The BHA and the NSS have both campaigned to have the next census, due in March 2011, changed to reflect a more accurate picture of religion in Britain, though their approach has differed. The NSS says, The information gained from the religion question widely thought to have been inaccurate and misleading is used by government departments when deciding about allocation of resources. Religious groups have used it to justify privileges.

Claire Rayner has died. A few Suffolk Humanists (including me) went to hear her speak at an Essex Humanists meeting in Chelmsford a few years ago, when her humour and warmth made a strong impression. I have good reason to identify with some of the things that Claire said, especially when she got cross about lazy journalists who wrote about people with cancer “losing their fight” – stuff and nonsense!

From a lunchtime seminar organised by the East of England Faiths Agency for Suffolk County Council Staff in Ipswich on 14 October 2010. The previous seminar was led by a local vicar and more seminars would be led by various faith representatives. My introduction was followed by a Q & A session. Im a Humanist. Humanism is a descriptive word applied retrospectively (from about the late 19th century) to a certain set of beliefs and values, free from religion.

Member Colleen Nunn will be talking about geology. She says: How much do you know about the ground beneath your feet and what it can tell us about about the geological history of Suffolk? Did you know, for example, that our county once had a climate like the present day Caribbean or that the River Thames once flowed through Suffolk? I will be exploring the rocks found here and demonstrating how they can reveal all sorts of clues as to how the landscape and climate have evolved through time.

As our Chairperson has resigned for personal reasons, we need to elect someone to take his place. Members will receive formal notification. Only paid-up members can vote.

Following on from the film about the history of freethought in Europe shown at a previous meeting, a presentation about the history of the development of Humanism in the UK and in Suffolk, followed by a discussion about where we go next.

Described as a “casual get together to discuss upcoming speakers”.