Intention to Stand

[Tom Coles]

Dear All,

for the sake of openness it would be good if all those intending to
stand for election on Wednesday make a basic statement about
themselves, their expertise and so on.

Obviously this is a strange situation, as there is not the usual
amount of campaigning, but under the circumstances it'd be better to
keep everything a clear as possible.

Tom Coles

[Tom Coles]

I intend to stand for an Ordinary Board position.

I am a current MPhil student at Glasgow University working on avant-
garde authors of post-war Britain within the English Literature
department. I did my Undergraduate degree in English Literature here
2005-2009. I am 24, originally from Newcastle.

In my first year I was President at Cairncross House Halls. In my
final year I was heavily involved in running the Literature Society. I
am currently employed by the Royal Mail, I am a member of the UCU and
the CWU, I am not active in either movement. I currently run a small
publishing business.

I am not hoping to be involved in the HRC from a political point of
view, but a pragmatic one. Throughout my time at Glasgow the club has
been a much appreciated place of respite with a completely different
atmosphere and ethos than the other unions. I am hoping that I will be
able to help sustain the focus so dramatically exhibited recently on
getting the club back up and running.

I do not have any specific expertise apart from a small amount of
business knowledge, experience working in bars and building-sites and
5 years of coming to and supporting the HRC. Like many, I didn't
realise how important its presence was to me until it was gone.

I believe that without such societies and clubs Universities risk
becoming collections of atomized 'customers', campuses become
reproductions of high-streets and shopping centres, education becomes
a battle against your peers, and education is valued only in monetary
terms. The HRC should be a place to foster communication and
collaboration, without it the University of Glasgow loses a real and
valuable community resource.

I am not standing for an Executive position because of other
commitments, but the entire customer base of the HRC is made up of
busy people, and I hope that giving up as much of my time as I can
spare is worth it.

Thanks,

Tom Coles

[lynn.mcb]

Thanks for kicking this off Tom, it seems essential to me!

I intend to stand for an Ordinary postition.

I am in my Senior Honours year in History of Art at Glasgow and will
be doing an MSc in Museum Theory and Practice in HATII next year.

Prior to coming to university as a mature student I worked in
catering. In total I have spent 15 years in the industry, initially
in bar and waitressing and then as a chef. Most recently I spent 4
years as a head chef in a Glasgow bar/diner and a further three as an
exec. sous chef. I believe I have a lot of insight here that could
benefit the club.

I had always thought I would get around to becoming a student but
becoming a mum was the push that it took. I did a year of Open Uni
and decided that I wanted to take that further within a 'brick'
university. The HRC has been a crucial part of that experience and
precisely the kind of place I had hoped the university would offer me
to relax, chat, and meet other mature students.

I have never been on a CoM in my life, which I hope demonstrates that
my intention in putting myself forward is entirely down to my
appreciation of what the club has meant to me in the past and what I'm
sure it can be again.

best
Lynn

> > Tom Coles- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Omar Kooheji]

I'll stand if there is a requirement for people to run, I'm more than happy to help in any way I can, but the PGC is a students union and I'm not a student. So if there are enough people running I wont run.

I've got 4 years experience on the board at the QM and aside from the past two years I've been a member of the PGC since 1999-2000.

As I said even if I don't run I will still help, I just think that the PGC is better served being run by students for students.

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[Michael Comerford]

I intend to run, I'll fill whatever position we need to get the CoM going.

I'm a PhD Student on an ESRC Funded project split between Glasgow and
Stirling Universities, I was an MSc Student at Glasgow last year in
Russian, Central & East European Studies.

During my undergrad at Brunel University I was Vice President
Education & Welfare of the Students Union and sat on the Finance and
HR sub-committees, I have also chaired Student Councils and am
currently a postgraduate rep to Stirling Students Union Council. I've
held positions as a student representative to University Senates &
Courts and various other University Committees.

I have experience of constitutional review procedures within
democratic organisations. I Also oversaw a review of the commercial
services the Union of Brunel Students offered.

A side from this I'm a bit of an odd jobs man, I teach 1st year
sociology, I've done some graphic design, I've run student media (both
radio and print) and I used to work for a think-tank in central
London.

More than anything I'm keen to see the club re-open, and will help in
anyway to see that happen.

Michael

[Xuan-Linh Labbe]

I intend to run for an Ordinary member position or help out from the
outside if it is not possible or if enough people run already.

I have never been a member (or even entered the HRC building, if I
must be honest), which is why I am not even sure I will be allowed to
run, and I would understand if people had objection against it (in
which case I might reconsider).

I am currently doing an MSc in Information Technology in the computing
department, and will be here until September to write my master's
thesis.

I would be more than happy to help on the computing side of things --
keeping the website up-to-date, for example (for which I don't need to
be on the committee anyway), as well as helping with the organisation
of things : I have experience of doing these very boring but still
necessary coordinating and organising tasks when co-organising a
couple of shows, when things have to get done in only a few weeks and
you have to juggle with every one's schedules, so I think that is my
main area of 'expertise'. Yet again, I would be more happy to help,
even outside the committee, but I believe these types of tasks are
better done with continuity.

The other thing I do well is committing to things and helping as much
as I can. I have done a lot of volunteer work (since I was in
secondary school), and I do feel the same way with the Hetherington
Research Club. I was actually planning on joining just before it
closed, and I believe it would be a great loss to the university, and
even worse, to its students. I feel that the people in my master's
programme, most of them are international students, have been missing
of the human and cultural side of being in Glasgow, partly for lack of
time and also because we did not realise there was a place for us to
get together outside the lab. Although we may not benefit from the
reopening on the club before we all leave (but then, you never know),
I would be very sorry for the future 'generations' of postgraduate and
mature students if they no longer had an (improved) PG club, which is
why I would like to help as I can.

Feel free to email me (please don't email the whole group so people
don't get spammed) if you think I should not run and only help from
the sidelines.

Xuan-Linh

[Omar Kooheji]

We need three people who are willing and (hopefully) able to stand for the executive positions. Other wise this whole endeavour falls flat on it's arse.

Preferably people with some experience, who are current members, and are going to be in Glasgow till next year. 

but as this is jut a steering group and there isn't a club at the moment, if people want to be president in name only till the next election we can cope with that too.

If there is no executive there is no club.

--

[Gordy]

I am willing to stand for president as a temporary measure to help get
the club back on track. I was president of the mature student
association last year and came to university after working in the
computer industry for 13 years. If elected and if required I could
remain in office over the summer, but would have to stand down at the
beginning of the 2010/11 session to concentrate on my Senior Honours
year.

That would us to find a treasurer and a secretary (possibly also
temporary) to get things kicked off...

[Omar Kooheji]

There was some suggestion that Mhairi (She was at the meeting last Thursday, and is an accountant) run for treasurer even if it's an interim measure.

As for Hon sec is anyone Game? Seamus do you want to relive your glory days?

--

[Duncan Harvey]

I intend to stand for an ordinary board position.

I graduated from the university two years ago having studied politics
and will be starting another undergraduate degree in geography this
coming academic year, I am therefore not currently attending the
university.

I feel I can bring a variety of skills to the Club which would help it
run as a social centre on campus and as a more successful business. As
a student I was Head of Events for Subcity Radio and since graduating
I have worked as a professional DJ and club promoter in Glasgow,
Edinburgh and Dundee. I feel the skills garnered in these roles could
be used to help run and promote a variety of events at the Club.
If elected I would push for the promotion of the HRC as a space that
can be used by the plethora of university societies and departments
for weekly meetings, social events, talks, exhibitions and so on. In
addition I would push for a coherent, well publicised and
professionally run calendar of music events for members and non-
members alike.
I see great potential in what is one of the only remaining venues in
the West End that can say it is different and independent from the
lifeless bars and clubs that people must choose between since the
closure of so many other great spaces around the city.
These ambitions aside I am keen to 'muck-in' and help where help is
needed, I am friendly, open to ideas and enjoy cooperative creative
environments.

As others have suggested I am willing to run for an executive position
if necessary, though this is something I feel I would prefer to work
towards having gained a greater familiarity with the workings of the
HRC over time, and as a non-student I presume this might be
problematic.

[Omar Kooheji]

Duncan,

Not that I want to discourage you from joining the committee, but I thought I'd warn you there might be a legal issue with you making money from events at the club if you were a member of the committee. I'm not sure what the technicalities are as technically you'd be renting the club to host your event, so it might be okay.

But you might want to look into it. I know you run a set of popular events and I don't want you running for committee to throw a spanner in the works for you. 

--

[Duncan Harvey]

noted.

On Mar 8, 2:16 pm, Omar Kooheji <omarkooh...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> Duncan,
>
> Not that I want to discourage you from joining the committee, but I thought
> I'd warn you there might be a legal issue with you making money from events
> at the club if you were a member of the committee. I'm not sure what the
> technicalities are as technically you'd be renting the club to host your
> event, so it might be okay.
>
> But you might want to look into it. I know you run a set of popular events
> and I don't want you running for committee to throw a spanner in the works
> for you.
>

> > hetheringtonclub-g...@googlegroups.com<hetheringtonclub-general%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com>

[Rob K]

If he wants to be on the committee until the club is up and running
and then resign once it is re-established then I can't see anything
wrong with this, especially if it helps to open the club as soon as
possible.

[Seumas Bates]

Omar, aye, I'm happy to take on an Exec position, and provided the
election happens in its usual spot in November (as I believe it
should) I won't have to resign before the end of my term. Bonus.

I'm currently in the first year of a PhD in Anthropology and in the
second year of membership of the Club having joined while doing my
MSc. I was also an undergraduate at Glasgow. I guess I just can't get
enough of the place.
My main experience is from a Union perspective and I was involved in
the QMU for several years during my undergraduate. Having held several
posts, the most senior of which was Entertainments Convenor, I learnt
a great deal about the structure and proper running of a student-led
organization such as the HRC. This culminated in being part of a duo
who re-wrote the majority of the Union's By-Laws and Policy documents.
During this time I particularly learnt the value of teamwork, and of
using the skills available to maximum advantage - something I think
which is particularly applicable here - coupled with very strong
leadership to give accountability make the tough decisions. I learnt
early on that when you're putting on a club night for 1500 people
there has to be a capable and diverse team to get the job done, and a
good leader to make sure they're doing the correct job. The HRC is no
different in this respect.
Additionally I've also been involved in a selection of other
University Clubs and Societies including People & Planet, the
University Royal Naval Unit, and the Jane Austen Society. I think this
involvement gave me a new perspective on the political make-up of the
University.

I think the two most important areas in need of attention when the
Club is successfully re-formed is firstly, and obviously, the
regulation of the 'business' side of the Club. There is no reason
whatsoever for an institution like the HRC to be loosing the kind of
money it did, and unless I miss my guess, the changes required to
bring its affairs back in order are relatively straightforward.
Secondly, we need to develop what I've been calling the 'Community'
side of things. Without a more structured framework in place in this
area, we're really little more than just another coffee bar. The
University doesn't need 'just another coffee bar'. By investing in
turning the Club into a hub for the provision of welfare advice and
support, and a centre of academic debate we can compliment our social
events and really develop what the club has on offer. I won't repeat
what I've written in the business plan here, but please read it and
give feedback!

Anyway, that's my pitch. I'm happy to do some real leg work to get the
Club back on its feet as I was in there most days before it shut, and,
let's face it, it was ace.

On Mar 8, 11:28 am, Omar Kooheji <omarkooh...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> We need three people who are willing and (hopefully) able to stand for
> the executive positions. Other wise this whole endeavour falls flat on it's
> arse.
> Preferably people with some experience, who are current members, and are
> going to be in Glasgow till next year.
> but as this is jut a steering group and there isn't a club at the moment, if
> people want to be president in name only till the next election we can cope
> with that too.
>
> If there is no executive there is no club.
>

> > hetheringtonclub-g...@googlegroups.com<hetheringtonclub-gene ral%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com>

[Frank Bishop]

I would only be intending to stand if it were going to be necessary
for the club to get back on its feet.

I am a mature student doing an arts degree and have been a club member
for four years and a com member as ordinary member for two. My
background is in retail management, specifically customer complaints/
care, and also the civil service. I was also self employed alongside
as dj on weekends.

Like Tom my reason for getting involved in the running of the club was
essentially a pragmatic one, rather than political and I spent most of
my time in doing practical things in the club such as door duties for
events (a necessity under the constitution) which few other members
seemed keen to do.

I also was responsible for fielding outside events and bringing them
into the club, some of which were regularly bringing in 2000- 2700
pounds worth of additional bar sales a night. As I said already I was
responsible for liasing with the external parties and being on the
door during these event nights running.

To anyone who is interested, with this experience in mind I recommend
strongly that the club should be moving away from its role of hosting
external events -at least for the time being and concentrate instead
on getting back to its core purpose of providing a place for its
members. While these events were good from a financial point of view
in the short term, I have to say they came with a whole load of
headaches, headaches the club could do without.

if I *were* to be on the com, I would be standing down in september,
as I will have loads to do then. If I were needed, I would hope to
bring some service, continuity and an open mind to some new ideas.
Like I said, there may be sufficient people in which case i would be
happy to step back.

My one concern is that our club gets back on its feet.

Thanks

Frank

[Mhairi]

I'm willing to stand for Treasurer.

I've got a degree in Business Studies and I qualified as a Chartered
Accountant in 1991 working for a national accountancy practice, then 8
years as manager at a small firm mainly on accounts and audit as well
as business advice. I was company accountant for 2 years for a start
up business which involved setting up their accounting system and
internal controls. I've spent the last 7 years as systems accountant
for a bank as well as being divisional accountant for international
payments (no, i didn't have anything to do with the banking crisis!).

I'm a mature student and in 2nd year studying psychology.

Mhairi

[Michael Comerford]

Ok here is a sort list of who has expressed an interest.

Exec - Seamus, Gordy, Mhairi

I'd happily run for Exec or ordinary member, I'm at Glasgow for at least the next 3 years with my PhD so I don't neccesarily see this as a temporary thing.

Ordinary Members (don't be offended if I've put you in the wrong box)
Frank Bishop
Duncan Harvey
Xuan-Linh
Omar (I guessed ordinary member?)
Lynn
Tom Coles

We need a minimum of five and I think we wanted to keep it quite small and agile so is that the list?

[Omar Kooheji]

Looks good.

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[Sara Thomas]

Evening all,

I'm interested in standing as an ordinary member. However, I'm in a
similar position to Omar insofar as I'm not a student, but believe
that the Hetherington is too good a resource to be lost. I've also
got some time on my hands for the forseeable (working part time) and
am more than happy to do what I can to help out.

I graduated last year with a PhD in EngLit / TFTS (Subjectivity in
Popular American Metal 1994-2004). My first degree is in English Lit,
also from Glasgow Uni. I have over ten years' experience working in
venue & event management including 4 years as an Events Assistant at
the QMU (when the events dept was first established), five years at a
2500 cap Glasgow venue (From start up: Box Office / FOH supervisor -->
Asst General Manager --> Acting General Manager), and 2 years as an
Operations Manager (various temporary contracts) for one of the UK's
biggest live music venue operators, working on getting venues open/
relaunched (including a shiny and fairly new one in Edinburgh), and
coordinating H&S/statutory compliance. As of wednesday I'll be
working in charity events.

I have a good deal of knowledge in the fields of Making Things Run
Efficiently, Hitting Targets, and Making H&S Work For You.

See you all wednesday.

Cheers,
Sara

On Mar 9, 5:55 pm, Omar Kooheji <omarkooh...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> Looks good.
>
> On 9 March 2010 17:10, Michael Comerford

> <commissarkollon...@googlemail.com>wrote:

>
> > Ok here is a sort list of who has expressed an interest.
>
> > Exec - Seamus, Gordy, Mhairi
>
> > I'd happily run for Exec or ordinary member, I'm at Glasgow for at least
> > the next 3 years with my PhD so I don't neccesarily see this as a temporary
> > thing.
>
> > Ordinary Members (don't be offended if I've put you in the wrong box)
> > Frank Bishop
> > Duncan Harvey
> > Xuan-Linh
> > Omar (I guessed ordinary member?)
> > Lynn
> > Tom Coles
>
> > We need a minimum of five and I think we wanted to keep it quite small and
> > agile so is that the list?
>
> >  --
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[Norman Gray]

Greetings.

I'd be willing to stand as an ordinary member.

I'm a postdoc in the astronomy group and (counts swiftly on fingers
and is disturbed by the answer) appear to have been a member of the
HRC for something like 15+ years, so far successfully avoiding being on
any committee. I would be loth to see the grotty old place go.

I'm reasonably good at organising computers and at working online,
and have some success at writing grant bids.

All the best,

Norman

--
Norman Gray : http://nxg.me.uk

[Michael Comerford]

Ok some updates to the list,

Exec - Seamus, Michael, Mhairi

Ordinary Members (don't be offended if I've put you in the wrong box)
Frank Bishop
Duncan Harvey
Xuan-Linh
Omar

Lynn
Tom Coles
Sara
Norman
Eileen
Gordy

[Omar Kooheji]

Add Eileen to the list of people running for Ordinary Members

everyone needs a proposer and a seconder. I don't think that there is a limitation on how many people you can propose or second but it might be worth checking the constitution..

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[Michael Comerford]

I'd already added Eileen to the list, unless my eyes deceive me?

From the relevant sections of the Constitution....

5.4 Nominations must be made, and seconded, by Ordinary Members or Honorary Members of
the Club.
5.5 Nominations shall be accepted for each of the Executive positions and for Ordinary
Membership of the Committee of Management. A separate ballot shall be held for each of the
Executive positions.
5.6 A candidate may be nominated for any one Executive position and for Ordinary
Membership of the Committee of Management.

The voting system is STV but unless the positions are contested that should be straight forward. The biggest clarification we're going to need from the Committee is there willingness to allow all eligible members at the EGM to become members this matters for reasons of quoracy and also that some of the people who wish to stand including myself, aren't considered current members.

[Michael Comerford]

oh just to add it doesn't specifiy that you can't nominate and second more than one person. I imagine it would be bad from to nominate or second someone for the same position in terms of the Exec but there are multiple ordinary member positions so that shouldn't be an issue.

[Omar Kooheji]

We'll need a backup candidate for president if Michael can't stand because he isn't a member... 

On 10 March 2010 11:50, Michael Comerford <commissar...@googlemail.com> wrote:

oh just to add it doesn't specifiy that you can't nominate and second more than one person. I imagine it would be bad from to nominate or second someone for the same position in terms of the Exec but there are multiple ordinary member positions so that shouldn't be an issue.

[Seumas Bates]

I'll stand as President if he can't. Perhaps Michael would be willing
to take on Secretary?

On Mar 10, 12:43 pm, Omar Kooheji <omarkooh...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> We'll need a backup candidate for president if Michael can't stand because
> he isn't a member...
>

> On 10 March 2010 11:50, Michael Comerford <commissarkollon...@googlemail.com

>
>
>
> > wrote:
> > oh just to add it doesn't specifiy that you can't nominate and second more
> > than one person. I imagine it would be bad from to nominate or second
> > someone for the same position in terms of the Exec but there are multiple
> > ordinary member positions so that shouldn't be an issue.
>
> >  --
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[Frank Bishop]

I would echo Toms Sentiment at the top of this thread, that everyone
who is standing makes a statement about themselves in the interest of
openness being as i dont know all of the names here (and they may not
know me.)

thanks

On 10 Mar, 12:43, Omar Kooheji <omarkooh...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> We'll need a backup candidate for president if Michael can't stand because
> he isn't a member...
>

> On 10 March 2010 11:50, Michael Comerford <commissarkollon...@googlemail.com

>
>
>
> > wrote:
> > oh just to add it doesn't specifiy that you can't nominate and second more
> > than one person. I imagine it would be bad from to nominate or second
> > someone for the same position in terms of the Exec but there are multiple
> > ordinary member positions so that shouldn't be an issue.
>
> >  --
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[Seumas Bates]

Wait a moment, I miss-read Omar's message, I was under the impression
that Gordy (sorry, I can't seem to find your second name) was running
for President?

[Gordy]

As previously mentioned, I am happy to stand for president to get the
club back up and running; but would need to stand down in September.
I was in contact with Michael last night, and we agreed that he may be
a better candidate for the post as he could continue beyond the
summer. I am still available to stand if there is no alternative. If
that's you Seumas, then I'm quite happy for you to do it as I've got
quite a lot on at the moment.

[Michael Comerford]

We discussed it and changed it yesterday Seumas, so don't worrry it legit :-)

However, your right there is a problem if they won't except my nomination, so I'd suggest Gordy as a back-up  if I can't stand.

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[Gordy]

Thats cool, whatever works :)

[Seumas Bates]

Actually, I'm not sure that is the best plan. I rather think that the
Uni would be more reassured if the new President was someone who came
from within an existing Uni structure. As I understand it, Gordy is
the President of the Mature Students Association, I think the symbolic
linking of the HRC and MSA would look very good to the Uni. Obviously
we'll need to have another proper election before the summer, but we'd
need to have that anyway. My gut feeling is that Gordy would give us a
tactical and symbolic advantage.

[Omar Kooheji]

We'll need to work this out between ourselves.

Everyone here needs to get two people who are members to propose and second them.

While we could get everyone here just propose and second each other, I think in the interest or accountability it's best to get people who actually know you rather than people from our little ad hoc steering committee, there are three reasons behind this:

1. the committee looks like less of a clique.

2. I have no Idea who most of you are apart from speaking to you here and (only for some of you) 5 minutes outside the Boyd orr. I may think you are a nice person but if your mates aren't willing to put their names up to support you you might actually be a psychotic serial killer... (Ok that's a little extreme)

3... I can't remember my third point... 

[Seumas Bates]

Point 2 does rather fall down if your friends ALSO happen to be
psychotic serial killers. Still, a member is still a member eh?

A fair point though. However, it wouldn't be the end of the world if
not.

On Mar 10, 3:02 pm, Omar Kooheji <omarkooh...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> We'll need to work this out between ourselves.
>
> Everyone here needs to get two people who are members to propose and second
> them.
>
> While we could get everyone here just propose and second each other, I think
> in the interest or accountability it's best to get people who actually know
> you rather than people from our little ad hoc steering committee, there are
> three reasons behind this:
>
> 1. the committee looks like less of a clique.
> 2. I have no Idea who most of you are apart from speaking to you here and
> (only for some of you) 5 minutes outside the Boyd orr. I may think you are a
> nice person but if your mates aren't willing to put their names up to
> support you you might actually be a psychotic serial killer... (Ok that's a
> little extreme)
> 3... I can't remember my third point...
>

> On 10 March 2010 14:50, Seumas Bates <seumas.ba...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > Actually, I'm not sure that is the best plan. I rather think that the
> > Uni would be more reassured if the new President was someone who came
> > from within an existing Uni structure. As I understand it, Gordy is
> > the President of the Mature Students Association, I think the symbolic
> > linking of the HRC and MSA would look very good to the Uni. Obviously
> > we'll need to have another proper election before the summer, but we'd
> > need to have that anyway. My gut feeling is that Gordy would give us a
> > tactical and symbolic advantage.
>
> > On Mar 10, 1:43 pm, Gordy <gordy...@ntlworld.com> wrote:
> > > Thats cool, whatever works :)
>
> > --
> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> > "Hetherington Research Club - General Discussion Group" group.
> > To post to this group, send an email to
> > hetherington...@googlegroups.com.
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to

> > hetheringtonclub-g...@googlegroups.com<hetheringtonclub-gene ral%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com>

[Michael Comerford]

I see where your coming from, I agree we need to present the best front to the Uni, Gordy was the mature student association last year. I think it's important there is some continuity in what we're discussing I'm going to be around for at least 3 years and am keen to be involved beyond the short term of getting the club re-open., and totally support a proper election later on this year.

In terms of dealing with existing University structures, I've sat on various University Committees at different universities including Senate and Council's, Learning and Teaching Committees, Research & Knowledge Exchange Committees, Strategic Planning Committees, etc. I know how they operate. I think the University would be happy to see a CoM with experience of working in a Committee based organisation and as Vice-President of the Union of Brunel Students I sat on HR and finance committees that dealt with the accounts for the Union (not a massive union but turnover of over £1million) and staffing issues including recruitment procedures and disciplinary procedures for senior staff such as a GM, aside from the general duties of working within a CoM style organisation responsible for catering, bars & nightclubs, welfare services, and democratic structures.

Sorry for the spiel but I think I could fight my corner if need be.

I think the presidents position especially in the short term is to be a facilitator to ensure those with experience (commercial or otherwise) and enthusiasm can share their skills with the CoM, combined with being a point of contact (I have an office on campus so am fairly accessible) and do some serious leg work to get the club open again.

Seumas if you'd be happier to stand for president given your QMU experience, I'd happily stand for Secretary,

I agree Omar it's probably best to drum up some support from outside this group.

[JohnEwing]

On Mar 10, 3:02 pm, Omar Kooheji <omarkooh...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> We'll need to work this out between ourselves.
>
> Everyone here needs to get two people who are members to propose and second
> them.
>
> While we could get everyone here just propose and second each other, I think
> in the interest or accountability it's best to get people who actually know
> you rather than people from our little ad hoc steering committee, there are
> three reasons behind this:
>
> 1. the committee looks like less of a clique.

There could of course be another clique, not posting here, setting
themselves up to stand for the Committee :-)
I don't know of any, but it could happen.

John

[Seumas Bates]

Oh, I'm not for one moment suggesting you are under-qualified for the
position! In fact, quite the reverse, I think there are several people
running who under normal circumstances would be spot on to fill the
role; Omar, myself, and people like Tom who have non-Union experience,
as well as a pile of others. I simply feel that we are treading a
delicate line until we can have a proper election in November (in the
successfully re-opened Club!) and re-start the cycle of elections as
it should be. I think until that happens actual positions will only
matter symbolically and mucking in with skill sets will be what
counts. Obviously your skill set will be invaluable, no denying it,
but my worry is that the Uni big-wigs would prefer to be negotiating
with someone who got their experience from an institution closer to
home.

Also, in terms of your longevity I would argue that in order to
promote legitimacy it would be useful to pass the Presidency to a new
person in November ( to someone who can use their full terms to get
things moving); as it means the Club is moving forward, evolving - all
positive things, especially with regard to the Uni's perception of
what we're about. I would image that several people will not be able
to stand in the November elections and we should use them now as much
as possible!

Maybe I'm worrying too much about this, but I think at this stage
every detail might count. Thoughts?

On Mar 10, 3:13 pm, Michael Comerford

[Seumas Bates]

Oh, and for the sake of openness and clarity I should point out that I
shall be amongst those unable to stand in November as I'll be leaving
for exotic climes in January for a year. It's a tough life!

John, that would be - for want of a better word - hilarious!

[Michael Comerford]

Just like the judean peoples front and popular peoples front meeting around a corner... :-) brilliant!

[Seumas Bates]

By-the-way, out of curiosity, how does one get someone's e-mail
address from this?

On Mar 10, 3:36 pm, Michael Comerford

<commissarkollon...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> Just like the judean peoples front and popular peoples front meeting around
> a corner... :-) brilliant!
>

> > hetheringtonclub-g...@googlegroups.com<hetheringtonclub-gene ral%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com>

[Michael Comerford]

in gmail you can just hover over their name and it appears.

To unsubscribe from this group, send email to hetheringtonclub-g...@googlegroups.com.

[Thomas Coles]

To agree with Seumas / John -- it would be very exciting, and horrific (for want of a better word).

I should be eligible for the next three years (PhD after MPhil), but it sort of depends on the AHRC -- yuck.

re: Omar's point, I should be able to bring a few folk amongst my friends, respectable like, who would nominate me.

Seumas: you can get the emails from the Google Groups by clicking through on the member names (you have to type in one of those Catchpas).

Tom

[Omar Kooheji]

If we try to second guess what the Universtiy wants we'll be running about in circles for years...

Is anyone not going to make the EGM/Unable to find people to propose and 2nd them?

I think if you plan on running you should go to the EGM, mainly because it gives people the opportunity to ask you questions and ascertain that you aren't a psycho killer at first glance...

[Michael Comerford]

I may have trouble getting a proposer and seconder, due to my friends (who are members) having other commitments, so I'd be appeal to this group so if anyone is willing let me know. I will definitely be at the EGM regardless of what happens and happy to answer questions.

[Seumas Bates]

I'm glad to see there are several people ready and able to take on
positions in the years to come. Personally, I think a real sign of
weakness with an institution such as ours is when the Exec (but
particularly the President) does not change from one year to the next.

In terms of Proposers I think all of us will have to wait and see who
turns up! I've certainly spread the word.

On Mar 10, 3:42 pm, Omar Kooheji <omarkooh...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> If we try to second guess what the Universtiy wants we'll be running about
> in circles for years...
>
> Is anyone not going to make the EGM/Unable to find people to propose and 2nd
> them?
>
> I think if you plan on running you should go to the EGM, mainly because it
> gives people the opportunity to ask you questions and ascertain that you
> aren't a psycho killer at first glance...
>

> On 10 March 2010 15:36, Michael Comerford <commissarkollon...@googlemail.com

>
>
>
> > wrote:
> > Just like the judean peoples front and popular peoples front meeting around
> > a corner... :-) brilliant!
>

> >> hetheringtonclub-g...@googlegroups.com<hetheringtonclub-gene ral%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com>

> >> .
> >> For more options, visit this group at
> >>http://groups.google.com/group/hetheringtonclub-general?hl=en-GB.
>
> >  --
> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> > "Hetherington Research Club - General Discussion Group" group.
> > To post to this group, send an email to
> > hetherington...@googlegroups.com.
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to

> > hetheringtonclub-g...@googlegroups.com<hetheringtonclub-gene ral%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com>

[lynn.mcb]

Michael,
I will make it there tonight but may be without a proposer and a
seconder for the same reasons. Maybe we could partially cover each
other? If Eileen knows your face I'll have her point you out and I'll
give you a shout.

L

On 10 Mar, 15:48, Michael Comerford

<commissarkollon...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> I may have trouble getting a proposer and seconder, due to my friends (who
> are members) having other commitments, so I'd be appeal to this group so if
> anyone is willing let me know. I will definitely be at the EGM regardless of
> what happens and happy to answer questions.
>

> On Wed, Mar 10, 2010 at 3:42 PM, Omar Kooheji <omarkooh...@googlemail.com>wrote:
>
>
>
> > If we try to second guess what the Universtiy wants we'll be running about
> > in circles for years...
>
> > Is anyone not going to make the EGM/Unable to find people to propose and
> > 2nd them?
>
> > I think if you plan on running you should go to the EGM, mainly because it
> > gives people the opportunity to ask you questions and ascertain that you
> > aren't a psycho killer at first glance...
>
> > On 10 March 2010 15:36, Michael Comerford <

> > commissarkollon...@googlemail.com> wrote:
>
> >> Just like the judean peoples front and popular peoples front meeting
> >> around a corner... :-) brilliant!
>

> >>> hetheringtonclub-g...@googlegroups.com<hetheringtonclub-gene­ral%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com>

> >>> .
> >>> For more options, visit this group at
> >>>http://groups.google.com/group/hetheringtonclub-general?hl=en-GB.
>
> >>  --
> >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> >> "Hetherington Research Club - General Discussion Group" group.
> >> To post to this group, send an email to
> >> hetherington...@googlegroups.com.
> >> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to

> >> hetheringtonclub-g...@googlegroups.com<hetheringtonclub-gene­ral%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com>

> >> .
> >> For more options, visit this group at
> >>http://groups.google.com/group/hetheringtonclub-general?hl=en-GB.
>
> >  --
> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> > "Hetherington Research Club - General Discussion Group" group.
> > To post to this group, send an email to
> > hetherington...@googlegroups.com.
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to

> > hetheringtonclub-g...@googlegroups.com<hetheringtonclub-gene­ral%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com>

> > .
> > For more options, visit this group at

> >http://groups.google.com/group/hetheringtonclub-general?hl=en-GB.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Michael Comerford]

done, see you there.

> hetheringtonclub-g...@googlegroups.com.

[Seumas Bates]

Woop. I feel we're one step closer to £1 cups of tea.

On Mar 10, 4:23 pm, Michael Comerford

<commissarkollon...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> done, see you there.
>

[Xuan-Linh Labbe]

I'll be at the EGM but I'm not sure I'll still be running, as I won't
have a proposer or seconder (there is only one person I know in the
club, and doubt he'll be going to the EGM). Therefore, I think that,
unless the minimum number of candidates required is not reached, I
will abstain. However, I would still be happy to attend meetings (if
I'm allowed to by the new committee) and help as an outsider.

See you later.
Xuan-Linh

[Seumas Bates]

Xuan, I really think you should run regardless of who is there with
you. Omar was meaning it would be best practice to have outsider
Proposers, however I don't think that should be a bar to competent and
committed people running.

[eileen...@googlemail.com]

Good point Seamus, also Xuan, you've been at the meetings, contributing and proposing ideas, so I also think you should stand

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

[Xuan-Linh Labbe]

Okay. I'll decide tonight, depending on how many people outside those
in this group do run (if I am allowed to become a member, which is not
certain anyway).

[Paul Connor]

Fully agree with the recommendations you are getting here Xuan-Linh.
In an ideal world it is a nice thing to have good, solid proposers and
seconders; but it is by no means a requirement that they be in some
way 'worthy', however you wish to define that. There is but one
condition on their status, which is that they be members. In my view
there is an all-important requirement for seeking election in the
first place and that is that you feel you could help the club. If you
fall into that category, which you do, then it will be clear to all at
the meeting, and you should have no trouble finding people immediately
willing to propose and second you from the floor on the night.

On a more general note, this has been an interesting forum and I wish
everyone well with tonight's meeting and any subsequent involvement
with the club's future. I won't be at the meeting, I live too far
away, but would hope that the outcome of this and any other meeting be
recorded somewhere that some of us can follow from a distance.

Cheers,
Paul

[Thomas Coles]

Glad to hear it Paul,

I won't be taking formal minutes, but I'll be taking my own notes, and will put them up here.

Another vote for this as a interesting and useful forum - and hopefully one that will continue to be valuable over the coming weeks and months.

Tom

[Morag Hunter]

Hi all

Is there a list of the successful candidates yet? I hear that the
meeting went well. It is great to think that there is a new regime as
it is obvious that the old model was not working. So it is great to
think that there are new people in charge. Obviously, when things go
wrong, it is time to make a clean sweep. So, without blaming anyone,
it is important that all of the old committee and staff are not part
of any future plans. As, let's face it, that is what the university
is going to want in terms of having a credible committee and I know
that what we all want most is our club back. I feel very sorry for
any of the honest committee and staff who have been hurt by this.
However, some people must have been culpable. So out with all of the
old and in with the new, and good luck to you.

[Seumas Bates]

Yes indeed there is. I think it best if formality is obeyed and we
post a complete list with Prop and Seconders etc. along with the
Minutes of the meeting. This will be done in due course.

For now, let me introduce myself as the newly elected President of the
Club.

[Omar Kooheji]

There were 3 exec and 9 or 10 ordinary members elected. i'm sure the
minutes will be posted as room as they are typed up.

I don't think any old committee members want to participate in the
club. As for staff we will be re-interviewing for all positions and
will take it on a case by case basis. We will select the best
candidates regardless of former employment status.

One of the hetheringtons greatest assets was it's friendly staff, as
they are the first point of contact for customers, this is a trend we
intend to continue.

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
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> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
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> For more options, visit this group at
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>
>

--
Sent from my mobile device

[Omar Kooheji]

Now I'm at a computer I can look up peoples names:

President:  Seamus Bates

Hon sec: Michael Comerford
Treasuror: Mhairy McDonald

Ordinary Members I may have missed some:

Xuan-Linh Labbe
Omar Kooheji

Lynn McBurney
Tom Coles
Sara Thomas
Norman Gray
Eileen Boyle
Gordy ( Can't find his surname)

I think there were two others but I unfortunately I don't have eidetic memory... (I actually just copied their names from a previous post)

On the most part it's people who have been vocal here and on facebook, everyone brings something  which is good. We've also had offers of support from loads of people who couldn't stand for committee but offered their time and services in other ways.

On the whole I think we are starting off strong.

[JohnEwing]

On Mar 11, 10:03 am, Omar Kooheji <omarkooh...@googlemail.com> wrote:

> As for staff we will be re-interviewing for all positions and
> will take it on a case by case basis.

Stating the obvious - I hope - but I take it that you mean that you
will be interviewing for the positions required by the business plan,
when adopted, and not for all the positions that existed before the
closure?

John

[Omar Kooheji]

Yes, I would assume so.

My intention wasn't to imply that we will rehire all the staff, but that we won't stop ex staff from applying and if the people conducting the interviews think they are the best candidates for the job hiring them.

That's my interpretation of the plan. I'm not on the executive, they will would assume get final say.

We will need to draw up who many staff we need as part of the business plan.

--

[Omar Kooheji]

Yes, I would assume so.

My intention wasn't to imply that we will rehire all the staff, but that we won't stop ex staff from applying and if the people conducting the interviews think they are the best candidates for the job hiring them.

That's my interpretation of the plan. I'm not on the executive, they will would assume get final say.

We will need to draw up who many sta  

On 11 March 2010 13:19, JohnEwing <jo...@johnewing.co.uk> wrote:

--