REPORT on AGM 1 March 2009

Chairman Tariq Jung opens meeting at Brighthelm Church and Community Centre

Mayor Cllr. Garry Pelzer Dunn

Mrs. Phyllida Stewart-Roberts CVO OBE former Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex

Question and Answer period

Submitted by Tariq Jung and Charlotte Gravestock

MINUTES FROM THE 12TH IFCG ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

2.30PM - 4.30PM SUNDAY 1st March 2009

Rev David Coleman welcomed everyone to BrighthelmChurch and Community Centre, which he described as a 'place of inclusive welcome'.  IFCG Chairman, Tariq Jung, also gave a welcome and invited attendees to participate in a short period of silent reflection.

The Chairman gave a brief history and outline of the purpose of the IFCG since 1995, then introduced the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Peter Field, and his wife, and invited the Lord Lieutenant to say a few words.

The Lord Lieutenant said it was a pleasure to be present and to see many old friends and familiar faces.  He congratulated the IFCG on its determined and sustained activity.  He was pleased that an interfaith group had also been established in Hastings.  His wife, Margaret, joined him in conveying his best wishes to the Brighton & Hove IFCG as it entered its 13th year.

The Chairman introduced the Mayor, Cllr. Garry Peltzer Dunn.  The Mayor conveyed thanks, on behalf of the city of Brighton & Hove, for the work of the IFCG.  He said that the IFCG provided a forum where people could talk, and, even more importantly, listen to each other.  He hoped that the IFCG would continue to grow and gain in understanding year on year and said that its work could never be finished. The Chairman thanked the Mayor and also welcomed Alderman Tehmtan Framroze to the meeting, thanking him for his years of dedicated leadership of the IFCG.

The minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting, held on 13 April 2008, were approved.

The IFCG Executive Committee report for 2008 was given by Ian Lawton, Secretary, and was approved.  Ian mentioned that there had been several new faces on the Executive Committee this year, including Buddhist and Pagan representatives.  He referred to a number of interfaith events that had taken place during the year, including those under the title of 'Faiths in Sussex' in collaboration with Worthing, Horsham and Crawley interfaith groups.  The Chairman thanked Ian for his commitment and hard work and looked forward to his ongoing contribution to the IFCG, even though he was stepping down as Secretary.

The Treasurer's report for 2008 was given by Louis Grabsky and approved. The Treasurer reported an increase in paid membership of 30% and an increase in those paying by direct debit of 50%. Nevertheless IFCG financial reserves were diminishing.  He proposed keeping the membership fee at £5.00 and this was approved.  The Chairman thanked Lou for his careful and hard work.

The Treasurer proposed the election of Chariot House Chartered Accountants as Auditor and this was seconded and approved.

The Returning Officer, David Young, presided over the election of the principal officers, namely the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.  The Chairman, Tariq Jung, and Treasurer, Louis Grabsky, stood for re-election and there were no other nominations. Charlotte Gravestock was proposed and seconded as Secretary and duly elected. David Young also thanked Linda Lee of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University for agreeing to take on the role of Vice Chair (not an elected office). Tariq Jung also thanked Imam Sajid for his work as IFCG Links Officer and reminded attendees that printed copies of his report were available.

Tariq Jung welcomed Mrs Phyllida Stewart-Roberts, CVO, OBE and invited her to address the meeting.
Mrs Stewart-Roberts' talk, entitled 'Interfaith - Understanding and Respect', was followed by a variety of comments and questions from the floor, following which Tariq Jung thanked her warmly for sharing her personal experiences and thoughts. Tariq Jung also drew attention to forthcoming IFCG events.  He paid tribute to the late Mr Aubrey Milstein, a founder member of the IFCG, and thanked all who worked voluntarily for the IFCG.   He thanked members of Brighthelm for hosting the meeting and for the trouble taken over the refreshments and digital display.

The meeting closed with a moment of silent reflection followed by refreshments for all.