Hi John,

I'm sure you are referring to the article "An Evening with Graham Goddard" on www.amicus.cc. I will certainly endeavour to correct or remove any inaccuracies in the text, please let me know. I'd also consider publishing a rebuttal if provided with one.
 
I'm not sure what precisely has been complained of but undoubtedly there are matters referred to in the report that reflect badly upon some people involved in the Gazette: for example, off the top of my head:

* that Graham Goddard has been appointed the next General Secretary with no discussion, consultation, nomination or election whatsoever within the Gazette Group,

* that three leading Gazette supporters have been sacked while a leading Gazette supporter denies all knowledge of it,

* that the National Political Officer of the union does not know whether Amicus is affiliated to the most popular anti-war movement ever in the UK, and that the most prominent member of the Gazette, Derek Simpson, spoke against affiliation to the  Stop the War coalition, effectively scuppering it at the last union policy conference.

However it is important to realise it is these actions that reflect badly, not my reporting of them.  Don't shoot the messenger. 

Moreover I don't see how these issues (or any others) can be discussed at Preston if they are kept secret until the time of the meeting, which you seem to be proposing.  On the contrary my experience is that issues are widely discussed with views and evidence (and in the your region's case, instructions) promulgated prior to the Preston meetings. In fact I distinctly recall a three page leaflet published by you and Jimmy Barnes in October 2005, prior to a Preston meeting which set out specifically to attack me and Pete Gillard, the secretary of London Gazette.

Lastly I understand the report was of an open meeting and had already been widely circulated outside the Gazette prior to publication on www.amicus.cc. 

Best Wishes

David Beaumont



> -----Original Message-----
> From: John Boardman [mailto:John@carrhall.freeserve.co.uk]
> Sent: 11 September 2006 17:15
> To: david@amicus.cc
> Cc: Lesley Hammond; Chris Weldon; 'Neil Sheehan '; Paul Birkett ;
> 'Stephen Davison'
> Subject: Amicus.cc
>
> Hi David
>
> 
>
> A colleague has referred me to the alleged report of the Amicus Unity
> North East meeting held on Thursday 6 July 2006 posted on your web
> site. Having viewed it I understand that person’s concern that it is
> not helpful to Amicus Unity Gazette as the report has clearly been
> presented in a manner to cause embarrassment to 2 leading Gazette
> supporters.
>
> 
>
> I have therefore asking for your assistance by removing the article
> from the web site.
>
> 
>
> It is only a few weeks until the next National meeting in Preston at
> which any concerns held by you and your contributor along with the
> views of other Gazette supporters can be discussed and resolved in a
> comradely manner.
>
> 
>
> 
>
> Thanking you in anticipation of your cooperation.
>
> 
>
> 
>
> Best wishes
>
> 
>
> 
>
> John Boardman
>
>