OxVeg Committee Meeting 23^rd April 2009

Place: Judges Room, Oxford Town Hall

Agenda:

Update from last meeting

Paypal account

Membership – Current numbers, and whether to continue as membership-based group

information stall outside Wantage Health Food Stores some time during National Vegetarian Week

Members Questionnaire

Next Events

AOB

Next Meeting

Attendees: Paul Appleby (PA), Heather Shepherd (HS), Pam Hopcraft (PH), David Huish (DH), Paul Freestone (PF), Rachel Foster (RF)

Apologies: Sue Tibbles (ST)

1.     Update from last meeting:

• HS has purchased a stamp; raw Chocolate workshop had no RSVPs, but did workshop with two others making fondant chocolates – pictures to go on website; NVW mailshot sent to local companies; distributed OVNews; not called June re Daily Bread. PA offered to do so instead; has begun attendance list for Masson book launch.
• PA has compiled and edited OxVeg Online News; booked foyer display boards at Oxford Central Library from 18-23 May for NVW, and received NVW booklets, posters and seed packs from Vegetarian Society (seed packs to be given out at OxVeg NVW events); Summer Garden Party time extended (2.30-5.30), total cost of room hire is £55 (we will share 50/50 with VERO). J Masson’s book will be available at discount at event, video of American book launch at http://www.vegsource.com/articles2/masson_booksoup.htm .
• Treasurer – current balance £1,244 with £583.99 expenses to pay, leaving approximately £660.
• PF has visited and reviewed SAF, raw vegan restaurant in London. Will email to Heather for website/OVNews.
• PH reported takings at Witney Green Fair of £54 (approx 50% gross profit), and snacks in stall went down well. The stall had run out of membership forms, and would be useful to have list of upcoming events. HS will email membership form to committee members, and advises that event list can be printed off website, or latest OVNews. Booked stalls at: “Challenge North Leighâ€, 13 June 11am-4pm (village fair – no cost); Leveller’s Fair, 16 May, Warwick Hall Gardens, 9.30-6; Headington Festival, 7 June, 1-5 (set up 10.30-6.30).
• RF has begun organising Vegan Fair for 15^th August, including booking Wesleyan Memorial Hall. Animal Aid to pay £160 for hall hire. RF reported £120 left from last year’s fair. HS can contact Veg*n societies for funding, and all agreed OxVeg would contribute to cost of food. RF to begin contacting stallholders.

2.     Paypal account

DH has looked into, and can only open under a personal name. Agreed not to proceed, but offer alternative of direct bank transfer, and for interested parties to contact us for details.

3.     Membership – Current numbers, and whether to continue as membership-based group

HS reported 113 members, of which 65 due to renew within one year. Approx 5 new members this year. Removal of subscription would mean paying refunds. Membership is not obligatory for events, though this reduces entry fee (though we have not charged for most recent events). It was suggested many members view subs as goodwill payment, and may not be so interested in participation of events. Members also receive discounts – a list of current discounts would be good to have on the stalls. HS to provide. Agreed to revisit after members questionnaire completed.

4.     Information stall outside Wantage Health Food Stores for NVW

Owner of Wantage Health Food Stores is keen to promote NVW, and suggested a stall outside her shop. However, space is very limited. Agreed that an in-store display would be more appropriate, and we can supply material if she needs (membership forms, etc.). We would also publicise any discount offered to OxVeg members. PA to advise.

5.     Membership questionnaire

PH and DH have drafted and distributed copies. All committee members to read for discussion at next meeting. PH offered to collate responses. Agreed that sending out at end of a newsletter would achieve quicker responses than sending with renewals.

6.     Next events

National Vegetarian Week (18^th-24^th May)

Food stall – 23^rd May, 12-4pm. RF will bring table, etc. PF to contact Redwoods, Scheese, etc. for food samples (also to ask for samples for Summer Garden Party), and will assist 1-3pm, RF and HS to do baking. DH may be able to assist also.

Oxford & District Trades Union May Day Rally, 2^nd May

We have been asked to provide stall for event. However, no-one available to commit due to short notice, and other OxVeg events in May. HS to advise ST

7.     AOB

PF advises that the Oxford Union debate on 21^st may will be about the University Animal Labs. Attendance by invite only. OxVeg will not be organising a related event (as not related to vegetarian diet).

8.     Next Meeting

HS to book room for 14^th May.