Amnesty International

Blackheath and Greenwich

Newsletter

April 2014

Group Meeting 08.04.2014

Nine Members worked on the banner for the Book Sale in the hour before the main meeting. It was agreed to display the banner on a washing line and assemble it in the church.

1. Introductions & Apologies

2. Matters arising from notice boards: Graham said there would be a monthly action on the Central African Republic. Angela reported on two Chinese cases: Liu Hua the first woman to expose the torture of women in China, and the continued attacks by police on human rights lawyers. A letter on this subject will be prepared for the next letter-writing evening.

3. Group Plan for 2014: It was agreed we would ask for a case for the Individuals at Risk campaign and join the Stop Torture campaign which can be highlighted at the Book Sale. The group will continue the Urgent Action campaign and South America (Roger Hardwick), China (Angela Dock), Syria and the Middle East (Mary Carpenter), former Soviet Union (Jim O’Donnell).

4. Book Sale: Brigitte is organising the collection of book donations. More volunteers needed.

Abingdon have 50 boxes of books which they wish to deliver before Easter. Graham will ask Liza and Jeff if they can be delivered to their garage.

Doreen Lawrence is unable to open the Book Sale. Rachel will approach Mariella Frostrup. Amanda will contact the Mizen family.

Rachel said leaflets and posters were available.

The garage will be open from Monday 19 May 2014, for sorting and pricing, usual opening times from then:

Weekdays 7 – 9pm

Weekends 4 – 6pm

Boxes needed at the garage on 19 May.

5. AGM Resolutions: The resolutions were discussed. Simon, as our representative. to take group’s views.

Working Party A3: Sex Work. As decided at the March meeting: no position.

Working Party B3: Guantanamo, review of AI’s involvement to date. Simon to decide.

Working Party B4: Guatemala, AI should highlight human rights, etc. Simon to decide.

Working Party D1: Secret Policeman’s Ball, reviewing its content/affect/continuation. Undecided.

Working Party D4: Scotland, advising an independent Scotland on human rights. Against.

6. Letters for letter writing evening: 1. China. 2. Central African Republic. 3. Guatemala. Letters to Rachel for photocopying by 16 April late

7. AOB: Amanda said there was the possibility of having the play “Even if we lose our lives”, Ice & Fire, at Goldsmiths College. She is following this up. It is hoped a group of us will attend.

EVENTS 2014
12-13 April / National Conference & AGM, Edinburgh
Tuesday 22 April / 8pm Letter Writing, Picture House, Greenwich, SE10
Tuesday 13 May / 8pm, Group Monthly Meeting
Tuesday 27 May / 8pm Letter Writing, Picture House, Greenwich, SE10
19 May to 20 June / Book Sale Preparation
Saturday 21st June 2014 / Book Sale, Church of the Ascension
Saturday 22nd November 2014 / Book Sale, Church of the Ascension

Group Meetings: Second Tuesday every month (apart from June) at 8pm in the crypt of St. Margaret’s Church, Lee Terrace, SE13 5DL

Letter writing evenings: Fourth Tuesday every month (apart from December) 8pm in the bar (1st floor) at Greenwich Picturehouse, Greenwich High Road, SE10 8NN

Book Sale: A Saturday mid-to-late June; a Saturday after Remembrance Sunday in November; both at Church of the Ascension (COA), Dartmouth Row, SE10 8BF

Human Rights Action Centre (HRAC): 17–25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA; for any official events please register via the website at www.amnesty.org.uk or tel: 020 7033 1675

AIBG Contacts
Position / Name / Phone / E-mail
Chair / David Weekes / 07900 278 311 /
Secretary (enquiries contact) / Graham Dock / 020 8699 9980 /
Treasurer / Kristina Blagojevich / 020 8305 1105 /
Membership / David Webbe-Wood / 020 8244 0995 /
Meeting organiser / Rachel Errington / 0208 852 0048 /
Press and Social Media
coordinator / Simon Ware /
AIBG Website / David Webbe-Wood & Simon Ware /

London Region Representative / Rachel Errington /
Newsletter / Rotating: Ken Ryder, Ann Hillary, Brigitte Hurrell, / 020 8856 5377
020 8853 3405
020 8852 5225 /

Email List: (posts to all subscribed members)

Website: www2.amnesty.org.uk/groups/blackheath-and-greenwich