(These minutes have been edited to protect the privacy of members and beneficiaries. A full copy is available to members on request from the Secretary)
Present: Mr Mr C. Quick, President; Mr K. Whetlor, Chairman; Mr M. Kirkby, Secretary; Mr D. Humphrey, Membership Secretary; Mrs A Manners, Poppy Organiser; Mr D. Manners, Events Organiser; Mr E. Bignall; Mr K Austin; Mr NHampton Rumbold
Guests: Mr David Light (Guest of Mr Hampton – Rumbold), Mr W Kenely (for presentation of refurbished medals), Wing Cdr Orr and Lt Col Taggart (Branch Members)
1) Apologies: Lt Col R Bennett, Mr W Reed, Mr M Jones
2) Exhortation: The President
3) Minutes of the Last Meeting held on 7th February 2008. The Minutes were presented on the night, agreed as a true record and signed by The President.
4) Matters Arising: Correction to the Poppy Organiser’s report of 10th January 2008. The reason for switching the Poppy Account to Lloyds TSB is a National decision based on a more favourable interest rate.
5) Chairman’s Report: Announcement of the creation of the Branch website.
6) Secretary’s Report: The Secretary and Membership Secretary will be attending a Branch Management Course at Bracknell on 20th June.
7) Treasurer’s Report: (Edited) A statement of the accounts dated 3rd March 2008 was read by the Chairman in the Treasurer’s absence.
Membership Fees were taken from the current account by Headquarters.
The statement of accounts was agreed by those present.
8) Service Secretary’s Report: Absent
9) Membership and Welfare Report: The Membership report for the last meeting should have been 120 members and not 121. The Membership Secretary apologised for the error.
The membership now stands at:
124 Members
78 of these are cash subscriptions
38 Direct Debit
2 Life Members
and 6 are excused payment.
3 of the new members are in the early twenties age group. All four have elected to pay by Direct Debit.
10) Poppy Organiser’s Report: (Edited) The books for the 2007 Poppy Appeal close on 31st May 2008. Two functions precede that; The May Day Fete on 5th May and the Quiz Night on 19th May.
Money for a wreath is still outstanding despite a reminder being given. The Poppy Organiser has to order wreaths for this year and does not wish to exclude any organisation.
The President suggested the branch pay for last year’s wreath and pursues the orgainisation concerned for the outstanding amount. He reminded the Committee that although this particular organisation is usually late with payment they do eventually pay. The Committee agreed to this suggestion but would review the situation if late payment continues.
The Poppy Organiser called for contributions for prizes for the May Day Fete.
11) Events Organiser’s Report: The Events Organiser introduced Mr Bill Kenely. Mr Kenely, an ex Lancashire Fusilier, had been spotted at last years remembrance parade proudly wearing his medals the ribbons of which had decayed over the years. The Events Organiser had arranged for a firm in Sidmouth to restore Mr Kenely’s medals and he was here at the meeting to have them formally re-presented by The President.
The Events Organiser is still keen to arrange a visit to the National Memorial and has received some news from Pip Evans who knows of a coach operator who is planning a tour there, picking up groups from the local area. This may reduce costs to branch members. More information will be sought.
A small sponsored walk, in aid of the branch, is proposed for June/July, dates and route are yet to be decided but it should be no more than 5 miles.
The Events Organiser called for ideas for this years Veteran’s Day on 27th June but noted that as it fell on a Friday it may be difficult for members to take time of work to support it. The Secretary replied that according to the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA), who promote this day, an event may take place on a day close to the actual date. The Events Organiser raised the possibility that the Sponsored walk could be held on or around that date.
Other ideas for events for this year include trips to the Devon and Dorset Regimental Museum at Dorchester and a visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton.
Sunday 27th April is Rogation Sunday, with the Blessing of the Boats. The Branch normally sends representatives to this event and the Events Organiser will contact the Lifeboat Operations Manager for further details.
The Events Organiser has been contacted by a lady who is corresponding with a former friend of the WWII GI Oscar Wareham. A request for further information, from the Dutch gentleman who tends Oscar’s grave, recently appeared on the blog and in the local press. The Events Organiser now has the telephone number and e-mail address of the friend, who is located in Ohio, and will pass this on.
The Poppy Organiser asked if the cup for the quiz night was still held at the Angel Inn. The Membership Secretary replied that he had rescued the cup from the Angel when the previous landlord left but had returned it following the arrival of the new landlord. The Angel Inn are keen to defend the cup and will be gathering a team to do so.
12) Standard Bearer’s Report: None, absent.
13) Correspondence: None
14) AOB: The President stated that in the past, cards have been sent to people who are in hospital or at home. He was disappointed that this had lapsed. The Committee agreed that this should be reinstated.
The Membership Secretary asked if any progress had been made on the location of the Woodroffe School Memorial Plaque. The Events Organiser has talked with the bursar about this but it is unlikely to be moved from its current position. A school memorial service is held annually and a wreath is laid there so although the plaque is not in the best position it is still being respected. It now has more details including photographs of the fallen and pupils have often been seen reading this. The President was disappointed that it could not be returned to the original Hall but he was informed that this no longer exists, having been converted into offices.
The Secretary has contacted the Charmouth Womens Section Standard bearer, a former work colleague, to explore the possibility of inviting former members of the disbanded Charmouth branch to join this branch.
Meeting Closed: 19:40hrs.
The next meeting being scheduled for 1st May 2008 at 19:00 hrs
