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The Bradworthy Wind Turbines
July '03 News |
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General Elections Nominations, Please |
10
Days on a Roundabout
by Ricky Knight
The last newsletter came out just before the outbreak of war against Iraq - this one arrives as it is ….still going on …. and on. Part of me wants to write a book about those extraordinary days in the centre of Barnstaple - but every time I try and start, something else crops up. Sadly I have absolutely no photographic evidence of this event, other than this sweet picture of Kate, taken by the one person who refused to give up and was there intermittently and stubbornly, sitting at the edge of the road with a simple, striking poster, until the "official" end. This is for Elisabeth Roberts from Bideford, an inspiration to us all. If anyone knows her, thank her for the photo and say hi! Hi and thanks to all who were involved too - it brings a lump to my throat.
Tony Bown v The System
by Tony Bown
Update On Appeal Hearing (28th July 2003) Royal Courts Of Justice
Another moral victory for the case, but not yet a legal one! Yet again construction of the road is blocked while the question of how this dreadful scheme got this far is now being examined at the highest level, following the reserved judgement at Monday's hearing. At the very least this shows that the issues so expertly raised and presented in court by Robert McCracken QC are being taken very seriously indeed, by the trio of judges with Lord Phillips, Master of the Rolls, senior judge in the Appeal court, presiding. Although it is inappropriate to be optimistic, as no doubt the court will find for the government if that avenue is open to it, Counsel made a superb fist of our arguments which must inevitably lead to some very interesting developments in the law when judgement is given. It was very fortunate for the case that such expert representation was available, and a privilege to hear plain common sense being presented to the court so clearly and forcibly.
It could be a very short wait or a much longer one for the judgement as the Court goes into recess on Friday, either I hear this Wed or it will be Sept/Oct probably.
The Appeal Hearing lasted all day. Our Counsel's main arguments were on ornithological grounds, based on the fact that all the scientific evidence confirmed that Taw/Torridge had qualified to be designated as a Special Protection Area for Birds at the relevant period, and that this had never been disputed on scientific grounds. The judge in the original hearing had mistaken the phrase "insufficient data" to mean "insufficient birds" being present, but our Counsel was able to demonstrate that at the relevant period that had not been the scientific opinion. Counsel also cited arguments from EEC case law in support of our Appeal.
We remain hopeful that when the three Lord Justices' decision is handed down it will be in our favour.
Whenever it arrives, the judgement will contain most interesting arguments with grave consequences, either for nature conservation in the UK, or Devon County Council and the Dept. of Transport's appalling road scheme.
More positive thinking please - it seems to work!
What's Green & Happening?
by Ricky Knight, acting Co-ordinator, South West Green Party
Nationally, there's no contest; it's the European Elections, coming your way soon, as in next June, a blink away. We've got two MEP's; the South West is going to add to that, isn't it. More on that soon. There's no denying that after that, there is the General Election. Rumour has it that, even with our preposterous voting system, it is not beyond the realms of feasibility that we might get our first Westminster Greens too. Tell me, cos I keep asking, why is it that every time the Government looks anew at democratic representation, i.e. for Europe, for Stormont, for the Scottish and Welsh Assemblies, for the GLA - why is it that they go for a form of proportional representation? Surely this proves that they must be certain that this is a fairer way of electing people.
Regionally, there's loads going on. By now, the Big Green Gathering at Cheddar will have been and gone, so I'll perhaps report on that in the next edition. It's a high profile event for the Green Party and an ideal opportunity for forging links with other organisations and individuals at a time when the Green Party is still being avoided as being too political. Er, hello? What is the problem here? To me, it's only logical that "we" are the political wing of the wider green movement, so why do so many influential and clear thinking people all but ignore us? It's like "sink" hospitals, sink estates, sink schools - it becomes self-fulfilling. Bottom line is - if you're green then vote Green. Better still, join the Green Party! Blair has proven the "all politicians are the same" argument, with his complete disregard for the idealism of his original grass roots supporters and the huge well of hope he offered in 1997.
Here's a big plug for a couple of big events coming up on the South West Region front, both trying to do the impossible, combine politics with fun. If we can't do it, no-one can. On Saturday, November 8th in Taunton, the SW GP will be holding it's "AGM with a difference". How does one get ordinary supporters to an AGM? (Answers on a postage stamp, please). Well, I can guarantee that no-one will be elected to the Fund-raising, Membership and Treasurer's posts, just as they've nipped out for a sandy. Also, after the main business (whoops, sorry, surfeit of truth there) there will be a meeting for ALL local parties, with interesting inputs from interesting people like the Boy Wonder, Adrian Ramsey, the country's youngest Green Councillor, who will be coming down from Norwich to talk to us. The region is a truly large area, stretching from Gloucester down to Bournemouth, from Swindon down to the tip of Cornwall. What a fantastic opportunity for us to be invigorated by interaction with friends from other parts of the region. What else can I tell you to try and attract you there? There'll be stalls and presentations, a crèche, no less, a slap up tea after the local parties' meeting - oh, and I can arrange transport. Please make a note in your diaries and let anyone on the ND GP Committee (details within) know of your interest.
This one is a MUST (if only cos it's going to happen anyway - how miserable
would you be if you called a party and no-one turned up? Don't DO this
to us!) The South West Regional Green Party, mindful of the forthcoming
Euro-elections and the realistic expectation that we will get David elected,
have decided to call a Regional Conference called "Green Visions".
WHAT? A Regional Green Party Conference!
WHERE? In Exeter, at the Phoenix Centre, formerly the Art College, right in
the Centre, a stone's throw from Exeter Central station and not that far from
the bus station. WHEN?! Saturday and Sunday, 29th & 30th November. And?
Well, loads to add really but much more detailed information will be arriving
(about BOTH events) in the next GreenSWord, due September. The main thing is
that, obviously, we want LOADS of bottoms on seats - the rest, as they say,
will follow. The Saturday will concern itself with the main issues of the Euro
Campaign, GMO's, Transport, the Euro itself, CAP, inter alia, with experienced
and respected speakers, plus key-note, high profile speakers - watch this space!
The Sunday will be more informal, with work-shops and a more tactile, participatory
approach. The Saturday night will be devoted to socialising, with some good
music and cabaret. As said, with a good response, so much more becomes possible.
Cost? We are looking for £30 for the week-end, £18 concessions
and for a single day. We're looking at special deals for early-birds and families.
Sorry to be vague but this is at the same time the most important and the most
difficult to set in stone, so we are trying to be flexible, open to (realistic!)
suggestions. I suppose we would all like to say "let price not be the
object"; easier said than done. So, put that in your diaries too! And
let one of us know of your interest, as above.
Think locally, act regionally? Am I being guilty of that? Hope not.
The biggest thing locally, some reckon NATIONALLY, is the BWBDB campaign
- to stop it, that is!). That's the Barnstaple Western Bypass Downstream
Bridge, to those of you with antipathy towards acronyms - but it takes
so long to type! More of that later too - suffice to say, that against
ALL odds, David, in the shape of our own Tony Bown, has taken on Goliath
and stopped him in his tracks, all but single-handedly and at tremendous
personal sacrifice. It is a remarkable achievement and one which articles
such as these cannot really do justice to. Tony is a genuine political
and environmental activist, who was there at Newbury and he was there
at the farm-gate fighting off the cullers. This time, he's taking them
on - on their home ground, in the courts. R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Sing it with
me! Bloomin' marvellous. Of course there are a myriad other local matters
that are of real concern to us and, hopefully,
you will get a feel of these from other items within. Hope you read it all!
General Elections Nominations, Please
by Cathrine Simmons
We are looking for nominations for the two constituencies North Devon and Torridge and West Devon, to be in between the 12th and the 26th September. Why so soon? We need to fund raise and to build up the awareness of the electorate about the existence of these people. Those selected by the party members will need to put themselves about a bit so to speak for the interim period before the next election is called, press interviews etc. I must also warn you that although the party tries to pay expenses, funds are always tight.
So carefully consider whether this is something you would like to have a go at. You will need some spare time especially around election time. You will need to have been a paid up member of the Green Party and you can nominate yourself. Please do not nominate anyone without consulting them first. We would like to make the ballot interesting so the more names the better. We will be asking for a biography in due course. If you want to chat it through give me a call on 01805 623217. Once nominations are in, voting papers will be sent out on the 3rd October, to be returned by the 31st October.
So send your nomination (don't forget to name which constituency you want to be nominated for) to Cathrine Simmons, Church Lane House, Church Walk, Torrington, Devon EX38 8HS.
News from the Town Council of Great Torrington
by Cathrine Simmons
I have been on the Town Council so I did not have new member nerves but I did notice a number of changes. It seems to have become more formal in some ways and less formal in others. We still have to stand to speak and some of the older members have to struggle to get to their feet. I would like to end this practice. I have also asked them to email my agenda but that has not happened yet.
The big issue though is the extension of Deep Moor tip. Devon County Council are seeking planning permission and it will be the biggest eyesore on top of the hill on the way into Torrington. There are loads of good reasons not to allow this extension but my gut feeling is that it will go to public enquiry and we shall lose. What a pessimist you say but the reason being that every where else in Devon the planning permission has been denied and the authorities have little choice. A tip unfortunately is necessary. Not enough work of course is being put into recycling and this is where we all come in. So I will be investigating recycling in Torrington and trying to increase this.
North Devon Stop The War Coalition
End The Occupation Of Iraq Demonstration, London, Saturday 27 September '03
by Ricky Knight
Dave Clinch has agreed to act a link-man for this important demo, particularly to see if there are enough people interested in going there by coach. He's also keen to be involved in a bit of a build up to it, with a Barnstaple/Bideford street presence, stall, petition, posters etc and build up the buzz for the event as before through our own networking and the local media. Let us know what you want to do - contact me or Dave Clinch: Dclinch@aol.com Phone: 01805 624938.
David and Goliath
by Peter Christie
Well it finally happened -yes, the green David took on the (true-Blue?)
Goliath and won! I refer to the application by Tescos to develop a ridiculously
unsuitable site in Bideford. The story goes back several years to when
a development agent turned up at Torridge District Council's Planning
department and 'had a word' with the planning officers about where might
be a a suitable site for a new supermarket in Bideford. He, acting for
Tesco, suggested an area of land in the Kenwith Valley called Marsh Farm
and, lo and behold, two weeks later when the planners presented a list
of 33 possible sites Marsh Farm amazingly topped the list of preferred
sites - despite never having appeared in any other listing of possible
retail development sites ever before! I opposed it from the start on
the grounds of:
a) it floods (it's about 100 yards in front of the Kenwith Dam which gave way
a decade ago)
b) it would create huge traffic problems in the area
c) it would create noise problems
d) it was right next to the Kenwith Valley Nature Reserve
After a lot of impassioned pleading and cajoling I managed to persuade my fellow
councillors to reverse their initial acceptance of the development and it was
on this basis that we went to a public inquiry - that and the fact that Torridge
received 764 letters of objection (the highest ever recorded for any single
development - of anything) with just 4 letters in support.
At the Inquiry the Inspector heard all the high powered and expensively bought opinions from Tesco - and yet in his final report which came out a few weeks ago he comprehensively trashed them - and said that Marsh Farm was a ludicrous, mad, pointless (I paraphrase slightly here) site that should not have a huge supermarket put on it. Hooray!!!
What next I hear you ask - well I am waiting for Tesco to come back
with another application on a 'better' site - East the Water or Atlantic
Village in Bideford are suggested - I will then ask them (nicely) if they would
like to donate the piece of land they bought at Marsh Farm to the Council so
we can extend the nature reserve. Alright, so we don't like supermarkets as
such - but it is nice to score a victory over them and their usual steamroller
tactics occasionally - and it would appear to be happening in Braunton and
Ilfracombe as well at the moment.
Confessions of a New Town Councillor
by Miranda Cox
I'm on Northam Town Council which includes Appledore and Westward Ho!. One of 2 women amongst 13 men. A lively lot. Combination of some new Community Alliance, generally younger and more casually dressed and the old guard - experienced councillors.
I'm impressed with the wide range of experience and knowledge and a feeling that they're mostly speaking for their community.
A bunch of characters - wide range of personalities - humorous and strong opinions, not afraid to speak out or disagree.
One evening I'm described, by one of the charmers, as a “rose amongst two thorns.” The other woman councillor asks "What am I then?" She has a pale purple jersey on. I suggest "A clematis?"
I'm quieter than most. Listening, learning, also need practise speaking up and being more assertive. When I put my hand up to speak (memories of school) the vice chair - who's chairing in the absence of the mayor - says, when someone else starts booming out, "Let Councillor Cox speak, she's been quiet so far and is more attractive than you." Someone else says, "That's sexist" and I, feeling embarrassed, hasten to add "He's good looking too." There's good humoured laughter. They'd been talking about traffic calming and I wanted to ask people what needs to happen for them to use alternatives to cars.
The vice chair regularly calls me dear though he's probably younger than me. So something else to tackle diplomatically.
So far I've had three "free lunches". On a training day, at the meeting of the Torridge Association and at the Mayor making ceremony. All very interesting/productive occasions. So is it true that there's no such thing as a "free lunch"? Well the cost of those meals subtracts from money in the pot for other needs. On the other hand parish and town councillors don't receive any income or seem to claim expenses. District councillors get about £3,000 per annum. The hard working ones deserve it as for the others...? Maybe it's about the other 'perks' of feeling you're contributing something useful, feeling important, powerful, effective, dutiful, serving, motivated...
I stood because I want to speak up for the environment and community needs. On planning applications I always look to see if there are proposals to cut trees down and try to save them. Recently several protection orders on trees were removed so someone could erect a 6' foot fence round their garden. There was no say - TDC had already decided. I felt powerless and angry. What's the point of tree preservation orders if they can be removed so easily?
On a positive note, the town clerk readily responded to my request to use recycled paper and found a cheap source of it which is available to all depts/services funded by/connected to Devon County Council - Devon Purchasing, tel : 01392 384600.
I'm on the CAB board as a representative for the town council. Also the Northam Burrows committee, to hopefully protect the Burrows from golfing and grazing takeovers.
I plan to present a motion to support Devon in going GM free - including farms, school and hospital meals etc. I want to introduce it to get GM discussed at the council and counter any pro GM statements with my hopefully well enough informed knowledge.
So, I'm enjoying being a councillor, doing my bit for the Green Party and learning more about people, politics and observing the psychology behind it all. It's just like a mini version of the House of Commons really, as above so below. Though I'm not sure who represents Tony Blair yet...
Young, Gifted and GREEN
by Ricky Knight
This is a call to anyone reading this - have you got any offspring, friends or contacts at Plymouth, MarJohns, Exeter, Bath or Bristol Universities? The South West region (not to mention nationally) are very keen to get a foothold into these establishments and try and set up some active cells. We've made good progress with Exeter and are looking forward to meeting and activating new members at the Freshers' week in September. Check out the web-site www.younggreens.org.uk for further info. At this stage, if you have any ideas, contact me, and I can follow it up.
Electronic Greenlines
Posting the newsletters on to you - printing, folding, placing in re-cycled envelope, prit-sticking it down, printing and placing the address label on it, purchasing and sticking on the stamp, taking it to the post-box - takes up an inordinate amount of time, money and effort. Why not let us know that you would like to receive it as an e-mail attachment from now on; have an electronic version instead, that you could either print out yourself (or even just selected bits!) or keep in a folder. So much "greener". If so, please let the webmaster know.
How's your Constitution?
by Ricky Knight
Britain might not have one, nor have we - but we should. I've e-mailed everyone I possibly could with the following draft copy. I realise it might be the kiss of death for some, most (all?!) of you but NOT having one can lead to some pretty messy problems - believe me - I'll tell you about a few if you want! The one you are about to read (aren't you) is a template, tried and tested and, touch wood, more or less foolproof. Having submitted it to all members in this way for consideration and comment, it will be a short item at the next AGM, at which point, if passed, we will own it! Er … comments, then?
Constitution of the North Devon Green Party
1. Name
1.1 The name shall be the North Green Party. Referred to below as The Party.
1.2 The Party shall be a constituent part of the Green Party of England and
Wales.
2. Objectives
2.1 To seek to establish a system of government based on the philosophy of
the Green Party of England and Wales as expressed in its manifesto.
2.2 To this end The Party will contest local elections and co-operate with
other Green Party groups to contest General and European elections.
2.3 To develop local policies.
2.4 To organise and publicise events to support these objectives.
3. Membership
3.1 Membership is open to any person who subscribes to the objectives of the
Green Party of England and Wales and is not already a member of another political
party other than Green Parties abroad.
3.2 Membership shall comprise:
a) those persons who are national members of the Green Party of England and
Wales and for whom a capitation fee is paid to The Party,
b) those persons who are local members of The Party.
3.3 The subscription for local membership shall be set annually at the AGM
4. Organisation
4.1 An Annual General Meeting shall be held every year. The date and agenda
will be notified to all members at least 21 days in advance. All members
will have the right to submit items for discussion.
4.2 A chairperson will be elected at the outset of the meeting to conduct the
business of the meeting. The Chairperson will have only a casting vote.
4.3 At the AGM officers will be elected to server The Party for the following
year, as follows:
a) Co-ordinator, Treasurer and Election Agent, as required by the Green Party
of England and Wales.
b) Membership Secretary, Press Officer, Local Party Contact and Newsletter
Editor and any other officers deemed appropriate by the AGM.
4.4 A member may be elected to more than one post, except that no person may
hold more than one of the positions in 4.3a. The posts in 4.3a may only be
held by members of the Green Party of England and Wales.
4.5 The quorum for the AGM shall be 20% of the membership.
4.6 An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) may be called by 20% of The Party
membership and will be subject to the considerations listed in 4.1, 4.2 and
4.5 above.
4.7 The minutes of the AGM or EGM shall be presented at the next monthly meeting
and shall be submitted for approval at the next AGM.
4.8 In the event of a motion of “no confidence” in an elected
officer being proposed, an EGM shall be required to consider the motion.
Such a meeting will be arranged according to para 4.6.
4.9 Between Annual General Meetings the business of The Party shall be conducted
by regular meetings open to all members of The Party.
4.10 The minutes of each regular Party meeting shall be recorded and presented
to the subsequent regular Party meeting.
5. Selection of Candidates for Elections
5.1 Candidates for Local Elections
5.1.1 Candidates for local elections must be current members of The Party and
shall be chosen by ballot of those present at any normally advertised meeting
of The Party.
5.1.2 The quorum for the selection of local election candidates shall be 10%
of The Party.
5.1.3 In an emergency, where the deadline for nominations falls before the
next available meeting, the Agent may authorise a candidate subject to the
approval of a 2/3 majority of the other elected officers.
5.2 Prospective Candidates for Parliamentary Elections
5.2.1 Prospective candidates for a parliamentary election will be chosen by
a ballot open to all members of The Party according to The Ballot Procedure.
5.2.2 Candidates must be current members of both national and local Green Parties
and must have been members of the national Green Party for a minimum of 1 year.
5.3 The Ballot Procedure
5.3.1 A date will be set for a Selection Meeting. This will normally be one
of the regular monthly meetings. The Electoral Return Officer will be chairman
for this meeting and will have only a casting vote.
5.3.2 At least 6 weeks before the Selection Meeting, the Electoral Return Officer
will send to all members the details of the ballot timetable and procedure
and invite nominations.
5.3.3 Nominations must be received by the Electoral Return Officer at least
28 days before the Selection Meeting.
5.3.4 21 days before the Selection Meeting, the Electoral Return Officer will
send all members a ballot sheet with the names of candidates who have been
nominated.
5.3.5 Hustings letters, if provided by the candidates, will be circulated with
the ballot sheets. Hustings letters will be no more than one sheet of A4 paper.
5.3.6 Postal votes must be received by the Electoral Return Officer before
the Selection Meeting.
5.3.7 At the selection meeting candidates will have the opportunity to present
their views to those members present before the ballot sheets are collected.
5.3.8 If only one candidate is nominated, that candidate must receive more
than 50% of the votes cast over the option to re-open nominations.
5.3.9 If more than two candidates are nominated then votes will be counted
on the single transferable vote system.
The Single Transferable Vote System
5.3.9.1 Where two or more candidates are nominated voters will be asked to
list the candidates and the option to re-open nominations in order of preference.
They may include as many options as they wish.
5.3.9.2 The candidate receiving a simple majority of votes cast shall be selected.
5.3.9.3 If there is no such candidate, the candidate receiving the fewest first
preference votes shall be eliminated and these votes redistributed according
to the stated second preferences.
5.3.9.4 This process is repeated until a simple majority is achieved
5.3.9.5 The counting procedure shall be open to all members present at the
Selection Meeting.
5.4 Emergency Selection Procedure
5.4.1 This shall be the procedure defined by the national Green Party
6. Finances
6.1 The Treasurer will maintain a current account at an appropriate institution
and keep records of transactions in accordance with national legislation,
the requirements of the Green Party of England and Wales and normal book-keeping
procedures. Records will be available for any member to inspect on request
and will be presented to the membership at the AGM.
6.2 The Treasurer may keep additional accounts as directed by a regular meeting
or AGM of the Party and subject to the same conditions.
6.3 The signatories for each account shall be the Treasurer and up to 3 other
nominated members of The Party, subject to the rules of the account holding
institution and as directed by a regular meeting or AGM of The Party.
7. Changes to the Constitution
7.1 This constitution may only be changes by a vote of 2/3 of those voting
members present at an AGM or EGM and then only if the proposal has been circulated
to all members of The Party at the time of the announcement of the AGM or
EGM.
8. Dissolution
8.1 The North Devon Green Party may only be dissolved at an AGM or EGM called
for that purpose.
8.2 In the event of dissolution, all remaining monies and assets after settlement
of outstanding debts shall be made over to the Green Party of England and Wales.
Last amended June 2003
Website designed by Jon Hooper
Published and promoted by Jon Hooper, 3 Elizabeth Court, Well Street, Torrington EX38 8EP on behalf of the North Devon Green Party, 1 Taw View Terrace, Bishops Tawton, EX32 0AW
PLEASE NOTE: Not all of the material presented on this site is necessarily Green Party Policy or endorsed by The Green Party.