Monday 5th September 2005
Meeting held at 1A Hollybush Place, off Bethnal Green Road

Present:
Teresa Hoskyns, Frank Jacobs, Michael Edwards, Doreen Massey, Linda Kauchner, Les Levidow, Daisy Froud, Richard Lee

1. Conference õ 29th October 2005
Richard reported on discussions with City Hall as a venue for the Conference. Though the room space was free, thanks to hosting by the Green Party Assembly Members, there were a security charge and other conditions within a hire agreement. The exact charge was unknown but would be in the region of "several hundred pounds".

It was felt that City Hall was symbolically important as the centre of regional government and was more likely to attract a wide range of participants. Various suggestions were made about fundraising (e.g. UNISON branch, a voluntary registration fee, the Green Party). After discussion, it was agreed to proceed with City Hall if the cost was up to £400. Michael to provisionally book Bartlett UCL as a fall back position. (Richard to continue to liaise with City Hall/Green Party).

It was agreed to have a mixture of thematic workshops and open space process (Daisy to circulate information on open space method)
To retain the three themes as previously agreed, with the Olympics included under the Thames Gateway development and with someone to introduce participatory budget and Charter of Rights for the City
To revamp leaflet with a working title Whose London? Shaping Alternative Futures for Our City. Teresa as contact person until planning meeting õ may need to share after this.(Michael to amend leaflet)
Send leaflet to email lists (everyone)
Invite everyone to attend a planning meeting on Wednesday September 28th at 7.30 p.m. at Bartlett UCL.

2. Website
Michael gave latest news on website. It was agreed to pay £40 a year for a basic website, hosted by Netuxo, a workers co-operative registered at 5 Caledonian Road. The previous website to be redirected to this server. Mary Fee to be asked to assist. (Michael to contact Netuxo).

3. UK Social Forums meeting
Frank explained how at the Edinburgh gathering of social forums a decision was taken to have a UK meeting in Leicester on October 1st. This had now been cancelled amid concern as to how many social forums were still active. Mariangela (Manchester Social Forum) has requested information from each social forum. (Teresa to respond and to let the UK Social Forums list know about our conference).

4. ESF Athens 2006'
Gail Chester had proposed a workshop on „Big Sport‰, including the Olympics and World Cup. It was agreed to support this and to restate the need for an Urban Forum space. (Teresa/Les to find out if this needs to be raised at Istanbul Preparatory Assembly, September 23-25th).

5. New Orleans
There was a short discussion on how we felt about the flooding of New Orleans - the likelihood of corporate interests moving in and New Orleans losing its vibrancy, comparisons with the Thames Gateway, the tsunami and the corporate rebuilding of Iraq.

'6. Rome Conference
Doreen and Michael reported briefly about an event on "diverse economies" they had been to in Rome. This was mainly of the Italian left, but with international perspectives on the final day.

Frank was thanked for arranging the venue, which was comfortable and affordable. It was found through the Community Network Association.