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The Next Meeting

6.30pm

Just a reminder that at this meeting

We will have as a guest speaker, Susan Wilson, from Lancashire Link.

At the meeting she will be giving a short overview of the work of the Local Involvement Network (LINK), which networks with any groups, voluntary organisations, statutory bodies etc., and the aim is to give a stronger voice on health and social care. This network has been set up by a Government Initiative.

We hope at the meeting to finalise our programme for our WORLD AIDS DAY event

Hard copies of minutes can be obtained from The Secretary, see Contacts Page, ask to be added to our mailing list.

Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 15 September 2008 at 6.30pm in Guys as Dolls, Burnley.

The meeting was chaired by Walter Park, and minuted by Pat Ashforth.

PRESENT: Walter; Tracey; Bev; Wynne; Pat; Razza.

WELCOME: Walter welcomed everyone to the meeting.

APOLOGIES: Nick

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: Walter read through the minutes of the last meeting, and they were agreed as being correct.

MATTERS ARISING:
Walter mentioned the letter sent out along with the minutes, and suggested that further information will be put on the website.
Razza is trying to set up a meeting with Young People's Groups for Burnley. He is to liaise with Bev and Donna to set up a joint meeting, hope -fully in the near future.

SECRETARY'S REPORT:
Correspondence/Information received:-
Obituary of Lynne Braithwaite (Press For Change)
Opportunity Knocks Invite via Lancashire Constabulary and Lancashire Care NHS Trust
LGBT Employee Network News
E/mail from Walter re letters/mailing list
E/mail from Tracey re Transgender Update
E/mail re local LGBT Youth Groups

Other:
Condolences have been sent for Lynne Braithwaite.
Susn Wilson from LINK has been contacted, and will be able to attend the November meeting.

TREASURER'S REPORT:
The Treasurer reported that we currently have a bank balance of £1,263.19p, and all items have been paid out for past events and expenses.

BEV'S REPORT:
Nothing has been reported since the last report.
Bev stated that she is attending an Information Day at Temple Street Resource Centre in Burnley, and will take with her, some of our promotional materials.
Burnley Borough Council have had a meeting with Lancashire Police re Crime Reduction, and to encourage more crime reporting.

TRANSGENDER REPORT:
Tracey has had a talk with Danny from Guys as Dolls, about coming to our meeting to have a talk with us re arrangements for World AIDS Day.
A good day was held at Burnley Mechanics on Sunday 14 September 2008. Left over items from this event have been left at The Red Triangle Cafe, on St James Street, Burnley. across from Guys as Dolls.

Tracey informed us that Enigma at Todmorden has now finished. Rebecca is moving to Hebden Bridge soon.

Trans Issues:
11 September meeting has now been moved to 9 October 2008.
The meeting at Lancaster Town Hall was very good. Programme as follows:-
(i) Introductions
(ii) Aims
(iii) Break out into two groups to discuss issues/actions to be pursued
(iiii) Social after
(v) Next meeting to be in Blackpool in 3 months. Date and place to be advised.

Pendle FLAG/LGBT, why not have meetings in Nelson. Colne, Barnoldswick at monthly intervals at appointed venues (see Clive) ?

It was suggested that we put out feelers to get an invite to attend a meeting arranged by Clive or others, in Pendle or Rossendale or wherever.

HELPING PENDLE:
We have still not heard from Clive, so Walter is to e/mail him for further information.

LANCASHIRE LINK:

The Secretary has been in touch with Susan Wilson from Lancashire Link, and she is to attend our November meeting.

WAD 2008:
Danny from Guys as Dolls, was able to join us briefly. to discuss WAD 2008. He is putting on a fund-raising Event over the week-end of 29 and 30 November 2008 within Guys as Dolls. This will be in the form of a Show. He suggested that we can have a stall at this event, promoting FLAG and maybe ask for donations. Information about this event and FLAG's participation will be put on the website.
It was agreed to send minutes to Danny in the future.

WEBSITE/PUBLICITY:
On the website, since 13 January 2008, we have had 799 total page views and 642 total uniques. Over the last month we have had quite a good uptake. As always news, views, gossip and information is always needed for the website to keep it up to date, newsy and interesting!

Publicity is ongoing. Publicity materials have been sent out to functions and events, and will continue to be sent out whilst ever we have the materials to send.

MAILING LIST:
In the previous minutes it was stated that letters would be sent out to people on our mailing list, to inform them that, if we had no confirmation that they wanted to stay on our mailing list, then we would consider they had lost interest. Letters have been sent out to this effect.
Never the less, there is a chance that if you wish to still be on our mailing list, you can contact us via e/mail, to let us know, and you will be re-instated. Also Razza agreed to follow-up non responders with a further letter, to make doubly sure.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Bev said that she would like to send an e/mail to the Leaders of Pendle and Rossendale Youth Groups to invite them to the next meeting in October.
This idea was agreed, so Bev will make contact.

Pat mentioned that the Bid meeting arranged for Thursday 11 September 2008 didn't take place. A new date and time to be arranged.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Monday 13 OCTOBER 2008 AT 6.30PM IN GUYS AS DOLLS, BURNLEY.
Please Note: Darren from RAINBOW, LESBIAN AND GAY FOUNDATION WILL BE OUR GUEST SPEAKER AT THIS MEETING.

The meeting closed at 7.50pm.

Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 18 August 2008 at 6.30pm in Guys as Dolls, Burnley.

Meeting chaired by : Walter Park; Meeting minuted by: Pat Ashforth

Present: Pat; Bev; Tracey; Les; Nick; Walter; Razza.

Apologies: Wynne

Welcome: Walter welcomed everyone to the meeting and gave apologies for Wynne.

Minutes of the last meeting:
Walter briefly read through the minutes of the last meeting. It was noted that we had had no response from a letter sent out to all on the mailing list, asking if they still wished to be included on the mailing list.
The minutes were agreed as correct.

Matters arising: None

Secretary's Report:
Incoming e-mails -
08/7/08 from John J. re Stonewall e-bulletin
21/7/08 from Nick re manning a stall
21/7/08 from John J. re Mechanics stall on 14 September 2008
24/7/08 from Tracey re poster for Guys as Dolls, text.
24/7/08 from Paul Kellett re Big Gay Day Out on 30 August 2008
31/7/08 from Nick re Bid meeting
02/8/08 from Walter re minutes on the website
04/8/08 from Walter re October meeting invite
04/8/08 from Darren at Rainbow
10/8/08 from Darren confirming October date
11/8/08 from Susan Wilson at LINKS - not available for September meeting
12/8/08 from Walter re website updates

Outgoing e-mails -
10.8.08 to Susan Wilson re September meeting
10/8/08 to Darren at Rainbow, Lesbian and Gay Foundation, re October meeting.

Other - tried to contact Susan Wilson by phone. Will phone again to ask about availability for the November meeting.

Walter to have a word with John J. re setting up an unmanned stall with some of our publicity materials on, at the Mechanics on 14 September.

Treasurer's Report: No report due to absence of the Treasurer.

Helping Pendle:
We have not heard from Clive as yet.

Bev's Report:
Bev reported that there had been two homophobic assaults - 1 in Burnley, and 1 in Rossendale. 1 has been detected.
There were 3 homophobic verbal abuse incidents in Burnley.
In Pendle there was 1 homophobic incident causing damage ( brick through a window).
Bev has had a mention in the OUT magazine giving her contact details within Lancashire Constabulary.
A person has contacted FLAG fror information and help, which is being dealt with.
Bev informed us that Lynne Braithwaite had sadly passed away following a stroke. Condolences are to be sent from FLAG.
Pendle LGBT Youth Group is now set up. Bev has spent a couple of hours with them. They are keen to get involved, and also have something on the website.

Transgender Report:
Tracey reported back briefly on the past achievements of Lynne Braithwaite, as a colleague working with Lancashire Police, and attending the meetings at Garstang. Another meeting at Garstang is being held on 11 September 2008.
Tracey has left some leaflets and put up posters at Guys as Dolls, Burnley.
Tracey mentioned a meeting being held by Professor Green of Charing Cross Hospital re the use of hormones for sex change patients which could be available from September onwards, to people from 25yrs old. If her friend is not able to attend, then Tracey would like to attend.

Lancashire Link:
Pat has been in contact with LINK, but Susan Wilson was not available to talk to, and we know from her e-mail that she cannot attend the September meeting. Pat is to contact her again, about attending the November meeting.

WORLD AIDS DAY 2008
Walter to check what this year's theme is for WAD 2008.
Danny is working towards a WAD Weekend on 29th/30th November. Tracey is to look into this and will advise us in due course.

Website:
Cumulative statistics show that since 13 January 2008, there have been 712 page views, and 573 uniques. It was noticed that on 22 July 2008 there was a large spike on the chart. We do not know why this occurred, but will look into it.

Any other business:
Razza has had a meeting with the Neighbourhood Management Section of the Council, where they have met young people. This is an opportunity to look into young people's issues.
Bev is to get in touch with Donna.
It was suggested that we put on the web, information about LGBT Youth Groups.
Tracey mentioned Inner Enigma, an organisation from Todmorden. She will contact them to see if they would be able to come and visit us.
It was suggested that if we get an address for Lynne Braithwaite, we will send a card/letter of condolence from all at FLAG.
Nick said that he will send some photos of Lancashire Pride that he will take this Bank Holiday Weekend, for the website.
Pat and Nick are to set up another bid meeting. This will take place on Thursday 11 September 2008 at 7.30pm.

Date of the next meeting: Monday 15 September 2008 at 6.30pm in Guys as Dolls, Burnley.

The meeting closed at 7.40pm

Present
Tracey, Les, Clive, Bev, Nick, Wynne, Walter and Nigel (Hate Crime Unit, Burnley)

" Walter welcomed everyone to the meeting and a round of introductions was made to ensure everybody knew who each other was.

" Nick's apologies were given at the last meeting but were not detailed on the last minutes. Clive also advised that he had emailed his apologies but these had also not been noted.

" Apart from the 2 amendments in respect of apologies the minutes were agreed.

" No response has been received so far from Daniel at Guys as Dolls or anyone else. Pat wrote to him recently to ask about taking a position on the FLAG executive. Tracey will chase this up with him to ensure he received the letter.

" It was advised that any business travel in respect of FLAG once agreed would be reimbursed at a rate of £0.40p per mile.

" Tracey was able to attend the last meeting with Lancashire Constabulary in respect of further developments into issues and matters concerning Trans people.

- email from Walter re minutes being on the website
- email from Tracey to contact Bev
- email from Tracey re new contact numbers
- email from Tracey re visit to Guys as Dolls
- email from Bev re Not in my name
- email from Bev re her current situation
- email from Walter re Gay Vibe Magazine
- email from Tracey re posters and WAD item at Guys as Dolls
- email from Walter re LINK newsletter and possible visit of Susan Wilson
Treasurer's Report

" Clive explained that Pendle BC are looking to engage with the LGBT community in the Pendle area and would like FLAG to help them target the LGBT community and promote the event. He advised that some funding would be available to FLAG for their support.

" The matter was discussed and the idea of FLAG putting together a poster was suggested showing FLAG and Pendle BC working in partnership. It was also suggested that FLAG forward this out to the contact distribution list and partnership networks in order to promote and support the event.

" The amount of funding available was discussed and it was suggested Clive recommend that the Council make a donation to FLAG for any work completed. The issue around advertising the venue of the meeting for the event was discussed and there was mixed feelings. There were also mixed feelings regarding whether or not to set a date or whether to ask for expression of interests.

" Clive will feed back to the Council and further discussion will take place.

" Bev apologised for not attending the last meeting. This was due to personal circumstances beyond her control.

" She advised of some inappropriate behaviour in some local public toilets and at a picnic site. Due to this more regular patrols will take place to deter this.

" Over the last 2 months in the local area there have been 5 reported homophobic offences. 3 of these were verbal abuse which have been detected and 2 assaults, 1 of which has been detected.

" Nigel advised as part of his new role he wants to focus on increasing reporting and awareness of homophobic crime to ensure more reporting.

" Tracey advised she had attended the last meeting with the police group focussing on Trans issues. Further discussion and development on protocol took place and is planned for future meetings.

" Tracey advised she attended the "Sparkle" event in Manchester in June. She advised that it was very well attended by the local Trans community and this should enhance further future events.

" Tracey advised she will try and produce a more regular update to the website in respect of Trans issues and updates.

" It was suggested that Susan be booked to come and speak at the August or September meeting for FLAG

" Tracey advised some basic discussion had taken place with Guys as Dolls in respect of holding a WAD event. Several ideas had been put forward including the short play on HIV being repeated which recently took place.

" Tracey showed the group a poster idea she had put together for an event. Tracey will formalise a draft and put this forward.

" Several ideas regarding a raffle, a share of the door charge and an itinerary for a possible evening was discussed. Walter and Tracey will explore this further will Guys as Dolls.

" 453 hits have totalled since the turn of the year with 563 pages viewed so far. More updates and information are needed for the website. Please forward all ideas to Walter for inclusion.

" FLAG have appeared on page 56 of the Blackburn with Darwen Mental Health Directory

" There is rumour that a possible "drag act" may start at the Town Mouse pub local to Guys as Dolls.

" No stall will be held at Manchester Pride this year. A couple of people voiced concern about the stalls location and number of visitors in the previous year.

" The meeting closed at 7.30pm. The next meeting will take place on Monday 18th August starting at 6.30pm. All members and those interested in FLAG are welcome to attend and come along with ideas.

Minutes of meeting held on Monday 16 June 2008 at 6.30pm at Guys as Dolls, Burnley.

PRESENT: Walter: Pat: Wynne: Tracey.

WELCOME:

Walter, the Chairperson, welcomed everyone to the meeting and refreshments were enjoyed, kindly provided by Guys as Dolls.

APOLOGIES: None

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING:
Walter briefly read through the minutes of the last meeting held in May.

MATTERS ARISING: None

SECRETARY'S REPORT:
The Secretary gave brief details of correspondence received during the last month. this included; e-mail from Walter re FLAG website updates; e-mail from Walter with info. re request for colleagues to be kept on the e-mail list; e-mail from tracey re info. on the Trans Page on the website, and also news of the current situation at Gabriel's; e-mail from Walter re a further colleague wanting to be kept on the e-mail list; e-mail from Bev re Burley Youth theatre production on July 18th 2008.
Outgoing items were: reply sent to Padiham Fennyfold Allotment and Poultry Society; letter sent tp Daniel Atkinson at Guys as Dolls.

TREASURER'S REPORT:
The balance in the bank currently stands at £1286.68p. It was suggested tha when expenses totaled £5.00, that a claim should be made, or a claim to be made monthly, whichever is the most appropriate.
On official business, for out of town transport, the travelling expenses currently paid are 40p per mile.
It was agreed that Pat should contact Nick re the 'Bid' meeting.

BEV'S BIT: No report as Bev not present at the meeting.

TRANSGENDER UPDATE:
The next meeting to be held at Garstang is to be held on Thursday 3 July 2008. Unfortunately, Tracey is not able to attend this meeting.
There was nothing else to report at this moment.

WEBSITE/PUBLICITY: Details of the website statistics can be found on line
Tracey to create some publicity material, offering information to Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders and Transvestites, about the FLAG organisation.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
On 12 June 2008, Wynne, Tracey and Walter, attended a Lancashire County Council, LGBT workers group meeting. A presentation was given by Dr Lewis Turner , which was very inrteresting, on 'Transgenderism'
Walter gave a presentation about FLAG organisation, which was very well received.
It was suggested that we keep in contact with the people who attend this group meeting.

It was agreed that Pat would contact Nick; Walter would contact Bev; and Tracey would contact Daniel.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Monday 14 July 2008 at 6.30pm at Guys as Dolls, St James Street, Burnley.

The meeting closed at 7.30pm

MINUTES OF THE LAST FLAG MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 19 MAY 2008, AT 6.30PM IN GUYS AS DOLLS, BURNLEY.

PRESENT; Pat; Walter; Nick; Bev; Tracey.

WELCOME: Walter welcomed everyone to the meeting and refreshments were enjoyed, kindly provided by Guys as Dolls.

APOLOGIES: Wynne; Clive; Kitty Ussher MP.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING:
Walter briefly read through the minutes of the last ordinary meeting held on Monday 10 March 2008.

MATTERS ARISING: None.

SECRETARY'S REPORT:
Items received during the last month:-
Job Advertisement from LGBT North West
Letter from Padiham Fennyfold Allotment and Poultry Society re visit to Allotments
Letter from National Trust re Seminar Day 17.3.08
Cheque Refund from National Trust
E-mail from Tracey re performance to be held on Thursday 22.5.08 at Guys as Dolls
E-mail and Posters from Heather Starkie re Training
E-mail from Walter re next meeting.

Walter said that he would sort out a stand for the Performance on Thursday 22.5.08 at Guys as Dolls.

TREASURER'S REPORT:
There was no report as such, as the Treasurer was not at the meeting. However she had sent the following information via the Chair, Walter, that the current balance stood at £1360.74 as of 19.5.08.
Nick raised a question re us putting in a bid to the East Lancs Primary Care Trust, for future funding. Nick is to liaise with Pat re this item.

BEV'S BIT:
Bev reported thaat Rossendale LGBT Youth Group do not want their minutes on our website.
E-mails have been sent to Pendle Youth Group, but no response so far.
Bev stated that this week (19.5.08) is 'Protecting People Week ' run by Lancashire Constabulary. (see website)
A flyer was handed round for the Lancashire Constabulary 'Summer Nights Open Day' being held on Sunday 29 June 2008, at the Police Headquarters site in Hutton, Preston. Admission is free, but by ticket only. For further information or ticket details, visit www.lancashirepolice.uk or
www.LimaCharlie.org or by telephone 01772 412008. Ticket registration will close at midday on Friday June 6 2008.

On Wednesday 21 May 2008, Bev has a stand in Burnley Town Centre, promoting the CVS 'Adult Learner's Day'.

AGM FEEDBACK:
The AGM was held on Monday 14 April 2008, at 7.00pm in Guys as Dolls, Burnley. The overall feeling was that it was a good meeting, and went as well as we expected. A higher attendance would have benefitted the meeting Officers currently in post were re-elected.
Catering for the event was provided by Guys as Dolls, and this was enjoyed by all those present. The meeting concluded with a supper and networking.

TRANSGENDER UPDATE:
Tracey visited Garstang again for further discussion with Lancashire Constabulary. Further discussion took place re forms and confidentiality, plus issues around pensions are on-going. Tracey also attended the recent Burnley IAG meeting of Lancashire Constabulary.

WEBSITE/PUBLICITY:
On the website, we have had 411 hits so far this year since mid-January.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Discussion took place with regard to finding out if people still wish to be on our mailing list (postal). It was agreed that the next letter to be sent out would address this issue, and hopefully we will be informed of any changes, or if they want to be added to our e-mail list.
It was agreed that, organisations, businesses, local MP's etc. would continue to be on our postal mailing list.

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING: Monday 16 June 2008 at 6.30pm in Guys as Dolls, St James Street, Burnley.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - MONDAY 14 APRIL 2008 AT 7.00PM IN GUYS AS DOLLS, BURNLEY

The Annual General Meeting was held on Monday 14 April 2008 at 7.00pm in Guys as Dolls, St James Street, Burnley. This was followed by a buffet supper.

PRESENT:
Bev Taylor (Lanes. Constabulary); Tracey; Wynne; Clive Thomasson (Pendle Borough Council); Pat; Les; Nick David Curness (Burnley Wood Children's Centre);Walter; Razza Hussain (Burnley Borough Council); Siobhan Lewis (Burnley Teenage Health)

APOLOGIES:
Simon Calvert (Accrington & Rossendale College); Hazel Parkinson (Rossendale Youth & Community); Janet Holden (BPR CVS); Sarah Astin (Pendle Borough Council); D. Partridge.

WELCOME:
The Chair, Walter Park, welcomed everyone to the meeting. This was followed by a short round of introductions, as some people had not been to the meetings previously held.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2007

Walter (Chair) read briefly through the minutes of the last AGM. MATTERS ARISING: There were no matters arising.

Prior to the start of the meeting everyone was given a copy of the Reports to read, the Chair gave a brief overview of the past year's activities, and those present read the other reports as stated.

.
The Treasurer did ask that if anyone had anything financial outstanding, to let her know as soon as possible.

It was the Chair's wish that these Reports be accepted.
Tracey proposed that these Reports be accepted and it was seconded by Razza. In the Chair's Report, Clive raised the point of altering the words 'local UNISON' to read 'Burnley UNISON', and this was agreed.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
The current people in post on the Executive had agreed to stand for the next 12 months, there were no other nominations

These nominations were proposed in enblock by Clive and seconded by Wynne

PROGRAMME SECRETARY Vacant

CO-OPTED MEMBERS FOR THE EXECUTIVE:
Bev & Nick proposed by Walter , seconded by Tracey
Representative from Guys as Dolls (To be decided)

It was suggested that the Secretary and the Treasurer have someone to shadow them in post, to gain experience for the future. Nick agreed to shadow Pat, and Tracey agreed to shadow Wynne, for the next 12 months.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Bev suggested linking in with Rossendale LGBT Youth Groups, so that their minutes could be put on our website. Bev to look into this.
Bev discussed the revised Strategy for Lancashire Constabulary.
Pat mentioned the reversal of the Secretary's role in 2009 , to that of Assistant to the Secretary, as she may not be available to give the time to being Secretary. Both the Chairman & Treasurer also expressed that they would also be taking a lesser role in 2009

CLOSE AND DATE OF NEXT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:
The meeting closed at 7.50pm and the date of the next AGM was set for Monday 6 April 2009.

The evening continued with a very enjoyable buffet supper, and plenty of networking.

MINUTES of the FLAG Executive meeting held on Monday 10 March 2008, at 6.30pm in Guys and Dolls, Burnley.

WELCOME:
Walter welcomed everyone to the meeting

PRESENT: Walter; Bev, Tracey; Pat

APOLOGIES: Nick and Wynne

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING:
Walter briefly read through the minutes of the last meeting, and these were agreed as correct.

MATTERS ARISING: None

SECRETARY'S REPORT:
1. Following from the last meeting, a cheque for £40.00 has been sent to the Burnley May Day Committee, to buy advertising space in the programme. Walter also e-mailed details of the advert and logo to them.
2. E-mail sent to Walter and Bev with the attached minutes. The letter and envelopes taken to Bev's office on 22 February 2008, to be sent out (included reply slips).
3. E-mail and letter sent out to everyone attending seminar, confirming their place, plus a map of Gawthorpe.
4. Diane's Catering contacted re the choice of menu and numbers. This has since been revised and now stands at 25.
5. Kitty Ussher contacted re being opening Speaker, but she is in London on the 17 March, so cannot attend. She otherwise would have attended, and she sends her apologies.

TREASURER'S REPORT: There was no report as the Treasurer was not present, due to ill health.

UPDATE ON SEMINAR DAY:
This was discussed amongst those present, and it was agreed that we have virtually everything in place for the Seminar. We are still awaiting
word from Paul Patrick as to whether he will be doing his presentation.

OUTLINE FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - Monday 14 April 2008
It was arranged that we would have the AGM at the Guys as Dolls Show Bar, at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. It was agreed to cater for 12 persons, with sandwiches, tea and coffee.
An Agenda is to be drawn up, and letters are to be sent out notifying people of the AGM. Nominations are meeded for the four Principal posts, ie.e
Chairperson; Vice Chairperson; Secretary; Treasurer. People must be asked first, if they are willing to be nominated, before their nominations are put forward. and willing to stand for election.
Walter agreed to speak to Christian re the catering.

BEV'S BIT: Nothing to report, due to being on leave.

TRANSGENDER REPORT:
Tracey stated that she would be attending a further meeting at Garstang on the 26 March 2008.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WERE POSTPONED UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Monday 14 April 2008 - the AGM. at 6.30pm for 7.00pm start.
Please try to attend, as it is most important, as FLAG needs people there, to ensure we can continue, for the foreseable future, with the work that has been undertaken, since 1999.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.40PM

Minutes of the Executive meeting held on Monday 18 February 2008 at 6.30pm in Guys as Dolls, Burnley.

WELCOME:
Due to the absence of the chair, Walter, the meeting was chaired by the Vice-Chair, Tracey, who welcomed everyone to the meeting, and in particular, Paul and Christian, new members.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING:
Tracey briefly read through the minutes of the last meeting. The minutes had been previously shown on the web-site. The minutes were agreed as correct, apart from one item. (See Matters Arising).

MATTERS ARISING:
The balance of the Treasurer's report, on the minutes of the last meeting had to be altered to show the correct figure.

SECRETARY'S REPORT:
1. Received Consultation Document from East Lancashire NHS Teaching Primary Care Trust
2. Letter from P. Thorne re Burnley May Day Festival, Monday 5 May 2008.
3. E-mail from Walter re the FLAG website and e-mail from P. Patrick.
4. Copies of Poster and Press Release from Walter re Flying the Flag.
5. Invoice from B. Dodd for the Teambuilding Day.
6. Apology from Walter re meeting held on 18.2.08.
7. E-mails re meeting to be held on 3 March 2008, re Ageing Population Strategy.
8. Letter sent to Christian re use of the room and future dates.

TREASURER'S REPORT:
The Treasurer reported that she had paid out £350 to Bev Dodd; and £300 to the Oaks for the use of premises and catering. All for the Teambuilding Day. This left £400 for the Seminar, remaining from the grant we received of £1000.
After paying out the bills as above, (but not the Seminar) we have a balance of £1772.89.

TEAMBUILDING DAY DEBRIEF:
On the whole it was recorded as being quite a good event, and met the aims and objectives of our day.
We have developed some new posters, as a result. There was some constructive criticism of the posters, and they are to be revamped. Paul discussed at length the poster that he had produced.
It was felt that we need to be more positive.
In the future absence of Lancashire Friend, we need to signpost to other available services and organisations.
We need to know what is the most popular way we have for people to contact us. It was suggested that a review to take place of where our greatest emphasis should be made, to ensure we achieve our aims and targets, resulting from this day.
Paul said that he would attend a consultation meeting on the Single Equality Scheme, as our representative.

BEV'S BIT;
Bev reported that since beginning of January 2008, there had been 3 verbal abuses, 1 homophobic abuse, and 1 written abusive communication reported. There was nothing major to report during this time.

TRANSGENDER UPDATE:
Tracey reported back on her visit to Lancashire Constabulary at Garstang. This was a meeting about the Police work on Custody and Employment. The work is ongoing, and there will be another meeting in about six weeks time. Discussion followed re the various protocols and legalities, as the law stands at the moment.

LANCASHIRE FRIEND UPDATE:
Nick reported back on Lancashire Friend. He told us that the AGM and final meeting will be held on Wednesday 25 March 2008 at 7.30pm in the Jarman Centre, 53 James Street, Blackburn.
Nick has opened up the possibility of Lancashire Friend members coming to FLAG . Also he mentioned that there might be some funding, that could be transferred, subject to further discussion at Lancashire Friend.
Following a telephone discussion with Chi from the Jarman Centre, he mentioned whether or not FLAG might be interested in some excess furniture, due to the closure. It was felt that due to our present working arrangements, we would not be able to accommodate any furniture. Our thanks for this consideration was given to Chi, on our behalf.

UPDATE ON THE SEMINAR TO BE HELD ON MONDAY 17 MARCH 2008:
This Seminar is to be held on Monday 17 March 2008. in The Loft, in the Estate Block at Gawthorpe Hall, from 9. 30am (Coffee), 10.00am start, to 3.30pm close.
We have an outline for the programme, and this is currently being worked on to finalise the programme and all other details. Advertising is currently being undertaken, and publicity for the day is available on the website.
The catering has been arranged.
It is advisable to book a place early, as there are limited places. This seminar day is free of charge.
It was suggested that the Executive Committee meet again, before the next meeting to finalise everything. A date is to be suggested. Please contact Pat with your suggested date. (Exec, only)

PUBLICITY:
Christian offered to include our details on some advertising promotions he is involved with. We gave out thanks to Christian for this offer.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Christian invited FLAG to a Charity Evening Play about HIV/AIDS. It is to be held on Thursday 22 May 2008, at 7.30pm, in Guys as Dolls, Burnley. We would very much like to attend.

Following a letter from P. Thorne re this year's May Day Festival, we agreed to spend £40 on advertising FLAG in the Burnley May Day Souvenir Programme. A cheque was drawn, and Secretary said that she would forward it immediately.

Tracey reported back on the Website Training Course that she is attending. She is approximately half way through, and so far it is going well, and is very interesting.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Monday 10 March 2008, at 6.30pm in Guys as Dolls, St James Street, Burnley.