I spy strangers in the gallery
Page 35
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AS AN EXPERIMENT a formal meeting of the RHA's National Council was opened to ordinary members on the eve of the conference.
For the first time they got the chance to sit in and listen to the way decisions are made on their behalf.
About 30 turned up to watch the Council at work. They crammed in all the available space and although they were not allowed to take part in the discussions they clearly noted what was going on. For many of the topics under discussion were introduced into the formal sessions — and there was some sharp questioning about some of the suggestions which had been made.
Barry Hempsall, a National Council member, told CM: "It was a very interesting exercise and one which I personally hope will be developed."
The meeting had been "pretty much run of the mill" although they normally lasted quite a bit longer.
"We discussed a report from the public relations committee about the effects of having two RHA symbols at the moment, the old style badge and the newer arrow symbol.
"Public relations wanted us to standardise on one to give the Association a readily identifiable image," Mr Hempsall went on.
"There was some agreement with this but the old badge is much beloved and when it came to the vote we were split down the middle. It was therefore agreed that no action should be taken." The Council also discussed the latest happenings in the Dock Work Regulation Bill fight.