Copies of the Charter of Principles were available for those who do not have access to the Internet.

It was pointed out that an effort should be made to start the meetings promptly.

Minutes: it was agreed that minutes should be taken but that they should be brief.

They will be held in hard, as well as electronic, copy, and Marye Miret offered to do this.

They will be presented in a newsletter which will initially be sent out by e-mail and will later be on the web-site when this is ready. Members with appropriate facilities will be requested to print a couple of copies for their local library, health food shop, etc.

Smoking: meetings will be non-smoking. There will be opportunities for members to smoke outside in breaks and during the open discussion times.

Creche: members are welcome to bring their children. If a creche is felt to be necessary at any particular meeting one can be organized at the time. It was not thought to be worth organizing a creche in advance for every meeting.

Finance: a voluntary donation of 2 euros per person was suggested. This would be taken at each meeting. The organiser of the meeting to take expenses out of it and pass any surplus to the organiser of the next meeting. An account book will be purchased for this purpose. Adam agreed to get the account book.

LETS Scheme: Alison spoke briefly about the Bantry Area Trading System (BATS) The text of her talk is available in hard copy and will also be on the first newsletter..The scheme had 200 members some years ago. This has declined to 30-40. However, the feeling of the meeting was that the worsening of the economic situation will be favourable to the scheme and Alison and Richard have offered to hold a discussion group on the subject at the next meeting.

Web-site: Adam will set up a web-site for us. Andy (www.trybalink.net) offered web design and hosting space. Lily will oversee the newsletter.

Report on Irish Social Forum: unfortunately, Bob was not present to give this report. We hope to have it next time.

DISCUSSIONS

World Arms Fair, London

She suggested local action in support of the U.K. protesters.

Members are therefore planning action on 10th September at DDC, Cork, where components for armaments are made.

Local peace groups will be asked for their support.

There will be an update with further details on the first newsletter.

Niall’s Discussion Document

Education

NEXT MEETING

Convenor: Mike Collard

Exact date to be notified shortly

For further information contact Mike, 027 66176, futureforests@eircom.net or Marye, 023 47302 , miret@eircom.net

Thanks to David for taking the minutes and to Lily and Louise for the café.

The meeting ended at 10p.m., but members stayed on for up to an hour later, in informal discussion and getting to know each other.