f.l.a.g.s.

Minutes of:

FLAGS Committee Meeting Friday August 8th 2002

Opening:

Meeting was opened at 7:30pm by Andrew Ap-Carreg (Treasurer).

It was explained that this meeting was to be an Extraordinary General Meeting.

The Treasurer informed those present that the Committee had resigned in writing and that he had therefore no choice but to resign himself. He advised those present that FLAGS was now officially running without a committee and suggested the formation of a steering group to "caretake" the running of FLAGS until such time as an AGM can be organised.

The now former Treasurer informed the group that in a telephone conversation on the evening before the meeting with Freda Brodie, FLAGS Founder, she explained her wish that Andrew continue to administer the financial affairs of FLAGS and that all other administrative issues become the responsibility of Ian Maxtone.

Andrew described that he was not completely happy in doing this but would do so should the group feel it was an acceptable way ahead for now. He therefore asked if someone would propose him as financial caretaker. This was done by someone present but due to the rather volatile nature of the meeting at the time it was never clarified as to who this was.

David Carson at this point suggested that before a caretaker committee was elected, the members of the former committee that were present should perhaps be allowed to say things that they felt required to be discussed.

Ian Maxtone suggested that this may the appropriate time to read out a letter which had been left by Freda Brodie. This letter, addressed to the entire complement of FLAGS, was read out and by doing so, those present were made aware of her recommendations to ensure proper continuation and progression of the organisation.

The former Fundraiser addressed the group, discussing her feelings regarding various events that had led to this meeting and her resignation.

The former Gay Man’s Liaison Officer addressed the group, discussing his feelings regarding the allegations, present in the minutes of the previous meeting, surrounding his actions on the night of the Pride event in Glasgow.

At this point, the former Secretary and former Lesbian Liaison Officer entered the meeting, informing all present of their surprise and displeasure that the meeting had already started, having been under the impression (due to an email from the former Treasurer) that the meeting was to start at 8:00pm.

The former Gay Man’s Liaison Officer continued his address, repeatedly attempting to gain knowledge of who had made these allegations. He was informed on several occasions by the minutes secretary of that meeting that while this issue had been raised by the former Treasurer and the group’s Founder at the last meeting, it was never disclosed where these allegations had come from.

The former Lesbian Liaison/Assistant Treasurer and former Secretary then addressed the meeting regarding the financial standing of the organisation. Their concerns became focused towards the former Treasurer, who was clearly uncomfortable with the questions being asked of him. The exchange highlighted the apparently dubious financial affairs of the group until the present date. They requested to inspect the financial records of the organisation and upon doing so raised the fact that, at this point, the organisation was approximately £200 in the red. Upon questioning the former Treasurer regarding his actions concerning this current financial standing, he admitted to being "concerned". The former Lesbian Liaison/Assistant Treasurer then expressed her displeasure at this response.

At this point, given the heated exchanges between the stated former Committee members, the meeting was effectively being hijacked by others present (both members and non-members) taking one side or another in the argument that was developing.

By approx 8:20pm the meeting had continued to degenerate and had reached the point of blatant arguing, allegations and insult trading by many present, resulting in many leaving the meeting in disgust at the behaviour of others. At this point it was felt by the minutes secretary that the meeting was both unsuitable and impossible to minute due to total loss of structure and decorum. The minutes secretary then felt unwilling to continue his presence and promptly left the meeting, informing those who would listen that the meeting was no longer being minuted.