Agenda (Thursday 10th June 2010)

1  Welcome & Introductions

2  Reflections on Recent News

Have you seen / read something recently that you think would be of interest to humanists?

3  Minutes

Agree Minutes of last Meeting (13th May 10)

4  Designing a Humanist Retreat

Many people go on retreats to get away from the stress, clutter and distractions of daily life, recharge their batteries, and reflect on their lives and what really matters. Retreats provide the space for people to be alone and find solitude and also to enjoy the company of others of like-mind; they are places to reflect on stimulating thoughts and ideas and see things from a different perspective, to find out more about art, music, literature and poetry, and wonder at natu re and the world around us. But retreats are not holidays: they provide an opportunity to deepen our awareness of ourselves and other people, and re-examine things that we too often take for granted. As such retreats can be challenging and life-changing. In our meeting we would like to design a Retreat for Humanists: what would entice you to take a few days off and go away somewhere? Indeed, where would you like to go, who would you like to invite, and what would you like to do? Please give this some thought and come along and surprise us all — please keep it realistic, decent and legal!

5  The Book Club

Short report on first meeting on Philip Pullman's latest novel: 'The good man Jesus and the scoundrel Christ'.

6  Humanist Week (21st-27th June)

Humanist Week is a national project run by the BHA to increase awareness of Humanism at local, regional and national level. The week is based around World Humanist Day (21st June) and is supported by the International Humanist and Ethical Union. The theme this year is ‘Humanist Heritage - celebrating humanist contributions across the ages’.

7  Future Meetings & Actions

8  AOB

Location: York House, London Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes
Time: 18.15 for 18.30