Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from members of the Committee.

Apologies for absence had been received from Claire Jones and Vinny Saunders.

To receive any introductions and welcome.

Lynda Ford-Horne welcomed everyone to the meeting and advised that she would be chairing this meeting, in her capacity as Vice Chair, due to apologies having been received from the Chair.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 12 November 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12th of November 2025 were agreed as a true and correct record.

Voting: unanimous

To raise and discuss any matters arising from the minutes.

Interfaith Library event

The Committee were advised that there had been 30-40 attendees at the event, which had lasted for approximately two hours.  There had been a lot of interest in the event and questions put to the representatives.  A point of learning for the future: some people did not want to circulate quickly, so a method for keeping people moving around the different stalls would be beneficial.  Another venue would need to be sought for any further events, as the library is currently closed for works. 

There were aspirations to put on such an event in Poole and following a request, an evening event for those who work.

To receive the Conference Evaluation report.

It was agreed that the date for the next conference should be considered at the next meeting of the Committee. 

It was discussed that some teachers faced difficulties getting time away from school, so needed to know how the business of the conference would be relevant to their work.

It was agreed that it would be beneficial to have both a primary and secondary teacher involved with planning for the next conference.  Rachel and Stuart offered to assist.

The Committee was advised that it was planned to continue to hold the conference at Merley House, as a good working relationship had been established.  It was anticipated that a light touch agenda would be ready for the end of the summer term. 

To review the action plan and receive any updates.

Following a brief discussion about the benefits of a student SACRE being established, it was explained that Salisbury Cathedral was keen to run a conference for secondary students but needed teacher input.  In response to a point that travel costs for schools was a major consideration, it was explained that there were bodies the Cathedral could apply for funding from.

To receive an update on Hubs.

Hub meetings would be held on 25 June – secondary schools and 16 June - primary.  Further details could be obtained from the Vice Chair.

To discuss plans for Holocaust Memorial Day.

In honour of Holocaust Memorial Day, Parkstone Grammer School held an event for c400 pupils, where, Hana White gave a presentation about her father’s art used in the Eichmann trial. 

It was agreed that it would be useful to know how many schools recognised Holocaust Memorial Day. It was agreed if this was going to be asked of the schools that it was explained why SACRE was asking the schools and that it was not connected to current world issues. 

An action for October 2026: send a reminder re interfaith week, explaining what it is about.

The next meeting will be held on 24 June 2026. 

BCP SACRE meetings, for the 2026/27 municipal year:

24 Jun 2026 4.00 pm

11 Nov 2026 4.00 pm

10 Mar 2027 4.00 pm

To receive any urgent items of business, that have been agreed with the Chair before the meeting. 

It was asked if members of the Committee would provide the opening reflection at further meetings.  Esther agreed to provide it at the next meeting.

It was advised that Stuart, Ben and Rachel had attended this meeting as observers and would be welcome to join and that  NASACRE held training sessions for new attendees.