covering W. Surrey and N.E. Hampshire.

www.farnham-humanists.org.uk

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Contact: Dr David Savage 01252 794021

Apologies: Barbara Burfoot, John Breeze and Ray Hughes

Approval of the minutes of the last meeting: These were approved.

Matters Arising: None.

Chairman's report: David Savage provided a report for the year highlighting various events including:

• A talk by Hanne Stinson, Chief Executive of The BHA at the last AGM
• Talks on Buddhism and Amnesty International

• Discussions on ‘What Humanism means to me’, ‘Is prostitution moral?’

• A visit to the Hellfire Club and a ramble with a pub lunch
• 25 people attending the annual dinner in January

There were also two events opened to the public:

• In September Mayer Hillman spoke about ‘The moral aspects of global warming’
• In November the annual debate was "CAN THERE BE A JUST WAR?" with speakers Bruce Kent (Peace Campaigner and CND Vice president), Field Marshall The Lord Bramall KG, GCB, OBE, MC (Former Chief of Defence Staff), Albert Beale (Spokesperson for the Peace Pledge Union), Professor Richard Norman (Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy)

Over £2000 has been raised by Farnham humanists through these public events over the past 3 years.

Other more campaigning events included

• David Savage and Alec Leggatt have achieved agreement with Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice for Farnham Humanists to be able to provide a Humanist Chaplaincy service. So far only 2 requests have been made and David is hoping to follow this up with a progress meeting with the hospice.
• Alec Leggatt and Barbara Burfoot are busier than ever with the provision officiant support to Weddings, Baby Namings, and Funerals.
• Jennie Johnson continues to provide Humanist input to the Surrey SACRE which meets three times a year. The new local syllabus has just been published which includes some references to "other ethical world views" etc. not present in the last one but, unlike the non-statutory national framework for RE, does not specifically mention Humanism.
• Farnham Humanists provided a stall in the Summer in the Lion and Lamb yard Farnham advertising the group and Humanism issues.
• Farnham Humanists attended the remembrance ceremony at the war memorial in Gostry Meadows. David Savage requested a more inclusive non-denominational service but this was immediately rejected as a proposal by the British Legion at national level.
• Following previous lack of response, a letter was sent again to SEND prison requesting the possibility of providing Humanist support. The reply indicated that the request had been referred to the national chaplaincy for consideration.
• Members of Farnham Humanists have petitioned Jeremy Hunt, the local MP, on marriage law reform (to allow Humanist weddings to take place as in Scotland), blasphemy law, provision of public service by faith groups (this is not covered by the Human rights Act (e.g. employment equality rights are not protected). Mike Adams informed that only faith groups were consulted for being funded to support and bid for prison work in the public sector.

The provisional programme for the coming year includes:

• An informal pub evening the first Wednesday evening in the month at 7:30 starting March 5th

• Sunday March 16th: Talk A Christian view of Humanism by Rev John
• Sunday April 13th: Talk on Africa by Dr Richard Thomas.
• Sunday May 18th: The case for a secular society.
• Sunday June 22nd: Ramble in the Frensham area
• Sunday July 20th: Our Councils equality
• Sunday September 21st: Visit to a public facility
• Sunday October 9th: Talk on Quaker Beliefs by Michael Gittins.
• November 2008 TBA Annual debate 'Nuclear Energy '
• Sunday December 16th: Adoption, reality and practice?
• Sunday January 25^th 2009:
• Sunday February 22nd 2009: AGM & talk by Andrew Copson BHA Education Officer.

Treasurer's report: Mike Adam reported that he had drawn up the account subject to audit which will be carried out by Simon Johnson as. The current fund stands at £190.79.

Subscription rate: The subscription will continue to be set at £10 for a year per individual member. Any guest speakers will be offered reimbursement of their expenses. Donations collected at meetings will be used to contribute to the costs of hiring the hall. It was agreed that the subscription is now due and should be made payable to Farnham Humanists and sent to Mike Adams at 10 New House Farm Lane, Wood Street Village, Guildford, Surrey GU3 3DD.

Thanks to the chairman: The constitution states that the Chairman shall not serve for more than three consecutive years. Alec Leggatt made a proposal of thanks to David Savage for all his hard work and considerable achievements as Chairman of Farnham Humanists over the past three years. This was warmly supported by those present. David also thanked the committee and the group for all their support.

Election of officers and committee: Alec Leggatt was elected as the new Chairman and Jim Herrick as Vice Chairman. Other officers and committee were elected as below.

Chairman: Alec Leggatt

Vice-Chairman Jim Herrick

Treasurer: Mike Adams.

Committee members: David Savage

Secretary: Jennie Johnson

Appointment of auditor: Simon Johnson was re-appointed as auditor

• It was agreed that Farnham Humanists would adopt as its charity for fundraising "Women of India Network"
• Harold Hillman suggested sponsorship of a Gilbert and Sullivan society event as a possible Farnham Humanists event. It was agreed that Harold would find out more details.