The future of the Beeston and Nottingham Amnesty groups

Amnesty International groups in and around Nottingham have had a chequered history. Nottingham Groups have come and gone but the current group has now been active for two or three years, Beeston group has maintained a continuous existence for many years with a large mailing list but fewer active supporters than previously.



The Nottingham Group has been effective in forming links with various City institutions - The Playhouse, Broadway Cinema, Nottingham Contemporary and Five Leaves Bookshop.  



Beeston group’s strength is in the letter writing sessions held twice a month in a pub (currently The Commercial in Wollaton Road) and managing to raise funds to pay for the postage. 



Both groups have combined to organise stalls at various events - the Green Festival, Lowdham Book Fair and Nottingham Pride which have helped to raise awareness of Amnesty and raise funds. 



It has been suggested that the two groups combine under a “Nottinghamshire” or “South Notts” (see below *) banner in order to strengthen the cooperation between them. This would mean that   

   - the administrative jobs of Secretary, Treasurer etc would only require one person rather than two,

   - the two email lists, FaceBook sites and Twitter accounts could be combined 

   - the Beeston letter writing sessions would continue as at present (though we might change the dates and/or venue after a separate consultation)

   - we will continue the Pub Quiz in Beeston which has proved an enjoyable and effective fund raiser



We hope this change will strengthen Amnesty’s presence in and around Nottingham but would like to hear from any interested parties for or against the idea. Please let us know what you think (by email or by commenting on this post) and we will take any views expressed into account. 





* The AIUK website lists a West Notts local group but we are trying to establish if it is still active.