not appear too
threatening, but take it step by step, John advised. Meanwhile George and
Annie are to visit Simon Fairlie and the site at Tinkers Bubble.
3. Matters arising (iii) Funding
Fee, Aubrey & John met, and the officers also discussed, an application
which is being made for Lottery Funding. This is for £7,500 revenue in 1st
year, including £3,500 travel for officers and a bursary for members, a
honorarium of £1,000 for clerical assistance, to include publication of a
newsletter. Further £5,000 for equipment, a computer, photocopier and other
office equipment (not costed in detail). The funding application fits in the
category "Helps people work together for the benefit of their communities".
A discussion followed about whether there should be a physical office. A
virtual office seemed easier to accomplish, there is a database and there
could be email & web listings. Interim funding from the participating faiths
is needed to cover our expenses for the next three months.
3. Matters arising (iv) Inner Cities Religious Council
David Rayner of the ICRC is based at the DETR and advises the government,
might convene a conference for the RDA & SWRC & Faiths Council. Haven't
heard back yet.
A further matter came up regarding mailing of "Committee Meeting" minutes,
it was agreed that all members should receive these.
4. Report of the Agenda of the Regional Chamber
John said we could discuss a Proposed Agenda, this is finalised a week
before the meeting and alterations may be minor. The meeting begins with a
public Question section and the issue of democratic representation will as
usual be raised. The detailed work of the RDA will be discussed. There are
still constitutional issues, for instance the Regional Planning Conference,
which has existed since the war, is being amalgamated into the work of the
Chamber. A paper John helped write on "A Vision for Social Inclusion" is
likely to be tabled.
We looked at this briefly. It lays emphasis on "life long learning" not
formal education, many speakers stressed how important it was that there
were user-friendly facilities and not a program "thrust down peoples'
throats" which would obviously not tackle social exclusion.
Aubrey Hill (who is taking over from John as our Representative in the
Chamber) wound up by saying he hoped there could be other moves to influence
the Chamber's agenda, and we should not just be reactive.
5. Regional Development Agency Consultations.
There are 8 areas of work and John got onto the Urban Regeneration group and
has collated our comments on the current draft of an RDA paper on
"Regeneration, Community Development & Capacity Building". Aubrey attended
discussions held on 20th December, 69 were there including RDA, SEP, other
organisations & Sub-regional partners. He found it positive and useful,
there were "natural allies" as has been predicted, deprivation and exclusion
were seen as important issues, and there was emphasis on community building
at grassroots. The meaning and usage of such words as "spiritual"
"sustainability" and "competitiveness" were deeply debated.
6. Further Development of the SWCF (a) New Members
There was a difficulty with getting a spread of representation around the
region, as well as among the faiths. If we tried to solve this there could
be a problem of excessive numbers.
This can partly be addressed by having more Open Conferences during the year.
6. Further Development of the SWCF (b) Sub Regional Structures
These are becoming increasingly important in the details of Regional
planning and (apart from Cornwall) faiths are not represented. There is a
contact plan.
7. Meetings
Next meeting planned for Sunday April 2nd in Plymouth, venue to be announced.
AGM & Open Conference, Saturday July 1st. Venue to be announced (somewhere
central)
N.B. These are NOT the official minutes, they are George's Notes.
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