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Recent Minutes

 

MINUTES OF WEST KENT INTERGROUP 198th ASSEMBLY

 

FRIDAY 19th JANUARY 2024

 

ATTENDANCE: 30 attendees

General Officers

 

Darren F        Vice Chair (Acting Chair this evening)

Jayne P         Treasurer

Shirley S        Secretary

 

GSRs

Megan SJ     Chatham Tuesday

Paul H           Ditton Friday

Nicola W       Alternate GSR Ditton Friday

Steve R         Ditton Wednesday

Ann McQ      Goudhurst

Julie W          Gravesend Thursday

Rebecca B    Maidstone Sunday00000

John C          Maidstone Monday 

Jeni-May       Maidstone Wednesday

            Patrick M       Maidstone Thursday Evening

Andrea McQ Maidstone Thursday Lunchtime CGL

David B         Marden

Shirley S       Newington

           Carla v Z        Rochester Wednesday Lunchtime

           Dawn S          Alternate GSR at Rochester Wednesday

Shona C        Rochester Saturday

Michael L       Sevenoaks Wednesday

Matt A            Sheppey Thursday

Barry B          Strood

Alan B            Tonbridge Sunday Sunrise

Jamie C         Tonbridge Friday Lunchtime

Imogen I         Tunbridge Wells M-F & Tonbridge Sunday 9.30 am Zoom

Nadine O       Tunbridge Wells Saturday ??Later Recovery??

 

Liaison Officers   

                

Kate F           Convention Convenor

Nick K           Prison Liaison Officer

Barry B          Electronic Communications Liaison Officer

Matt A            Employment Liaison Officer

Paul H           Regional Representative

Ben S            Regional Representative

Shirley S       Regional Representative

Chloe B         Young Peoples?? Liaison Officer

Jeni-May        12th-Step List Co-ordinator

 

Visitors:  None

           

The January 2024 Assembly was held on Zoom. Tony M, Chairperson, was unwell, so Darren F, Vice Chair, opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. He asked that people conduct themselves in a considerate manner and to speak through the Chair. Darren then asked for a moment??s silence to remember the still-suffering alcoholic and then asked for personal introductions around the screen.

The Preamble was read by Patrick M

The Traditions were read by Ben S

The Aims & Structures were read by Steve R

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Catherine M    GSR Tunbridge Wells Wednesday

Andy M            Armed Services Liaison Officer

Richard J        GSR Tunbridge Wells Monday

Manjit D          GSR Gravesend Tuesday

John N            GSR Sittingbourne Friday

Paul D             GSR Tunbridge Wells Thursday 8 pm

Julian R            Archivist

 

QUORUM: A count of voting members present established that the meeting was quorate.

 

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING AND MATTERS ARISING:

Jayne P proposed, and David B seconded, that the minutes were a true recording of the September meeting. 

Matters arising:

(i)             Apology: Shirley S apologised to Brenda M, GSR Maidstone Friday evening HSR, for omitting her name on the list of attendees. The omission has since been rectified.

(ii)            Ratification of updated Aims & Structures

At the November AGM, the GSRs were asked to take the newly reviewed, document with several proposed amendments written in red, back to their groups and inform them of the proposed changes, and to bring back any comments, whether positive or negative. There was no subsequent feedback from the Fellowship. The amended Aims & Structures were ratified with a show of hands. That being the case, Shirley S, Secretary, will go ahead and finalise the document, which will go out to everybody on the mailing list, as an attachment to these Minutes in a couple of weeks.

(iii)           Overdue Officer Ratifications - Officers still requiring ratification, following the AGM in November. Nick, Prison LO, and Matt A, Employment LO were duly ratified this evening. Andy M Armed Service LO and Julian R, Archivist, were absent again, so their ratification will roll over to the April assembly.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Chloe B nominated herself for the position of Chair and was seconded by Alan B.

Chloe gave her AA CV and answered questions from the floor. She was then asked to leave the room while a vote was taken. As we were using Tony M??s Zoom account and he was too unwell to attend the actual meeting, we didn??t have the facility to set up the Zoom voting pole, so on this occasion, we had to divert from our Aims & Structures (anonymous voting for all elections) and revert to voting by raising our hands.

Chloe was duly elected as the new WKIG Chair with a majority vote.

       There were no nominations for the remaining vacancies.

Polite Secretary??s note: GSRs are reminded that it is your responsibility to announce intergroup vacancies at your group meetings. Please remind your members (all those with two or more years continuous sobriety), to seriously think about seeking service beyond the group, because intergroup needs more members to step up and fill vacant posts. Intergroup is there to support the groups but it is becoming increasingly difficult to do this, if the groups we aim to serve don??t support us! As officers rotate out and move on to other service at region and beyond, it??s ex-GSRs and experienced group members, that need to step up and take on intergroup service. That??s how Bill W??s vision of rotation is meant to work ?? it??s not healthy for the personal recovery of serving officers to stay on in a role way past their rotation dates ?? it can make us egotistical, thinking perhaps that we??re indispensable ?? IT??S NOT GOOD FOR ONE??S HUMILITY.  On the other hand, it??s very difficult for a dedicated officer to walk away from a well-loved service, when there is nobody showing willing to step up to replace them. This is how Sponsoring into Service should work! Long-term empty posts prevent a smooth handover and proper sponsorship into new positions. Worse still, we are failing in our Primary Purpose when posts like Probation, and Public Information, amongst others, lay empty month after month. Important contacts are lost, and AA loses face with public services. We all need to reflect on this and step up if we are able and have the time to do more service!  It??s not somebody else??s responsibility,IT??S EVERYBODY??S!

CURRENT VACANCIES

PUBLIC INFORMATION LIAISON OFFICER ?? To find out more about the PI LO role, please contact Tony M,.  Also, see the 2023 AA Service Handbook for GB, Chapter 1, Public Information

 

PROBATION LIAISON OFFICER ?? To find out more about this service position, please contact the out-going officer, Sarah P.  Also see The AA Service Handbook for GB, Chapter 9, Probation/Criminal Justice Service

 

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS LIAISON OFFICER?? To find out more about this position, please feel free to contact the out-going officer, Barry B ??. Also, see the AA Service Handbook for GB, Chapter 3, p46.

 

SHARE/LITERATURE LIAISON OFFICER ?? To find out more about this position please contact Shirley S (See contact details under Secretary vacancy below)

INTERGROUP SECRETARY - Due to unforeseen family circumstances, the intergroup secretary, Shirley S, is standing down a little earlier than her rotation date in November. Shirley has given notice that she will stand down immediately following the April assembly. If a new secretary is found between now and then, Shirley will help them with the April aide memoire and the minutes if she is required. She is happy to speak with anyone who would like to know more about this service commitment. If anyone is seriously interested, Shirley is happy for them to shadow her during the four weeks before the next assembly so that they will have been through the entire assembly process and is familiar with what the role entails.

Please feel free to contact Shirley on secretary.westkent@aamail.org or

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR ALL THE ABOVE POSITIONS -for possible election at the next intergroup assembly on Monday 22nd April ?? please contact Shirley S, Secretary ?? secretary.westkent@aamail.org Tel ?? or Chloe B, Chair

 

Nominations will also be accepted on the evening of the April assembly.  Please note that nominees must be present for the election to take place.

Secretary??s note: TELEPHONE LIAISON OFFICER?? At the time of this evening??s assembly, there was also a vacancy for a new TLO, and the vacancy was published in the GSRs?? Aide Memoire, which went out the following day. However, I??m pleased to inform members that I have just learned that the position ot TLO is no longer vacant as Sue L, has withdrawn her resignation. I??m sure Darren F, Vice Chair, who has been liaising with Sue and the Telephone Responders since this evening??s assembly, will formally issue an apology to both Sue and the Responders, on behalf of West Kent Intergroup, to be recorded in the minutes of the next full assembly in April.

REVIEW OF DECISION TO IMPLEMENT THE ATM MACHINES PI VENTURE

 

This PI venture was first put to the intergroup at the November 2021 AGM. There was on-going research and discussion well into the following year. At the April 2022 assembly, it was proposed that the intergroup empower the PI Sub Committee to run a ??proof of concept.? Unfortunately, there has been no PILO in post since Matt A rotated out, and the ??proof of concept? did not happen. It was put on tonight??s agenda in order to ascertain whether there have been any further developments and where we should go from here. Tony M suggested that we abandon the ATM idea and spend the funds on other, less expensive, PI efforts. (See under PI Committee Update)Before making a final decision, At the AGM in November 2023, Tony M, offered to investigate the idea again and asked that it be added to the January agenda.

Unfortunately, Tony was unwell this evening, and was not able to attend the meeting. Darren F, Vice Chair, felt that, as Tony was the one with the information, it would best to roll it over again to the next full assembly in April.

ONGOING DISCUSSION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ELECTRONIC ??WHERE TO FIND?

Following the November intergroup meeting where this idea was first suggested, Darren F, Vice Chair, went away and investigated how this might be done. This, he did and has built an impressive electronic ??WTF? website. Darren then produced a short video, briefly showing and explaining in simple terms, what can be done with it if we choose. He put on demonstration video on the WKIG WhatsApp and asked members on the group to view. He also put a short survey on the WhatsApp to obtain feedback of what people thought about it thus far. During subsequent discussion this evening, although Darren has received a lot of favourable feedback, it was evident that some people hadn??t taken up the opportunity or weren??t on the WhatsApp group, so hadn??t actually seen the video, so Darren is kindly, going to put it on WhatsApp once again. GSRs are advised to keep an eye on the WhatsApp for the video and to view it so that they have a good idea of what we are discussing and can then update their groups on this exciting new development as it unfolds. Darren requested, and was subsequently given, the approval of the assembly to move forward with producing the electronic ??WTF? and incorporating the means whereby GSRs can update and manage their own meeting details and 12th Step Lists. GSRs are asked to advise their groups that intergroup will continue to email ??WTFs? to those members who can??t access WhatsApp. Also, on request, members will still be able to receive hard copies by post if they wish to ??opt out?. Further developments will be discussed at the April Assembly.

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR TELEPHONE HELPLINE RESPONDERS

 

Background to this agenda item - Conference 2021 recommended that the National Telephone Service be completely overhauled to include a comprehensive Telephone Responders?? training guide and make it available to all Responders in the Document Library of the AA GB website. It was also recommended that the guide should include guidance on how to handle malicious calls and, to take into account, the safeguarding of members. Subsequently, in March 2023 the Telephone Responder Guide was published on the AA GB website, It states at the beginning of the document that, ??it is recognised that each Helpline has existing procedures and training in place?? and that ??the purpose of the document is to serve as a generic guide across Helplines which specifically includes guidance on handling and reporting malicious calls and guidance on safeguarding policy and procedure, for Helplines??. 

 

Page 4 of the Guide lists ??Requirements for Responders.?? Following their publication last March, the outgoing WKIG Telephone LO, Michael W, requested that the Requirements for Responders, as set out on page 4 of the document, be added to the next intergroup agenda for discussion.

 

The item was duly added to the next intergroup agenda.  Due to the Michael??s non-attendance, who shortly afterwards, rotated out of the TLO position, the item again rolled over. We then elected a new TLO, Sue L, who, when this item came up once again at intergroup, was understandably, unfamiliar with the document. Sue asked if it could be carried over to the November assembly while she investigated what these Responder Requirements were about. When it came to the November assembly, Sue sent her apologies that she was not able to attend. Fortunately, Shirley S, Secretary, had been a Conference Delegate in 2021 and happened to have sat on the Committee that made the initial recommendation to Conference, so since the September assembly, she had sourced the, somewhat ??elusive,? Responder Guidelines. Shirley had printed a copy of the Guide and was able to read the list aloud, of the suggested requirements to the assembly. The first six requirements weren??t questioned, but the final point was the subject of lengthy debate. It reads:

 

As a matter of best practice, Responders should undertake a DBS check as a prudent safeguarding measure.

 

Many members were not happy about this piece of advice! Time became short, so Tony M, Chair, suggested that the discussion be carried over to the January assembly. Just before Christmas, Sue L, resigned and the position has since been vacant. At this evening??s assembly, the discussion continued. It was accepted by the majority, that this advice is simply that, advice; that all intergroups are autonomous and do not have to go down the route of DBS checks, if they choose not to. However, this leaves the Fellowship not knowing where we stand, because the Board, as a Charity, have been legally advised to provide this advice, where does this leave a responder if they happen to be accused of malpractice? It was left that Darren F, Vice Chair, would get in touch with GSO to find out what this meant to Responders.

 

UNIFIED 12TH STEP LIST NUMBERS

It was brought to the attention of the intergroup that the Telephone responders are not happy with the introduction of the new 12-Step List ??Hunt Groups.?? The Responders have reverted to the old 12th-Step Lists0 because it works much better. It was decided that Darren F will try to speak to the Responders and the H&R and East Sussex TLOs who share the Helpline with West Kent, to ascertain what the problems are and whether this is something that can be sorted out or whether we just forget the whole idea and call it a day before intergroup spends any more money on it.

DECISION ON THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR??S WKIG MINI-CONVENTION

At the November assembly, GSRs were requested to ask the groups for suggestions for a theme for the 2024 West Kent Mini-Convention and bring them back to this assembly for a vote.

They were asked to thank members for their suggestions. There were four in all:

o   ??GOD OF OUR UNDERSTANDING??

o   ??YOU NEED NEVER DRINK AGAIN?

o   ??PEACE & SERENITY??

o   ??INDESCRIBABLY WONDERFUL??

A vote was taken, and the chosen 2024 theme is to be: ??PEACE & SERENITY??

Now that the theme had been decided, Kate F, asked Matt A, if he would be able to organise the printing of the banner again this year, and Matt said to leave it with him

The Convention will be held face-to-face on Saturday 1st June 2024 at the usual venue - Aylesford Community Centre (further details will follow nearer the time).  This is always a joyous day of love and Fellowship ?? please encourage members to save the date! The next step is to form a committee. To that end,

Kate F, Convention Convenor, is asking for volunteers to sit on the Mini Convention Committee. Please contact her

 

GSR REPORTS

SUNDAY MEETINGS

Aylesford (F2F)

No report received

Kerry W GSR

 

Chatham Sunday (F2F)

No report received

John M GSR


 

Sunday ??Drop the Chain? 4pm-5.30pm (Zoom)

No report received

Dermot G GSR

 

Maidstone Sunday 7pm (F2F)

No report received

Rebecca B GSR

 

Sevenoaks (Kippington) Sunday 8pm (F2F)

No report received

Adam R GSR

 

Tonbridge Sunday Sunrise 8.15am (F2F)

No report received

Alan B GSR

Tonbridge Sunday 9.30am (F2F)

       This meeting is attended with up to 15 people most weeks. We had a fellowship cake and coffee after the meeting on the 31st December. This received very positive feedback and we may try and do this more regularly - we just hired the room for an extra hour

       Very positive feedback with the now non-squeaky chairs, some people had stopped coming because of this

       This is an extremely cold scout hut with heaters that don't really work, scout hut have authorised us using and storing them for the cold Sunday mornings

       Very positive meeting and we regularly get newcomers

       A few of the service positions were up for rotation and we have voted in to push all positions back, so that all roles are up for rotation at the same time. I have seen this work very well for the Friday night Tunbridge Wells meeting and the group also agreed it would work really well.

 

Imogen I GSR

Tonbridge 9.30am Zoom Parallel

No separate report received. 

Imogen I (GSR appears to cover both the Zoom & F2F meeting)

Secretary??s note: Not sure how this works

 

Tunbridge Wells Sunday ??Big Book Study? 7.15-8.15pm (F2F)

No report received

No GSR

MONDAY MEETINGS

Chatham Monday Women??s F2F Meeting (The Emmaus Church Centre, Chatham)

No report received

Terri B GSR

Gravesend CGL 12-1pm (F2F)

No report received

? GSR

Does anybody know if this meeting has a GSR, please?

Maidstone Monday ??Step & Tradition? 8pm - 9.30pm (F2F)

No report received

John C GSR

 

 

 Marden ??As Bill Sees It? 8-9pm (F2F)

       Numbers are now back to our historical average number of regular attendees of 16-20 per meeting. 

       The number of 'newcomers' has continued throughout this quarter, with several now part of our regular fellows.  

       The lower percentage of female fellows who attend, remains a subject of our group conscience, although we do not believe it has anything to do with the way the meeting is managed. 

       There have been no changes in service positions this quarter. 

       We are self-supporting through our own contributions and make regular contributions to Intergroup.

 

David B GSR

 

Rochester Monday Beginners meeting 8pm-9.30pm (F2F)

No report received

Billy W GSR

Sittingbourne Monday 7.45-9.15pm (F2F)

No report received

Tony M GSR

Tonbridge Monday Lunchtime 12-1.30pm (F2F)

No report received

? Heather H GSR

Does anyone have any idea whether this meeting is still running and/or, whether they have a GSR, please?

Tunbridge Wells 8.30-9.15am ??Daily Reflections? (Monday-Friday) (Multi Meeting) Zoom

       The meeting is daily attended by 20-30 people, people stay behind at the end for newcomers and we continue to have a monthly fellowship meet up.

       We are having a GC on Monday to discuss questions for conference, to vote in a couple of service positions, to review using the timer for people shares and having taken the chat away whether we continue or bring it back into the meeting

       We had some conflict in using the word Whatsapp Fellowship Group, I have discussed this with Steve R and Darren F which was very helpful. By addressing this, we have taken the word WhatsApp out of the script.

       My GSR positions and the treasurer position are up for rotation in March and potentially we have some interest for these roles.

 

Imogen I GSR

Tunbridge Wells Monday St Augustine 7.30-9pm (F2F)

This 90-minute, chair and share meeting, continues to be in good health with around 30 attendees each week with:

  • Members?? sobriety covering a few days through to 20+ years
  • Regular newcomers and a number who stay and are achieving increasing lengths of sobriety
  • 4-5 members regularly offering and giving sponsorship with sponsees being sponsored into service for the group
  • All service positions are filled and being rotated in line with group conscience agreed terms
  • Rent paid until July 2024 and a current surplus of around 200 - some of which will be sent to intergroup once group contribution costs for the TW Convention on 13 April are known

Recent Group Conscience decisions:

  • To introduce ??chips? to be awarded for lengths of sobriety
  • To contribute, out of Tradition 7 surplus, alongside other TW and Tonbridge groups to the costs of the first TW/Tonbridge one day convention to be held on 13 April

Richard J GSR

Wainscott Monday 8pm - 9.30pm (F2F)

No report received

Bill C GSR

TUESDAY MEETINGS

Chatham Tuesday 8-9.30pm (F2F)

No report received

Megan SJ GSR

Gillingham Tuesday

No report received

Nick S GSR

Gravesend Tuesday Beginners 8-9.30pm (F2F)

o   The Tuesday night meeting is well attended and financially sound

o   We have begun discussing Questions for Conference as a group

o   All service positions are filled

o   Intergroup vacancies have been announced as requested

       Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the meeting tonight due to work commitments.

Manjit D GSR

Maidstone Tuesday & Friday Lunchtime 12-1.30pm (F2F Multi Meeting)

No report received

No GSR

Tunbridge Wells ??Daily Reflections? 8.30-9.15am (Zoom Multi Meeting)

       SEE MONDAY??S REPORT

Imogen I GSR

Tunbridge Wells (Frant) 5.30-6.30pm (F2F)

No report received

Sybyl VP


Tunbridge Wells ??Chair and Share?? 7.45pm - 9pm (F2F)

       We are averaging 20-25 people still on a regular basis

       Newcomers are welcomed, given a big book and newcomer pack

       Sponsorship is encouraged

       All service positions are filled

       We are fully self-supporting

       As you??re aware, the groups from Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge have got together and organised a one-day convention. It??s going well at the moment and I will be doing a report for intergroup when it??s finished

       If anyone has any questions, please feel free to DM me.

 

Tony W GSR

WEDNESDAY

Maidstone Wednesday ??Courage to Change?? Big Book Study (F2F)

No report received.

Jeni-May GSR

 

Ditton Wednesday 7.30-9pm (F2F)

The meeting enjoys an attendance ranging between 15 and 25 people. We welcome a good amount of newcomers to the meeting and endeavour to make the message of AA available to them by inviting speakers from a wide area to come and share on the solution. We operate with a strong core of trusted servants, and we encourage service by creating numerous positions to allow people to get involved. We award sobriety chips at this meeting, and we celebrate with cakes on anniversaries. This is a friendly and vibrant meeting. Yours In Fellowship.

Steve R GSR

Newington 7.45-8.45pm (F2F)

       We are a ??face-to-face?? meeting but there are 2-3 ??home group?? members who struggle to get to the physical meeting, for whom, on request, Tony M, kindly makes the meeting hybrid

       Our heart-felt thanks go to Tony M for making this possible, as it means that members can still be a part of their regular group

       We were quite a small group following the pandemic but in recent months, we have seen our numbers slowly increase

       We are now a one-hour meeting and are back in our old room

       The format of the meeting has also changed. Somebody is asked to choose a reading, reads it and then leads the sharing, based on their reading.  Once the sharing is opened up, individuals are, of course, welcome to share on anything they want, as long as it??s confined to their alcoholism. However, now that the numbers are increasing, we have the occasional chair

       We are an ??Open?? meeting on the first Wednesday of every month

       Good mix of male/female

       Strong core membership, with temporary sponsorship offered to newcomers

       All service positions filled

       Plenty of on-site free parking available

       Also, has disabled access & disabled facilities

 

Shirley S GSR

 

Paddock Wood Wednesday Lunchtime 12-1pm F2F

No report received

No GSR (Contact: Izzy G Secretary)

 

Rochester Monday

No report received.

Billy W GSR

 

Rochester Wednesday Lunchtime 12-1pm (F2F)

       The Wednesday lunchtime meeting is doing well

       Growing in numbers - there were 30 people this week

       Attracting newcomers

       Sponsorship is offered and encouraged

       All service positions are filled and rotating as per AA guidance

       We are self-supporting and donate to Intergroup

       As a group we are committed to the AA pledge.

Carla VZ GSR

Rainham Wednesday ??Road to Recovery? 7.45pm - 9pm (F2F)

No report received

Aleks E GSR

Sevenoaks Wednesday (Hollybush) 8-9.30 (F2F)

Nothing to report.

Mike L GSR

 

Sittingbourne 11am ?? 12.15pm Parent & Child (Non-restrictive)

       We started a new meeting last September 2023 on a Wednesday morning that is parent and ??child friendly??

       We meet in Sittingbourne Baptist Church, High Street, ME10 4AQ Side entrance of the church

       Teas, coffees and biscuits are served before and after the meeting

       The group is doing well and there is a need for us to continue

       We have registered our pink papers and we are on the main AA website

       We are now self-supporting and looking to start paying back to ourselves the start-up costs in line with our AA Traditions

       The meeting is also set up to support parents and children who struggle to attend AA meetings due to lack of child care

       There are facilities for children to play but parents/carers are responsible for their own children but the meeting is upstairs in the church, but buggies can be left downstairs if you do not wish to carry them up.

       Nicola H is the secretary

       Nikki is our treasurer

       Emily is our GSR ?? is also new to the role so we will all support her and I will share relevant information you previously sent to me

       We would like our group to affiliate with intergroup and thus regional upwards

       Can you please put us on your mailing list and also, send any relevant information that will assist us as a new AA group? (done)

       When is the next meeting? (done)

       Parking around the back ?? ??pay and display??

       We are now in a position to start sending, by God??s grace a small, but regular donation to intergroup in order to unify with and support AA as a whole.

 

Emily N GSR

 

Tonbridge Wednesday 7pm-8pm (F2F)

No report received.

Lucia M GSR

Tunbridge Wells ??Daily Reflections? 8.30-9.15am (Zoom Multi Meeting)

SEE MONDAY REPORT

Imogen I GSR

Tunbridge Wells Wednesday Evening St Augustine 7.30-8.30pm (F2F

       A thriving hour-long speaker meeting which is well attended by newcomers and old timers alike.

       We are an open meeting

       Some positions have been rotated and filled, however GSR position and treasurer is available and much needed

       We also give out sobriety chips at this meeting and would love you to join in our happy journey.

 

Catherine M GSR

THURSDAY MEETINGS

Chatham Thursday Lunchtime 12-1pm (F2F)

Does anyone know whether this meeting is still running, please?

No known contact

Gillingham Thursday 7-8pm (F2F)

No report received

Nick S GSR

Gravesend Thursday 8-9.30pm (F2F)

       Attendance at our group has increased steadily over the last year with on average 20-25 people present each week

       All the service posts for the group are full

       We maintain a harmonious existence with our landlord and our rent is up to date

       We have been able to make regular contributions to Intergroup using the BACS process reference: Gravesend Thursday

       The home group members have a significant number of years sobriety between them and are keen to support newcomers in any way possible

       We have close links with the Gravesend Tuesday Night meeting and this coupled with the Monday Lunchtime meeting in Gravesend, means there are 3 meetings a week in this small area

 

Julie W GSR 

Isle of Sheppey Thursday Evening 7.30-9pm (F2F)

       Sheppey Thursday meeting has a welcoming and intimate atmosphere

       Over the last few months, our numbers have continued to grow, and have several regular returning newcomers

       We are now averaging between 15-20 people per week

       We are fully self-supporting, and all key service positions are filled

       Currently we are following the suggestion from GSO and using surplus group funds to run a couple of local PI projects for the local hospital and prisons

 

Matt A GSR 

 

Maidstone CGL 12-1pm (F2F)

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in Change Grow Live building in Maidstone, Mill Street, Thursday lunchtime:

 

       Continue to meet our primary purpose by giving out latest WTFs and Starter Packs, promoting literature and local conventions

       We also offer temporary sponsorship

       We are self-supporting through our own contributions, although we are yet to send money on to intergroup as we do not have a Treasurer/bank account

       We get a good number of attendees, both  newcomers that have heard of us through CGL and those already a part of AA

       Most weeks, the meeting is now at full capacity now (CGL limit us to 18 people in a room)

       Secretary: Becs
Greeter: Kate
Room set up: Tom
Treasurer: vacant
Intercom to help CGL:  Tracey
Teas and coffees:  Alison & Ciaran
GSR: Raya
Chair finder: Becs
Literature Secretary: Craig

       The meeting is still a Step 1 'Open Meeting' (Read from the Big Book) and first Thursday of the month we have a Chair

 

Raya O GSR

 

Maidstone Thursday Evening 8-9.30pm (F2F)

       Our meeting has had sustained numbers of 20-40 with regulars returning each week over recent months

       We get newcomers every week and offer them the hand of fellowship and sponsorship at the end of the meetings

       All other service positions are filled, and I am ensuring this is kept up to date & standing in where necessary

       We have kept our format of literature-based meetings every week apart from the third Thursday of the month when we have a speaker to share their experience, strength & hope

       Finances are good and we have been able to purchase new literature for the meeting & have also been able to offer free Big Books for any member that is not financially able to purchase one

       We continue to look at other avenues to help the still suffering alcoholic

       We continue to give out sobriety chips which are funded from the tradition seven pot

       The group believes we are fulfilling Tradition Five and carrying a message that there is a solution to Alcoholism

Patrick M GSR

??Step One? Thursday 6-7pm Zoom

No report received

Does anybody know whether this meeting is still running, please?

No contact known to intergroup

 

Strood 8-9.30pm (F2F)

i)                    Group is well attended approx. 40 people

ii)                 All service positions filled

iii)               Newcomers attending regularly

iv)               We are fully self-supporting

 

Barry B GSR

 

Tunbridge Wells ??Daily Reflections? 8.30am Zoom (Multi-Meeting)

SEE MONDAY REPORT

Imogen I GSR

Tunbridge Wells Thursday ??Just for Today? 2pm ?? 3pm F2F

No report received.

Dilka E

 

Tunbridge Wells Thursday 8pm (F2F)

       Thursday is going from strength to strength. 

       Has a very good attendance from newcomers to long time sobriety.

       We carry the message and are focussed on our primary purpose. 

       We have a good selection of literature and committed service personnel. 

 

Paul D GSR

Wainscott Thursday 8-9.30pm Zoom

No report received

GSR status unknown

FRIDAY MEETINGS

Chatham Friday 8-9.30pm F2F

 

Kenny S GSR

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Ditton 8-9.30pm F2F

       Ditton continues to flourish, with a steady attendance of 15 to 20, which is somewhat lower than before

       At a recent Group Conscience meeting we decided to have a notice asking people to be aware that others also are waiting to share, when they are sharing, and that we should have a Group Conscience meeting 4 weeks before each Intergroup meeting

       The group gives a Big Book to each Newcomer

       Our finances are very sound, with regular contributions to Intergroup

       Our meeting format remains the same with a Step on the first Friday of the month and then reading from Living Sober on the remaining Fridays

       We have a chair on the first and third Fridays of the month

       We have a regular core of members varying in experience from newcomers to the ancient

       We extend a warm welcome to everyone especially newcomers

 

Paul H GSR

Goudhurst 8-9pm F2F

       Attendance 10 to 14. A predominance of men continues

       The treasurer sustained a shoulder injury, so other members collected the pot money

       Service positions filled

       Several newcomers made welcome

 

Ann McQ GSR

Hildenborough Friday Big Book Study 7.30-8.30pm Zoom

No report received

? GSR

Maidstone Friday Lunchtime 12-1.30pm

No report received.

No GSR

Maidstone Friday Evening ??Big Book Study?? 19.15pm ?? 20.30pm F2F

No report received

Brenda M GSR

Sittingbourne Friday Evening ??Road to Recovery?? 8-9.30pm F2F

       Apologies but I won't be attending tonight's GSR meeting due to illness.

 

Brief update for the meeting below:

 

       There isn't a lot to update

       Nothing much has changed since the update provided in November

       The group is really doing well now - all service positions filled

       Good selection of chairs. 

 

John N GSR

Tonbridge Friday Lunchtime ??As Bill Sees It? 13.30-14.30 F2F @ Christ Church

No report received.

Jamie C GSR

Tunbridge Wells ??Daily Reflections? 8.30-9.15am Zoom (Multi-Meeting)

SEE MONDAY REPORT

Imogen I GSR

Tunbridge Wells Friday 7.45pm (F2F)

No report received

Chris G GSR

SATURDAY MEETINGS

Cranbrook 8-9.30pm F2F

No report received

Chris L


 

Gillingham F2F 6.30pm ?? 8pm

No report received

GSR status unknown

Snodland Zoom 9.30 ?? 10.30am

No report received

Justine H GSR

Maidstone Saturday Evening ??Big Book meeting? 6.30pm - 8pm F2F

No report received

GSR status unknown

Rochester Saturday 10.15-11.30am F2F

No report received

Shona C GSR

Tunbridge Wells Saturday Sunrise ??Chair & Share?? 8.30-9.30am Zoom

No report received

David S GSR

Tunbridge Wells Saturday (Later Recovery) 8.30-9.30am (F2F)

       The Saturday 'Later Recovery ' meeting at St Augustines is a well-attended meeting

       We have a good mixture of lengths of recovery including newcomers

       All positions are filled

       We are a healthy meeting with good Tradition 7 contributions every week

..000000

Nadine O GSR

Tunbridge Wells Saturday 11am-12noon Zoom

No report received

Irene M GSR

Tunbridge Wells Saturday Morning 11am-12.30pm (F2F)

No report received

Claire H GSR

 

Tunbridge Wells ??12 Steps to Freedom?? F2F 7pm ?? 8pm

No report received

No GSR details yet received

 

Young Peoples?? Zoom Meeting 6pm ?? 7pm

No report received

Emily B GSR

 

LIAISON OFFICERS?? REPORTS

PROBATION LIAISON OFFICER

This post is currently vacant.

ARCHIVIST

No report received.

Julian R

CONVENTION CONVENOR

 

       Kate is asking for people to contact her if they would like to join the 2024 Convention Committee (see her contact details at the back of these minutes)

Kate F

HEALTH LIAISON OFFICER

No report received.

Tim D

 

PUBLIC INFORMATION LIAISON OFFICER

This position is currently vacant.

However, the intergroup has a PI Subcommittee that has over the past few months been resurrected and is very active despite having no actual PI LO in post. 0

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS LIAISON OFFICER REPORT

Websites up to date ?? latest ??Where to Find? uploaded to West Kent Mini website.

Secretary??s note: As this evening??s assembly ran extremely late, Barry didn??t get the opportunity to give a final verbal report. I??ve taken the decision to publish the content of his email to me accompanying this written report as I believe this would have been included in his verbal report:

??I'll be looking to rotate out of the ECLO service position as I believe my service is up - happy to continue until someone is rotated back in - hope this is ok??

Barry B

 

EMPLOYMENT LIAISON OFFICER

Dear All

A brief rundown of WK ELO activity since our last assembly.

I have continued to contact companies with H&R departments based on recommendations from friends and fellow members. I have had several replies and requests for literature, but as yet, no one has taken up the offer of a physical meeting or presentation. I can??t stress how much of an advantage this is, to be able to contact a named person directly, so please keep the suggestions coming! And of course, I won??t mention where the contact details came from!

My next project (as per a suggestion from another member) will be to target Job Centres with a view to getting some literature on their notice boards.

Matt A

Telephone:

 

TELEPHONE LIAISON OFFICER

Position vacant at time of this assembly

PRISON LIAISON OFFICER

       All quiet on the Western Front

       We have had a few interesting meetings which have been disrupted, and are working with Cal to ensure that only the people that have requested to attend the meetings, (as per the process), are there

       We will hopefully be more consistent with East Sutton Park going forward, which has been a slower burner in getting interested parties to go in

 

Nick K


 

YOUNG PEOPLES?? LIAISON OFFICER

       Young Peoples?? meeting going well ?? low attendance but that??s ok, Appreciate the GSRs sending out the link

       School talk feedback good so far and expanding the amount of people who are now able to take others in has been very useful

       Very happy about more young people entering and remaining in the Fellowship. If people want to hand my number to young people at any of their meetings, they don??t need to ask (if it is to a male, I??ll hand them over to a male YP with strong recovery

 

Chloe B

chlo.butler12@gmail.com Tel: 07470 904145

ARMED SERVICES LIAISON OFFICER


- A bit of a shorter update this time with the shorter and holiday periods intervening etc.

 

- I continue to help East Kent ASLO with general service across the region.

 

- I (sometimes with other Fellows and with my thanks for their service) also continue to do drop in and 12 Stepping type service at the likes of The Royal British Legion (Aylesford) and ASDIC, Headcorn

 

- I remain on the Armed Services 12 step phone list and took a few Kent based calls over Xmas etc

 

- I am attending a (RAF) Aircrew Association event March 24.  Attraction not promotion of course.

 

For now, I wish all my Fellows an excellent 2024 and I am ever grateful for being sober and in the Fellowship.

 

Andy M

SHARE/LITERATURE LIAISON OFFICER

Emily B resigned from this service position in the period between the November AGM and the January assembly due to personal reasons, so this service position is now vacant.

 

       I think it is probably a good idea to record in the minutes that in her resignation email, Emily made a point of makng Shirley S aware that she still has all the intergroup literatureand that she will look after it until we are able to find a new officer to take over from her.

 

REGIONAL REPRESENATIVES?? REPORT

There has not been a Regional Assembly since late October, which was reported on by the Region reps at the November AGM

       The next SER Face-to-Face Service Workshops and afternoon Assembly will be held on Sunday 28th January 2024 at Hartsfield Manor, Sandy Lane, Betchworth, Surrey RH3 7AA.

Paul H

Ben S

Shirley S

CHAIR??S REPORT

       To ensure that the ??Where to Find? is UpToDate, please remember to keep me informed of any meeting changes.

??OPT-IN? FACILITY TO RECEIVE HARD COPIES OF UPDATED ??WHERE TO FIND? ?? If your group wishes to receive hard copies of the ??WTF? you need to ??OPT IN? by sending me a name and postal address, along with the name of your group. Please send them directly to me (contact details below)

       Electronic copies will continue to be sent out to everyone on the intergroup mailing list.

Tony M

tonymould1@sky.comTel: 07590 464700

VICE CHAIR??S REPORT

No report received.

Darren F

 

TREASURER??S REPORT

Treasurer??s Report 1 October to the 19 January 2024

 

 As my spreadsheet indicates as of 19th January 2024, we now have 6,281 in available funds.   

 

This balance is after we retain the prudent reserve of 1,000.00 to cover Intergroup costs and we also have an additional reserve of 3,000,00 for any upcoming PI events. I propose that we forward 4,000 to Region.  This still leaves us in my opinion approximately 4,000 over and above what I believe we should be holding, as we need only to be holding per estimated budget a maximum of 2000 for intergroup costs and then provide for any PI projects that may be voted in. However, as we are possibly having a new PI officer and there is a PI workshop to be held on the 21st January we need to be leaving reserves as they are.

 At the November 2023 Assembly it was voted in that I could transfer the West Kent Intergroup bank account from the HSBC to the Unity Trust Bank and I am pleased to say that this has been achieved which will make life a lot easier in reimbursing officers for expenses incurred and getting funds to fellows in anticipation of costs being incurred.  The new bank details have been issued to the WhatsApp group and are also, below for your information. Please continue to use references so I can identify which group has sent what pay ins.  Paying-in books I believe, are still used by some groups. Should these be required, please text me a request together with your group name and I will get these out in the post as soon as I can for you.  To pay into the Unity Bank this can be done online, or at the NatWest Bank or the RBS bank.  Please do not struggle with your Treasury roles in your groups - I am here to help. I may not always have the technical knowledge but will endeavour to find it out for you and feed it back.  

 

The use of a budget was impressed on me to use by the Regional Treasurer in order that I can monitor the bank balances that we hold and keep within my service commitment of holding funds required for three months running expenses and forwarding on a regular basis excess funds to Region.  Should we have any PI work or other projects that the Intergroup wish to carry out these need to be presented at an assembly with advice of the expected costs involved in order that I can then enter these into the budget and provide for them, we cannot be seen to hold funds for a ??just in case?? scenario.  I would at this stage remind GSRs to remind their group treasurers that it is usual for a group to hold one months running expenses and holding large amounts of money does not help the fellowship as a whole. I do agree that a lot of confusion on this point was created during the Conference Questions last year, workshop feedback etc. 

I will be including in the budget the allowance that was agreed for Intergroup Officers to be able to access of 400 each, but I would ask that any expenses should be forwarded on a timely basis, and should an officer be looking to be attending any seminars, conferences etc which will be incurring expenses that they advise me of their attendance. I will be budgeting for all officers to attend such events, but say after 2 months, if not claimed, I will be assuming that the officer did not go, and the funds that were allocated will then be available for other initiatives or sending to Region. 

 

 Can I just remind officers that in order to carry out their duties it is acceptable for them to claim petrol expenses etc. In order for an officer to visit groups or to get around an intergroup area can be quite costly, and that they should be aware that there are ample funds held which I can make available to them in order that they can carry out their work in the offices they hold. 

 

The groups have paid the majority of the contributions directly into the WKIG account and the payment ID??s have been excellent and made it far simpler to allocate to the groups. 

 It is imperative that the Group Treasurers ensure the group identity is noted when making payments into the account to ensure they can be correctly allocated.

 

Please can GSRs pass on a copy of the Treasury report to their Group Treasurer, so they can confirm Intergroup has received their groups contributions. If you are missing any contributions, please let the Intergroup Treasurer know including the amount, date paid in, by whom and reference used. I would ask the Tonbridge Sunday groups especially to review this as some amounts may have been incorrectly placed against their groups.

The West Kent Intergroup Bank details are noted at the bottom of this report.

All that remains is for me to ask Group Treasurers to continue the good work of letting us know which group their contributions are from and to keep them informed of any changes in contact details.

Group contributions should be made to ??West Kent Intergroup??

 

Jayne P                                                                      Bac??s Details:

5 Regency House                                                       West Kent Intergroup

Cambridge Gardens                                           Account No: 20496908

Tunbridge Wells                                                      Sort Code; 60-83-01

Kent

TN2 4SD

 

Mobile: 07969787572

Email: treasurer.westkent@aamail.org

 

Secretary??s note: Jayne P??s proposal, that we send 4000 to SE Region, was seconded by Shirley S and was approved with a majority vote.

 

SECRETARY??S REPORT

Thank you to all those people who have sent in your reports. Please can I have the remaining reports in the next few days for the minutes?

2023/2024 SER Public Liability Insurance Cover ?? Groups are advised that the SE Region Public Liability Insurance policy has been renewed for November 2023 ?? November 2024. If your meeting venue landlord requires asks for proof of this, please contact either me secretary.westkent@aamail.org or the intergroup Treasurer treasurer.westkent@aamail.org

PINK FORMS ?? Please remember to keep your group??s Pink Form details up-to-date

 *See below, the AA GB website link for updating your group??s ??pink form?.

https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/members/documentlibrary/forms/pink-formpdf

2024 WKIG ASSEMBLY DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1.     PRE-CONFERENCE FEEDBACK ASSEMBLY: Friday 8th March (Zoom)

2.     NORMAL ASSEMBLY: Monday 22nd April (Zoom)

3.     POST CONFERENCE ASSEMBLY: Friday 5th July (Zoom)

4.     AGM & CONSCIENCE ASSEMBLY: Wednesday 18th September (Face-to-Face)

5.     NORMAL ASSEMBLY: Thursday 21st November (Zoom)

 

?  2024 SOUTH EAST REGION SERVICE WORKSHOPS for INTERGROUP OFFICERS TO ATTEND ARE ON:

Sunday 28th January 

Sunday 29th September

 

DON??T FORGET! The Conference Questions Feedback Assembly on Friday 8th March 2024

 

NEXT INTERGROUP FULL ASSEMBLY: Monday 22nd April 2024

Shirley S

secretary.westkent@aamail.org

AOB:

There were no AOB items.

The meeting closed with the Serenity Prayer