Attendees:

Committee members

JD Joel Dalais
MP Mark Palmer
PR Peter Reynolds
DW Derek Williams

Guests

DF Doug Fraser

1. PR took the chair.

2. Apologies were received from Janice Wells and Graham Smith.

3. Janice Wells’ resignation was accepted. The committee passed a unanimous vote of thanks for her work and contribution to the party. She has undertaken to complete the accounts and Electoral Commission returns for the last year.

4. MP was appointed treasurer.

5. The committee unanimously agreed to award Life Fellowships to Jack Girling, Tina Girling and Janice Wells.

6. It was agreed that Roland Gyallay-Pap should be appointed Director of the CLEAR Media Team and invited to join the executive committee.

7. It was agreed that the following job titles should be adopted with immediate effect:
JD – Director of Membership
MP – Deputy leader and Treasurer
PR – Leader and Nominating Officer
DW – Webmaster

8. JD to take on role of members’ newsletter editor

9. PR to create new Facebook pages for EX-SCRA, TOKEpure, Comment Warriors. JD to appoint lead admins for each page.

10. PR to prepare website article on Facebook pages.

11. DW to audit website design and content and revise/update accordingly.

12. JD to recruit merchandise manager and fundraising manager.

13. JD to recruit local branch managers.

14. DW to prepare website article on guidance for local elections.

15. It was agreed that a conference would be held over the weekend of 14th/15th September 2013. PR to prepare outline plan.

16. JD to prepare article for website on comment warriors and media team including appointment of RG-P

17. PR to prepare detailed proposals for billboard campaign funded by donations.

Minutes Of CLEAR Executive Committee Meeting Held 16th/17th February 2013 - CLEAR UK: Cannabis Law Reform Party

Attendees:

Committee members

GH Greg de Hoedt
MP Mark Palmer
PR Peter Reynolds
DW Derek Williams
JW Janice Wells

Guests

JG Jack Girling
TG Tina Girling

1. PR took the chair.

2. Apologies were received from Chris Bovey.

3. After some discussion it was unanimously agreed that Sanj Chowdhary and Mal McBurney should be expelled from the party for conduct that was incompatible with remaining a member. In Sanj Chowdhary’s case, for betraying the confidence of the executive committee. In Mal McBurney’s case for the repeated use of foul language on the Facebook page.

4. JW to arrange for the bank to be advised that Chris Baldwin is no longer a signatory on the CLEAR bank account.

5. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 27th November were approved. Matters arising were carried forward.

6. PR presented documents for signature to form a company limited by guarantee to be known as Cannabis Truth and to be registered as a charity. It was agreed that all members of the executive would be directors and would subscribe for £1 each.

7. Events since the last meeting were discussed. PR agreed that he would pass any contentious comments or articles before other exec members before posting.

8. JW presented a draft set of accounts for 2011. She agreed to check on our obligations to prepare audited accounts

9. The website was discussed. DW to add a downloads page with all CLEAR leaflets, a page with research papers and studies and a general index.

10. JW to check that our registration under the Data Protection Act was up to date and that the change of name from LCA to CLEAR was notified.

11. The 2012 wish list requests from the website were discussed. It was agreed that these should be transferred to the new members’ forum for further discussion.

12. The Comment Warriors campaign was discussed. All exec members remain enthusiastic and committed to it. A vote of thanks to Dan Ford was agreed for his work. PR to approach him about taking over management of the campaign.

13. The Legal Remedies campaign was discussed. A vote of thanks to Buster Dawson was agreed for his work. PR to approach him about identifying new pro bono legal advisors.

14. The events surrounding Des Humphrey’s JR proceedings were discussed. The committee was anxious to provide him with any support possible in resolving the matter. MP to approach him and offer help but he would need to be prepared to engage with us for anything to be done.

15. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to the PCC campaign.

16. The various event opportunities for 2012 were discussed. It was agreed to focus all of CLEAR’s event effort on the Cananbis Truth roadshow. MP to arrange recovery of various roadshow items from Des Humphrey. Two or three additional vertical posters with stands to be purchased.

17. The CLEAR Plan was discussed and it was agreed that consultation over the second edition should begin on the members’ forum.

18. The Equal Opportunities policy was considered and unanimously approved. DW to draft the disputes procedure.

19. It was agreed that the future status of CLEAR as a political party should be discussed on the members’ forum.

20. It was agreed that CLEAR should investigate providing education services on cannabis to schools, colleges, universities and GPs.

21. The members’ forum was discussed. MP is to take the lead on this project and the forum should go live within the next week. Topics for discussion should include:
- electing members of the executive committee
- future status as political party or pressure group
- 2012 conference
- local constituency groups
- non-cannabis related discussion
- social “coffeeshop” area
- CLEAR plan consultation

22. The meeting agreed that new leaflets and stickers should be produced as soon as funds are available. “QR” tags to be included

23. The meeting agreed that membership fees should be increased to £10 per annum or £5 for concessions.

Minutes Of CLEAR Executive Committee Meeting Held 29th January 2012 - CLEAR UK: Cannabis Law Reform Party

Attendees:

Committee members

CB Chris Bovey
GH Greg de Hoedt
DH Des Humphrey
MP Mark Palmer
PR Peter Reynolds
DW Derek Williams
JW Janice Wells

Guests

CH Christine Humphrey

1. PR took the chair.

2. Apologies were received from Sanj Chowdhary.

3. Sanj Chowdhary and Greg de Hoedt were appointed to the committee by unanimous vote.

4. Jason Reed’s resignation from the committee was accepted with regret.

5. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 11th September were approved.  Matters arising were carried forward.

6. PR confirmed that documents were being prepared to register Cannabis Truth as a charity with the principle aim of education about the medicinal benefits of cannabis.

7. PR confirmed that he was working on the development of the “How You Can Help” section of the website and the possibility of cannabis related short breaks abroad.

8. The prospect of standing in the forthcoming Feltham and Heston by-election was discussed.  It was agreed that PR should stand as a candidate providing that an election fighting fund of £1500 could be raised.

9. Activity since the last meeting was discussed.  The committee expressed its satisfaction with the Westminster press conference and Cannabis Truth roadshow.

10. It was agreed that the 2012 conference should be held at the University of Salford during the Easter holiday break.  The plan would be to charge £45 per delegate for a two day event with a target of 100 delegates.

11. DH reported on progress with planning the 2012 Million Marijuana march.

12. DH provided a list of 2012 festivals.  Once the Cannabis Truth charity is formed he will investigate the cost of attending.

13. JW agreed that she would share some of her workload with MP

14. PR to draw up a plan for 2012

Minutes Of CLEAR Executive Committee Meeting Held 27th November 2011 - CLEAR UK: Cannabis Law Reform Party

Attendees:

Committee members

DH Des Humphrey

MP Mark Palmer

PR Peter Reynolds

DW Derek Williams

JW Janice Wells

Guests

CF Clark French

SC Sanjay Chowdhary

TH Tom Hairettin

TR Torin Radford

1. PR took the chair.

2. Apologies were received from Chris Bovey, Jason Reed and Tom Raikes.

3. Chris Bovey and Derek Williams were appointed to the committee by unanimous vote.  It was agreed that Stuart Warwick was no longer a member of the committee.

4. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 18th May were approved.  Matters arising were carried forward

5. PR to investigate formation of Cannabis Truth as a registered charity to assist in fundraising

6. DW reported on development of the website in his new role as editor.

7. Plans for the Westminster press conference were discussed.

8. Detailed discussion took place on the CLEAR Plan for Regulation of Cannabis In Britain.  After some amendments were agreed, the plan was formally adopted as party policy.

9. Plans for the Cannabis Truth roadshow were discussed.

10. The 2012 conference was discussed.  It was agreed that this should take place during the Easter break – late March/early April.  All members of the committee agreed to investigate possible conference venues and return with proposals and information at the next meeting when plans would be finalised.

11. The 2012 Million Marijuana march was discussed.  DH is in charge of the event which takes place in Cardiff on 5th May 2012.

12.  DH, MP and SC agreed to collate a list of 2012 festivals for discussion at the next meeting.

13. DW and SC agreed to work together to establish regional groups based around MP constituencies.

14. PR agreed to prepare a section on the website looking at what individuals can do to help with the campaign

15. PR agreed to investigate marketing of CLEAR short breaks to Amsterdam

16. It was agreed the next meeting would take place on Sunday 13th November 2011

Minutes Of CLEAR Executive Committee Meeting Held 11th September 2011 - CLEAR UK: Cannabis Law Reform Party

Attendees:

Committee members
DH    Des Humphrey
MP    Mark Palmer
PR     Peter Reynolds
SW     Stuart Warwick
JW    Janice Wells

Guests
MA  Matt Aldridge
CB    Chris Bovey
CF    Clark French

1. PR took the chair.
2. Apologies were received from Jason Reed and Tom Raikes.
3. DH was appointed to the committee by unanimous vote.
4. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 11th March were approved.  Matters arising were carried forward
4. JW informed the meeting that CLEAR was registered as a political party with the Electoral Commission from 27th April 2011.
5. The meeting discussed election strategy.  It was agreed that each by-election opportunity would be considered on an individual basis.  CLEAR would not field a candidate for the Inverclyde by-election.  CLEAR would consider supporting any candidate who offered to stand in local council elections.
6. JW reported on membership numbers and finance.
7. The new website was discussed.  A vote of thanks was extended to CB for his financial support which has made the website possible.
8. All aspects of current campaigning activity were discussed.  It was agreed that
a. Hemp needs to be given more priority
b. Some legal advice needs to included on the website
c. Harm reduction advice needs to be included on the website
d. SW will work with CB to establish the database of MPs on the website including a link with www.theyworkforyou.com
e. PR to finalise merchandising arrangements with CF
f. CLEAR will plan future events in Cardiff rather than London
g. DH/MP will plan a Cardiff Cannabis Carnival for August Bank Holiday
h. MP will take reponsibility for recruiting and training stewards for all events
i. CLEAR will seek to replicate the excellent work in Wales led by DH in Scotland
j. JW to arrange stickers as a promotional medium
k. JW to expedite membership sign-up by text message
l. JW to ensure delivery of a medicinal leaflet to all MPs and Lords

Minutes of CLEAR Executive Committee Meeting Held 18th May 2011 - CLEAR UK: Cannabis Law Reform Party

Attendees:

DB Don Barnard
MP Mark Palmer
PR Peter Reynolds
SW Stuart Warwick
JW Janice Wells

1.    PR took the chair.
2.    The meeting agreed that the people present constituted the Alliance Administration under the terms of the existing constitution.
3.    The meeting agreed that PR be appointed leader and SW deputy leader in accordance with the recent ballot of the membership.
4.    The meeting expressed regret at the resignation of Alun Buffry as an officer and a member.  It was noted that he had been asked to accept the role of party chairman but had declined.
5.    The meeting discussed the draft new constitution and the possibility of a name change. DB was strongly opposed and stated that he intended to veto any change to the name, constitution or website. A heated discussion ensued. Eventually, the four other members voted to remove DB from the committee.
6.    Various amendments to the constitution were agreed, principally the simplification of the aims and objectives. The meeting agreed that the new constitution should be recommended to the membership and that its ratification should be sought by a ballot.
7.    The meeting discussed the possibility of a name change.  After a lengthy discussion it was agreed that the new name “Cannabis Law Reform” should be recommended to the membership and that its ratification should be sought by ballot.
8.    The meeting agreed that registration as a political party should be completed as soon as the results of the ballot on the new constitution and name change are known.
9.    The meeting agreed that a new website should be developed. Subject to receiving assurances about protection of future use of the LCA name and retention of all rights, the content of the existing website could be taken over as an historical archive by the Cannabis Campaigners’ Guide.
10.    The meeting agreed that membership fees should be reduced to £5.00 per annum with a reduced rate of £1.00 for concessions.
11.    The meeting agreed that Jason Reed should be co-opted onto the committee with special responsibility for advancing the cause amongst the celebrity and arts communities.
12.    The meeting agreed that efforts should be made to recruit a high profile chairperson.
13.    In recognition of DB’s service the committee agreed to offer him a Life Fellowship of the party.

Minutes Of LCA Management Committee Meeting Held 11th March 2011 - CLEAR UK: Cannabis Law Reform Party