MINUTES
RIFG Committee meeting
Thursday 28th May 2009
Minutes
Silence
Apologies-
Swami, Mustafa, Dave E, Bruce, Zvi, David M
It was
agreed in the absence of a secretary the chair would take notes during the
meeting with the advantage of being able to add them to the web site next day!
As
Several of our committee meetings have clashed with Jewish festivals in
particular, SG reported she had already asked ZS if he would like to draw up
the programme dates for next year and present them as a report to the AGM for
approval. This would have the additional advantage of being able to have it
ready to publicise through our usual leaflets by the end of 2009
Minutes
of Last Committee Meeting 16th April 2009
Some
points of accuracy were noted
Matters
arising-Web site
A video
of this was shown. It was agreed we should keep the structure of site
simple but encourage content through
articles and the widest possible involvement by committee members. Present
suggested colour scheme was considered good. Change of DE's role noted. He will
be asking those members who have not contributed a page about themselves yet to
do so. CK will write up a feature on
our last event of up to 200 words. SG will ask patrons if they would like to
contribute a page.
For the
launch PK will ask if we can borrow the Data projector and screen from Reading
Quakers.
Item 1
: Feed back from last event “God's Revelation”
Several
members reported this was excellent although a missed opportunity through
relatively small attendance and the absence in particular of members from the
Jewish and Muslim community.
The 2
speakers were very good. CK will write them thankyou letters once AW has
provided him with a template he can adapt and PK has passed on to him their
addresses.
There
were good questions and interaction afterwards. We agreed this was a very happy
evening, showing it is possible to discuss complex issues in a safe and relaxed
environment.
SG
noted that we should have incorporated the fact that this event took place on
Ascension Day in our publicity. Also the importance if identifying where the
need is in our community before planning an event.
Item 2
: Next Event- Sacred Spaces 25th June 2009
AW
reported that a Quaker has agreed to come and talk about the Meeting House
where this event will take place. She will contribute on Buddhist architecture
and has already asked MC to find a Muslim speaker. There is also another option
if the latter has not been confirmed by next Wednesday.
The
evening will begin with a 10 minute introduction on the web site during which a
video of the site will be shown.
Speakers
will talk for 15 to 20 minutes,
There
will be a small number of questions after which (at about 8.45 pm) the audience
may be asked to join discussion groups of about 6 as an opportunity to talk
more freely. Those from different faith groups who have not contributed through
the talks may be asked if they would like to say something.
It was
agreed we should have options in mind but also remain flexible.
Item 3
: Newsletter
SG will
write a newsletter to members and e mail them to SA if she is prepared to
duplicate sufficient copies, print off envelope labels and post them.
JO
offered to “tighten up the text” if necessary and said that she is able to do
mail merge.
We will
send a copy to Wokingham Interfaith Group if CK can provide SA with an address.
Item 4
: Strategy for Posters
It was
agreed these should go out in good time before an event.
Committee
members will adopt sites and (subject to agreement) ensure posters for our events
are displayed there.
JO will
forward a copy of the poster to her contact at the University and will
investigate displaying ones at the “New directions” (adult education) sites in
Reading she visits on a regular basis.
CK will
send copies to local Catholic Churches, take posters into the central Library
and put one up at RISC.
PK will
put one up at the Friends Meeting House, Caversham Library and Caversham
Cookshop.
AW will
put one up in Wokingham Library
SG will
put a poster up in Tilehurst Library, the Link Coffee Shop in Tilehurst
Other
members of the Committee who were not present at the meeting may also be able
to support David MK in this way letting him know which sites they are prepared
to adopt so that he will have an incentive to produce posters and some
overview.
Item 5 : Themes for Autumn Event
Following
on from a suggestion put by David MK, It was agreed (in record time for RIFG!)
that our theme for the Autumn Event this year would be “Bringing up Children in
a Faith Tradition” We also agreed to have a panel of invited speakers though
did not go so far as to decide on the format for the evening!
SG will
invite a previous RIFG Committee member.
JO will
ask (an agreed) Jewish member of her family and contact she has from the Muslim
Community.
PK will
ask an identified Quaker
CK will
ask an agreed Catholic contact
DMK
will be ask if he would like to follow up his suggestion.
Speakers
may be asked if they would like to bring their children along to contribute.
SG will
ensure our patrons are invited to this event
Item 6
: Any Other Business
SG will
write to the mayor, congratulating him on his office and asking if he would
like to be considered a patron of RIFG for his year in office.
SG
reported that Henry (a previous secretary of RIFG) will be having a Friendship
Walk in his new parish at Paddington next Sunday. We all wished him the best.
PK will
give SG details of a series of talks Reading Quakers will be giving in the
Autumn to publicise details on the website.
There
being no futher business we concluded with a few moments silence before
tackling the urgent consideration of cake AW had brought to the meeting. (Thank
you!)
