Minutes of the General Meeting of the Lyme Regis Branch held on 2nd July 2009

Minutes of the General Meeting of the Lyme Regis Branch held on 2nd July 2009 at The Woodmead Hall, Lyme Regis, commencing 19:00 hrs.

Present: The President, Mr C Quick; The Chairman, M K Whetlor; The Vice Chairman, Mr D Manners; The Secretary, Mr M Kirkby; The Treasurer, Mr M Jones; The Welfare Secretary, Mrs A Driver; The Poppy Appeal Organiser, Ms T Hodder; The Membership Secretary, Mr D Humphrey; Mr K Austin; Mr E Bignall; Mr N Hampton - Rumbold; Mrs A Manners
Branch Members: Lt Col Taggart and Wing Cdr Orr.
Guest Speaker: Mr Terry Vine, County Youth Officer.

1) Exhortation: The President

2) Chairman’s Opening Remarks: The Chairman welcomed Guest Speaker Mr Terry Vine, Dorset Youth Officer.
The President has been invited by the RNLI to represent the Royal British Legion at the Lifeboat week Red Arrow's display at 18:30 on 22nd July.
The Chairman informed the Committee about how the Agenda works. The meeting is an official meeting of the Royal British Legion, Lyme Regis Branch. The Agenda is the Chairman’s responsibility to compile and he is assisted by the Secretary who seeks the chairman’s approval for the inclusion of any submitted item. The Chairman wished to ensure that any member of the committee, wishing to say anything beneficial to the Branch, is heard. If anything is required to be added to the Agenda it should be submitted to the Chairman or the Secretary, for the Chairman's approval, in advance of the meeting. The Chairman will then give permission for the Secretary to publish and distribute the Agenda.

3) Apologies: The Vice President, Mr W Reed; Lt Col R Bennett.

• Guest Speaker: Mr Terry Vine, Dorset County Youth Officer, gave a speech on youth affiliation and the mutual benefits to branches and youth organisations.

4) Minutes of the Last Meeting held on 7th May 2009. The Minutes were presented on the night, agreed as a true record and signed by The President.

5) Matters Arising: Corrections to the minutes of the last meeting:
Under “Present”: Add - The Treasurer, Remove - Mr E Bignall.
Under “Absent”: Add - Mr E Bignall.
Under “Item 11: Monthly Draw”. Line 2. Change "The Treasurer" to "The Membership Secretary".

6) Additions to the Agenda: None

7) Secretary’s Report and Correspondence:
a) Item 5 of the last meeting was addressed and answered in a letter sent to committee members.
b) The New Branch Rules have been published to the blog and a hard copy is available for viewing in the library.
c) The latest Legion Letter instructs branches to use headed notepaper purchased from Buckland Press. The County Secretary was informed by the Secretary that paper is usually donated by the Committee members and templates are made using the guidance on the corporate branding CD. Having to buy special paper would be costly and wasteful to branches (if address details change for example).
Correspondence:
Legion Letter containing Remembrance Weekend 2009 Special Circular.
Note that some dates have now passed.
Key dates:
30th June - Applications for Standard Bearers to be with the County Office.
1st July to 31st Aug - Afternoon performance tickets for Legion members available by post from Royal Albert Hall Booking Office.
17th July - Application for evening performance tickets to be with the County Office.
1st Sept - Afternoon performance tickets available to the general public by post, telephone or visit.
ASAP - applications to march with the service contingent of the RBL, if unable to march with your ex service association, to be with the County Office.
Further instructions to Special Circular from County Secretary.
County Newsletter mailing instructions. Returns by 31st July.
June County Newsletter - Note the instructions regarding joint fundraising, for example “Help for Heroes”.

8) Treasurer’s Report: A Copy of the Treasurer's report may be obtained on application from the Secretary.
Total Funds Held: £10,450.69
Large transactions since the last report:
Out: £979 to Head Office for membership subscriptions
£300 donation to the Poppy Appeal
In: £600 entry fees for the branch monthly draw

9) Welfare Secretary’s Report: (edited)2 cases have been dealt with.

The Membership Secretary had noticed that the Welfare contact notices on the Council Notice boards have been covered by out of date council notices. The Chairman will organise the removal of the offending notices.

10) Poppy Organiser’s Report: The PAO has introduced herself to local businesses. Letters of introduction/Phone calls are in the process of being sent to Poppy Collectors. Tesco will allow a collection box on their premises and they are happy for a manned collection to take place outside the store during the Poppy Appeal collection days. The larger businesses will also be contacted.
A parachute jump has been organised by Kerry Humphrey and she will be donating a percentage of the amount raised to the Poppy Appeal.
The golf club has been contacted and they have agreed to allow a day on the new pitch and putt course where the Legion can hold a competition and family day with all money raised going to the poppy appeal. A barbeque will also be provided. The start time would be around 16:00. The club just confirmation of the date from us.
The Welfare Secretary asked if Poppy boxes could be provided for businesses, in particular The Beach House Cafe, that are not open during the winter. Mrs Manners informed the committee that an all year box could be provided but most people were reluctant to have them for fear of theft. The Poppy Appeal Organiser will contact the Cafe to arrange an all year box if they still wished to proceed.
The PAO is concerned that the Lyme Regis Festival of Remembrance is taking place on the same weekend as the Poppy Collection and called for assistance from members to man the door and generally assist her during the evening.

11) Membership Report:
Since the last meeting one member of the Branch has died, Mr Albert Pearson who passed away on 8th of May aged 92.
Four people have joined the Branch increasing the membership from 157, in May, to a total of 160 as of today.

85 pay by Direct Debit
70 pay by Cash
2 are Life members
3 are Excused.

The Branch still holds 17 Legion badges at a cost of £5:00 each.

There are 51 people taking part in the monthly draw, so that means since the last meeting the Treasurer has received a total of £612:00. Of that, £180:00 will go back out over the year as prize money. The remainder of £432:00 is profit for the branch.

Draw Winners
June: £10:00 Tracy Hodder, £5:00 Neil Hampton-Rumbold
July: £10:00 William Kenely, £5:00 Cecil Quick
August: £10:00 Steve Rattenbury, £5:00 William Kenely

12) Events Organiser’s Report: Armed Forces Day was quite successful although numbers weren't as high as had been hoped for. Just over £100 was raised in the raffle and by donations. The Vice Chairman was disappointed by the lack of support from the Committee and hoped that at future events more help would be given such as helping out with raffles etc. The Vice Chairman was also concerned about advertising events. Despite notices being posted around the town and information given on the internet as well as articles written in the local press, the Vice Chairman is aware that information is still not getting through to Branch members. Other forms of advertising must be found. The Chairman suggested contacting the town's paper sellers to see if notices could be delivered with newspapers or with the town council's newsletter. The Welfare Secretary suggested entries in the yellow Diary that is delivered monthly.
16 Members will be attending the Air Day at RNAS Yeovilton on 12th July. The Vice chairman had spent considerable effort organising wheel chairs for mobility impaired guests but the event had stripped the area of available wheelchairs. In future those with mobility problems should arrange wheelchairs themselves in advance.

13) Standard Bearers Activities: None

• The Committee agreed that a letter be sent from The President to the Vice President, on behalf of the Branch, congratulating him on the award of his MBE.
Action: The Secretary.

14) The next meeting will be held on 3rd September 2009 at 19:00 hrs in The Woodmead Hall

Meeting Closed: 20:00 hrs.

Minutes of the General Meeting of the Lyme Regis Branch held on 7th May 2009

Minutes of the General Meeting of the Lyme Regis Branch held on 7th May 2009 at The Woodmead Hall, Lyme Regis, commencing 19:00 hrs.

Present: Mr K Whetlor, Chairman; Mr D Manners, Vice Chairman; Mr M Kirkby, Secretary; Mrs A Driver, Welfare Secretary; Mr D Humphrey, Membership Secretary; Mr K Austin; Mr E Bignall; Lt Col R Bennett.Mr N Hampton Rumbold; Mr M Lloyd; Mrs A Manners

1) Exhortation: Lt Col Bennett

2) Chairman’s Opening Remarks: nil

3) Apologies: Mr C Quick, President; Mr W Reed, Vice President; Ms T Hodder, Poppy Appeal Organiser

4) Minutes of the Last Meeting held on 5th March 2009. The Minutes were presented on the night, agreed as a true record and signed by The Chairman.

5) Matters Arising: The Vice Chairman asked why the Standard Bearers report had become his responsibility. The Secretary replied that since the post of Standard Bearer had been changed to an appointment rather than a Committee position the best person to give the Standard Bearer’s report would be the Events Organiser as the Standard Bearer attends events. The Vice Chairman at present carries out the role of Events Organiser. The Chairman stated that he was willing to give the Standard Bearers report as he lived nearby.

6) Additions to the Agenda: i) To waive the entrance fee for the 2009 Festival of Remembrance.
Proposed: Chairman.
Proposal defeated.
Lt Col Bennett made a proposal that the entrance fee be reduced to £3 per head with a voluntary collection taken during the festival.
Seconded: Vice Chairman
Proposal Carried

ii) a. The Welfare Secretary requested the committee to provide feedback from any assistance given to beneficiaries so that should further help be required from the branch then she would have some knowledge of the case. The Committee was also requested to inform the Welfare Secretary of any beneficiary that was suffering serious illness or had been hospitalised so that she could arrange a visit. The combined local knowledge of the Branch would be greater than that of the Welfare Secretary working in isolation.
b. The Welfare Secretary had obtained some youth information packs from Headquarters and these have been passed to the Secretary.
c. The Over 50’s Forum has invited Lt Col Fairman from County to give a talk on the work of The Legion on 27th Mayat 15:00 in the Masonic Hall. The Welfare Secretary has already posted notices around the town and placed adverts in some of the free publications. She asked the Committee if there was anywhere else where the meeting could be publicised. The Membership Secretary suggested the Parish Magazine.

7) Secretary’s Report and Correspondence:
i) 27th April. Enquiry made to County Training Officer to arrange a place on the December Branch Management course for Lt Col Bennett. The County Training Officer will contact Col Bennett directly. The Treasurer has also spoken with the County Training Officer and he has confirmed that Lt Col Bennett has been booked on the 6th December course at Basingstoke.
ii) Terry Vine has been booked to address the Committee about youth affiliation at the next meeting on 2nd July.
Correspondence Received:
i) Final Agenda for the 2009 Annual Conference. Charter Motion 5, Motion 10, and Motion 16 may be of particular interest to the Branch.
ii) Annual Reports and Accounts for 2008
iii) The Branch Rules have been approved by the County Chairman and returned to the Secretary. The Secretary asked how best to make the rules available. The Committee decided that a copy should be made available in the information pack in the Town Library and published on the internet.

8) Treasurer’s Report: The Branch won £5 in the 500 Club draw.A Branch donation of £300 was made to the Poppy Appeal (A copy of the Treasurers financial report may be obtained on request from the Secretary).

9) Welfare Secretary’s Report: One Welfare case, reported by the Chairman, has been successfully concluded.
An investigation into the geographical boundaries for welfare has discovered that Bridport Branch boundary extends up to and includes Charmouth but Bridport are happy to discuss any borderline cases.
All Welfare accounts signatories are now up to date and the Welfare balance is in the black.
The Welfare telephone number has been publicised at various locations within the town.
County are currently dealing with one referred Welfare case and there is another ongoing case with hospital transport.
The Vice Chairman reminded all present that the Taxi service was solely for medical reasons and was only for the use of beneficiaries ie Servicemen, Veterans or dependants in need.
The Vice Chairman asked if it would be possible for all members of the Committee to have a list of members and beneficiaries. The Secretary and Membership Secretary were of the opinion that it wouldn’t be helpful as members are not necessarily beneficiaries and vice versa. In fact nationally beneficiaries far outnumber the Legion membership. Lt Col Bennett proposed that the County Secretary be asked how other branches deal with this question. (Action Secretary)

10) Poppy Organiser’s Report: A wreath has been ordered for Rogation Sunday (Blessing of the Boats) on 17th May. The Vice Chairman and Mrs Mannners are unable to attend.Prizes for the quiz raffle on 18th May were requested.
Mrs Manners, Poppy Appeal Organiser for the last 15 years, had originally intended to stand down as Poppy Appeal Organiser at the end of May but will instead hand over to Ms Hodder with immediate effect following communication from Aylesford.

11) Membership Report: Since the last meeting we have lost one member through non payment of Direct Debit (HQ could not collect it after several attempts), and the person concerned cannot be contacted as he has moved away. So after consulting HQ that person has been removed from the register. The good news is another six members have been recruited since the last meeting in March, taking the total membership of the branch to 157.
84 pay by cash
68 pay by direct debit
2 are life members
3 members are excused payment.
Membership Badges:
A third batch of twenty has been purchased. There are 17 remaining at a cost of £5.00 each. All profits from badges already sold have been handed to the Treasurer.
Monthly Draw:
48 People have responded
29 Cheques and £108 have already been received. The Treasurer expected to be able to get 50 people involved this year.If approved the first draw will take place on Armed Forces Day, 27th June 2009 and 11 subsequent draws will take place at the Committee meetings. There will be a first prize of £10 and a second prize of £5 each month.
To Host the draw as detailed.
Proposed: Membership Secretary
Seconded: The Chairman
Proposal Carried.

12) Events Organiser’s Report and Standard Bearers Activities:
Quiz Night this year will take place at the Nag’s Head at 19:30. The Committee are requested to bring prizes for the raffle.
Veteran’s Day has now sadly been renamed as Armed Forces Day. The Events Organiser has tried hard to think of something to commemorate this event but neither he nor the Committee were able to find anything fitting. The Membership Secretary reminded the Committee that he had planned the first draw on this day and hoped that something could take place even if informal.
A sponsored walk had been planned in conjunction with another charity where the funds raised would have been shared, however money was needed by the other charity for an urgent and potentially life saving purpose. The walk will still take place but funds will not now be raised for the Legion.

13) The next meeting will be held on 2nd July at 19:00 in the Woodmead Hall.

Meeting Closed: 20:00hrs.

Minutes of the General Meeting of the Lyme Regis Branch held on 5th March 2009

Minutes of the General Meeting of the Lyme Regis Branch held on 5th March 2009 at The Woodmead Hall, Lyme Regis, commencing 19:00 hrs.

Present: Mr K Whetlor, Chairman; Mr D Manners, Vice Chairman; Mr M Kirkby, Secretary; Mrs A Driver, Welfare Secretary; Mr D Humphrey, Membership Secretary; Mr K Austin; Mr E Bignall; Lt Col R Bennett.
Mr N Hampton Rumbold arrived late due to traffic delays.

1) Exhortation: Lt Col Bennett

2) Chairman’s Opening Remarks:
The Chairman opened the meeting by reading Articles 2 and 3 of the Royal Charter to explain, the difference between a member of the Royal British Legion and a beneficiary, and who the Legion is allowed to help.

3) Apologies: Mr C Quick, President; Mr M Jones, Treasurer; Ms T Hodder, Poppy Appeal Organiser; Rev J Harrisson; Mr M Lloyd; Mrs A Manners.

4) Minutes of the Last Meeting held on 5th February 2009. The Minutes were presented on the night, agreed as a true record and signed by The Chairman.

5) Matters Arising: None

6) Additions to the Agenda: Proposal to run a monthly Draw. (Prop. D Humphrey).
The idea is to have a minimum number of 100 members willing to participate who would pay £12 each, in advance, for a year’s entry to the draw. There will be 3 prizes per month. 1st Prize £15, 2nd Prize £10 and 3rd Prize £5. The remaining money would go to the Branch funds (not the Poppy Appeal) to assist the running of the Branch. This would generate, much needed, income to the Branch of £840 per year. The Draw is perfectly legal and does not require a license as it only open to members and is therefore classed as a private lottery. It does require a person to be nominated to run the draw whose name goes on the ticket.
The Membership Secretary asked all present to canvas as many members as possible to gauge the level of interest. The Chairman suggested a letter go out to all members asking for their support.

7) Secretary’s Report and Correspondence:
Introduction of Training Records for Committee members.
The Secretary asked the Committee if they would complete a Training Record form listing Legion courses they had attended in the past. He also urged Committee members to volunteer for further training, particularly the Branch Management course.

Update on Branch Rules.
The Branch Rules had been approved at County but were still waiting to be signed by the County Chairman. The County Secretary will return the Branch Rules once the signature has been obtained.

Correspondence:
Highlights 2008 DVD. A copy will be made available for viewing in the Town Library.
Invitation to Sandford Women’s Section 60th Anniversary for Standard Bearer and 2 Branch Officers. The Deputy Standard Bearer stated that he would not be available that weekend (19th April). It is doubtful if the Standard bearer will be available either.
County Newsletter.

8) Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer was absent for this meeting. No report was given but a written report will be requested on his return. (members may obtain a copy of the report from the Treasurer or the Secretary).

9) Welfare Secretary’s Report: The issue of confidentiality was raised at the Welfare meeting. Geographic areas of responsibility were discussed. The Welfare Treasurer has now transferred the welfare accounts books from Bill Reed. Welfare funds are low and a top up will be requested from the Treasurer on his return.
A mobile phone has been obtained to provide a consistent number for contacting the Welfare Secretary. This will become Legion property and will Transfer to any future Welfare Secretary.
The Welfare Committee had also discussed the definitions of a beneficiary to reinforce their awareness of who may be eligible for Legion help.
The Welfare Secretary requested a stock of expense claim forms.
Two welfare cases have been dealt with. The first required no further action and the second has been referred to County.
A request was made for a welfare training course. The Branch now has three trained and CRB checked caseworkers which, County has stated, are enough to cover our needs.

10) Poppy Organiser’s Report: Nil.

11) Membership Report: As mentioned, by the President, during the last meeting Mr W Amor from Dorchester died during the first week of February. He was included on the branch roster in the last report as the Membership Secretary was unaware of his death prior to writing his report.
We have however gained another three members over the last four weeks. So the membership has increased once again from 150 to 152 to date.
84 members pay by cash.
63 members pay by direct debit.
There are 2 life members and 3 are excused payment.
Out of the three new members recruited this month 2 are beneficiaries and one is not and is therefore ineligible for Legion help.
The Membership Secretary still holds five membership badges for sale to members at a cost of £5:00 each.

12) Events Organiser’s Report and Standard Bearers Activities: There are still places available for the Trip to Bovington on 4th April. At present the 35 seater coach has 19 out of 35 places taken.The coach needs to be filled to keep the cost down. An advert has appeared 4 times in the local paper but Committee members were urged to seek others who may wish to go.
The Annual Quiz. Will this year be held at the Nag’s Head on Monday 18th May. Membership Secretary questioned the day as another pub also holds a regular quiz night on Mondays.
The May Day Fete will be held on 3rd May. The Nail game will be in operation again this year as it was very successful last year. As the prizes are all cash, no other items are required.
The Charmouth Branch Women’s Section has requested that we advertise their forthcoming Coffee Morning on the blog (Action – Secretary).

13) The next meeting will be held on 7th May at 19:00 in the Woodmead Hall.
Meeting Closed: 19:35 hrs.

Minutes of the General Meeting of the Lyme Regis Branch held on 5th February 2009

Minutes of the General Meeting of the Lyme Regis Branch held on 5th February 2009 at the Woodmead Hall, Lyme Regis, commencing 19:30hrs.

Present: Mr C Quick, President; Mr K Whetlor, Chairman; Mr D Manners, Vice Chairman; Mr M Kirkby, Secretary; Mr M Jones, Treasurer; Mrs A Driver, Welfare Secretary; Mr D Humphrey, Membership Secretary; Mr K Austin; Lt Col R Bennett; Ms T Hodder; Mr M Lloyd; Mrs A Manners.

1) Exhortation: The President.
The President asked the Committee to remember a former Poppy Organiser from the Branch, Mr Bill Amor, who died this week. A wreath has been sent to his daughter.

2) Apologies: Rev Harrisson, Mr W Reed, Mr N Hampton-Rumbold.

3) Minutes of the Last Meeting held on 9th October 2008. The Minutes were presented on the night, agreed as a true record and signed by The President.

4) Election of Poppy Appeal Organiser: Ms Tracy Hodder. Proposed by Mr M Lloyd, Seconded by Mr D Manners. Duly elected by those present.

5) Deferred until the arrival of the County Secretary.

6) Matters Arising: Nil

7) Chairman’s Report: Nil

8) Secretary’s Report: Letters of appreciation have been sent to the Auditors, Messrs Jenkins and Volkman.
The County Secretary has been asked for details of parade marshal training for Mr M Jones.

9) Treasurer’s Report: The Deposit Account has been closed and the remainder of the money that was held there has been transferred into the Current Account. The bulk of the Deposit Account has already been paid into the Branch Fund Initiative (BFI).
The Branch now has just two accounts. A Current Account for routine expenditure and the BFI Account at Head Office.
The Interest Rate for the BFI Account is not as good as that received on the old Deposit Account but is reasonable given the state of the economy at present.
The amount held in the BFI Account is £10782.43 and there is £337.75 in the Current Account.
The President asked about the state of the Welfare Account. The Treasurer replied that the transfer of signatories between the old and new Welfare Personnel was taking place. The Welfare Secretary confirmed that the books had been audited and Mr D Manners would be acting as Welfare Treasurer.
Mrs Manners asked if there would be a donation from the branch to the Poppy Appeal. This had previously been confirmed and minuted at October’s Committee meeting.

10) Membership Report: Sadly, two members have died since the last meeting. Mr J Thompson on the 6th December and Mrs Molly Hodder on Christmas Day. Both were aged 93.
5 New members have been recruited. This is the 13th month that membership has shown an overall increase and the membership now stands at 150.
83 members pay by cash.
62 members pay by direct debit.
There are 2 life members and 3 are excused payment.
County are hoping to get at least 60% of members to pay by direct debit. Lyme Regis falls slightly short of that target.
Members were reminded that membership badges are available from the Membership Secretary priced at £5 each.

• The Chairman introduced the County Secretary, Miss Beverley Harrison who had arrived to present the Trophy to the Branch.

11) Welfare Secretary’s Report: The Welfare meeting was held at 19:00 today the Committee structure was decided and the Welfare secretary set out her aims which were to revitalise the welfare work of the branch by visiting various organisations and establishments to inform them of the help we can offer and remind them that we are not just here at Remembrance.
In future the Welfare Committee meetings will be held approximately one week before the General Committee meeting at Lt Col Bennett’s House.

12) Poppy Organiser’s Report: Since December when the first amount of £4385.17 had been banked, another £81 had been received to give a total of £4466.17. At this point in the meeting the Secretary handed over another £48 which he had raised through the sale of enamelled poppy brooches. This was later rounded to £50 when the Chairman bought two of the remaining three brooches.
Mrs Manners welcomed Ms Hodder as the newly elected Poppy Appeal Organiser, who officially assumes her duties from the 1st June.
The “Type A” Poppy sprays which the branch normally gives to the families of the deceased have recently been modified and as a result look cheap and nasty. Mrs Manners proposed that the Branch purchase small ten inch wreaths instead. The Chairman seconded that. The “Type A” sprays will be returned and a refund requested. The extra cost of the wreaths is £3.

13) Events Organiser’s Report: The trip to Bovington Tank Museum will take place on Saturday 4th April. This date marks the 70th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Armoured Corps. A 35 seater coach has been booked and is half full already. The price is £15 per person which includes the coach fare and entrance fee. The coach will depart from Anning Road adjacent to the playing field at 09:00 and will return at approximately 17:00.
Following a suggestion from the President about hosting “An Evening With…” event, the Events Organiser explained that was something he had considered but decided against due to the cost of paying for the type of celebrity that would guarantee a packed venue.
No clear answer has been received as to whether there would be a charge for using the Woodmead Hall for the Festival of Remembrance. The pro’s and cons for using the Woodmead Hall had already been discussed at the AGM. The main arguments for being the logistical advantage and against being the perceived lack of atmosphere. The Events Organiser had spoken with the band and their preference was for the Woodmead Hall. The Events Organiser stated that he required a decision from the Committee fairly quickly as the venue would have to be booked early to ensure its availability. Lt Col Bennett favoured the Woodmead Hall for its ease of access and explained that it was up to the branch to ensure a good atmosphere. The Chairman asked to be excused from the debate due to a conflict of interest. Lt Col Bennett proposed the Woodmead Hall as the venue for the 2009 Festival of Remembrance. A vote was taken and the Branch decided 8 to 2 in favour of the Proposal.
The Chairman requested the Events Organiser to inform the Marine Theatre of the Committees decision.
The Date for the Festival of Remembrance will be set for the 1st November as that is the only Sunday available around the Remembrance period.
The Events Organiser asked if anyone knew the whereabouts of the Quiz Trophy following the closure of The Angel Inn and was informed by the Membership Secretary that he had rescued it and it was now at his house.

• Agenda Item 5: The President welcomed Mr Pip Evans who had arrived to photograph the presentation of the Medium Branch Poppy Award and also Miss Beverley Harrison, County Secretary.
The Trophy and Certificate were presented by the County Secretary and accepted by the 2008 Poppy Appeal Organiser on behalf of the Branch. The Branch was last awarded the Trophy in 2004 when Mrs Manners had also been the Poppy Appeal Organiser.

14) Correspondence: Dorset County Plan for 2009 to 2013, Dorset County Conference Information and Dorset County Newsletter.

15) AOB: Mrs Manners asked the Committee to begin saving gifts and prizes for the May Day Fete.

Lt Col Bennett asked the Committee to rise and thank the County Secretary for attending the meeting.
The County Secretary addressed the meeting and gave a summary of the County Conference and the Dorset County Plan for 2009 to 2013 (Details are available from the Secretary)

Meeting Closed: 20:30 hrs.

Please note. The next Committee meeting will be held on 5th March 2009 at 19:00 hrs

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Lyme Regis Branch held on 27th November 2008

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Lyme Regis Branch held on 27th November 2008 at The Woodmead Hall, Lyme Regis, commencing 19:30 hrs.

Present: Mr C Quick, President; Mr K Whetlor, Chairman; Lt Col R Bennett , Vice Chairman; Mr M Kirkby, Secretary; Mr M Jones, Treasurer; Mr W Reed, Welfare Secretary; Mr D Humphrey, Membership Secretary; Mrs A Manners, Poppy Organiser; Mr D Manners, Events Organiser; Mr K Austin; Mrs A Driver; Mr N Hampton-Rumbold; Mr M Lloyd.Branch Members: Mr P Evans, Mr R McLennan, Mr S Moore, Mr T Norman, Wing Cdr Orr, Lt Col Taggart.

(1) Exhortation: The President

(2) Apologies: Mr E Bignall, Rev J Harrisson

(3) Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held on 10th January 2008
Agreed by all present and signed by the President.

(4) Branch Reports

President’s Address
This is the Presidents 63rd AGM. He thanked all the Committee and those who have worked behind the scenes for their hard work last year. New blood on the Committee has given the Branch new life. A lot of money has been made for the Poppy Appeal but not so much for the Branch Fund which in the past had been boosted by the Bingo. A Harvest home had been successful in the past and the President asked the Branch to consider reviving this.
The meeting was asked to remember those suffering ill health, including Pip Evans and The Rev Harrisson, as well as our servicemen and women who were serving overseas.

Vice President’ Report
Nil

Chairman’s Report
Where we have been and are going
We are now hopefully on the up and up.
The past years have been very difficult for lack of working membership. In fact at one time we were down to a committee of four which to say the least was not workable for the benefit of our members. But the determination of the small group to survive has led us to were we are today with a growing membership and all officer posts filled.
Much praise for officers at this time and my sincere gratitude to those past and present officers for all there commitment to the RBL We would not have been able to carry on with out there loyalty to the Legion We are very proud of our record in welfare in this branch and I am pleased to say this was not affected due to the hard work of Bill Reed our Welfare secretary. During this time our Bingo night was handed over to a group of people in Lyme and is still doing well for the people of Lyme But it greatly reduced our financial income for the branch.
During this period we also became aware of many changes that were on the way within the Legion due to many problems such as the fall in legion membership accountability of money from branches and rising costs.
The Future
All members I believe are in the legion to help those less fortunate than ourselves and especially now with our forces still in battle zones .The well being of our members is always a priority and I for one am proud to be able to my bit for those members now and the new ones we will acquire. Most of us are traditionalists and the poppy collection is very much part of that. We have to protect our poppy collection. There had been a change in that we now do not go door to door but concentrate on the shops and the high street with collectors. This has been very successful and a tribute to the organiser Angela Manners
Part of the success now is due to the regular quarterly committee meetings and sub meetings that are called for the various events. One of these is the regulation of the AGM in future to be held each year in November
You will have had our first new edition of the Newsletter from the branch, which we hope to keep our members up to date.
I am also looking forward to the newly elected Welfare committee being very active again a necessary part of Legion work.
Our Membership has increased this year due to our new energetic membership secretary in attracting new members. This needs to continue with an emphasis on attracting younger members and getting them actively involved. Personally I'd like to see more Service personnel and Veterans recruited as these are the people that the Legion exists for.
Branch Funds - Although we raise quite a lot for the Poppy Appeal we do not generate funds for the Branch. Our only income seems to be from bequests. What we need is some form of regular income. I have said before it was the Bingo that gave us our money I am not sure what we could replace that with but we need something or our Branch Funds will dry up and we will be unable to provide local welfare help.
Thanks to Vice Chairman and Secretary and Treasurer. With new members participating we can look forward to the future success of the Branch.
Progress on Rev John Harrisson. Reports being received from his son. Despite the serious nature of his illness he is now making good progress.


Secretary’s Report
Nil

Treasurer’s Report
The Branch Accounts were agreed by all present and signed by the Branch Officers.
A Summary Balance sheet and Monthly Treasurers Report were shown to the meeting. The main increase in money held at present is due to the members’ affiliation fee which will be deducted by Head Office on 1st March 2009.
£10690.11 has been transferred into the Branch Funds Initiative as recommended by the Board of Trustees.£413.58 remains in the current account for immediate access.
There is a remainder of £0.86 in the deposit account which will remain there until the interest on that account has been received. That will be transferred to the current account and the deposit account will then be closed.
The Treasurer requested a letter of thanks to be sent to the Auditors. Action: Secretary.
The Treasurer also suggested that another member of the Committee be trained to deputise for him in his absence.

Membership Secretary’s Report
Well first I am glad to report that overall this year the membership has increased from 120 in January to 147 at the moment an increase of over 20%
59 People pay by Direct Debit
82 people pay by Cash
4 people are excused payment
2 people are life members
35 people have joined the branch this year, the oldest being 93, and the youngest being 20. So as you can see we are attracting support from all age's here in Lyme.
5 people have died since the last AGM and 3 people refused payment moved abroad or live out of town, Their cards have been returned and the Branch has been re - credited.
The first batch of 20 membership badges has been sold and money passed on to the Treasurer. I now have another batch of badges and deeply encourage all members to purchase one at a cost of £5:00 and wear it with pride.
The Skittles Team is doing better this year and beat the Top Dogs last week

Welfare Secretary’s Report
The Welfare Secretary announced that due to failing eyesight he was no longer in a position to continue in his post. He still wished to remain active with the Committee and would assist the new Welfare secretary where he could.£367 had been spent on the Taxi service in the last year and the Welfare Secretary hoped that the Branch would continue to provide this service in the future.A new Welfare Committee would be formed this year and the Welfare Secretary suggested that Welfare Committee meetings be held 30 minutes before the main Committee meetings as they had in previous years.

Poppy Appeal Organiser’s Report
The 2007/2008 Poppy Appeal figures were presented to the meeting. The last Poppy Appeal had raised a total of £5906.10 compared to the 2006/2007 total of £4415.76.The Poppy Appeal Organiser thanked all those who had helped in the collection either personally or by allowing a collection on their premises.The Poppy Appeal Organiser announced her resignation to the meeting but confirmed that she would continue to assist the new Poppy Appeal Organiser until the books closed on 31st May 2009.

Events Organiser’s Report
No major fundraising events had taken place in 2008 although plans for a joint venture in 2009 have begun. The events that have taken place this year such as the barbeque, and quiz night as well as the monthly get togethers in the Nag’s Head all help to raise the profile of the Branch in the town which it is hoped in turn will generate more funds.
It was a great disappointment that the town’s Remembrance Festival had to be abandoned but as many of the key figures were unavailable this year a decision had to be made at the last minute to cancel the event. With this in mind the Event’s Organiser had drawn up a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) to assist in organising the Remembrance events in the future.
The Events Organiser was sincerely grateful to the tremendous efforts of Reverends Rosemary Bragg and Keith Vivien in deputising for Reverend Harrisson at the last moment.

(5) Election of The Branch Officers and Committee

President
Cecil Quick.
Proposed: Ken Whetlor. Seconded: Wing Cdr Orr. Duly elected

Vice President
Bill Reed
Proposed: Ken Whetlor. Seconded: Angela Manners. Duly elected

Chairman
Ken Whetlor
Proposed: Bill Reed. Seconded: Martin Jones. Duly elected

Vice Chairman
David Manners
Proposed: David Humphrey. Seconded: Lt Col Bennett. Duly elected

Honorary Secretary
Murray Kirkby
Proposed: Angela Manners. Seconded: Neil Hampton- Rumbold. Duly elected

Honorary Treasurer
Martin Jones
Proposed: David Manners. Seconded: Michael Lloyd. Duly elected

Membership Secretary
David Humphrey
Proposed: David Manners. Seconded: Murray Kirkby. Duly elected

Welfare Secretary
Ania Driver
Proposed: David Humphrey. Seconded: Lt Col Bennett. Duly elected

Poppy Appeal Organiser
Vacancy arising

Events Organiser
David Manners
Proposed: David Humphrey. Seconded: Michael Lloyd. Duly elected

Committee Members
Keith Austin, Edward Bignall, Lt Col Ross Bennett, Michael Lloyd, Angela Manners, Neil Hampton-Rumbold (Deputy Treasurer)
No objections from all present.

(6) Appointment of Standard Bearer and Deputy Standard Bearer
James Rice
David Humphrey (Deputy)

(7)
Appointment of the Auditors for 2009
K Jenkin & J Volkman
No objections from all present.

(8) Adoption of The Branch Model By-Laws- November 2007
To update the Branch By Laws in line with the latest Royal Charter.
Proposed by The SecretaryAgreed by all present

(9) To add an additional Annex to the Branch Model By-Laws
Annex B lists the Acts of Remembrance performed by the Branch.
Proposed by The Secretary.Agreed by all present.

(10) Discuss the venue for the 2009 Remembrance Festival
The Membership Secretary raised the question of the best venue for the Festival of Remembrance. The Events Organiser mentioned that the main argument for the Woodmead Hall was the availability of parking although it was emphasised that this didn’t seem to detract from numbers attending the Marine Theatre. The Marine Theatre had more flexible lighting arrangements for the stage and the cost had in the past been borne by the generosity of an anonymous donor. The Membership Secretary was worried that the Marine Theatre might not always remain “free” and reminded the meeting that the cost of staging an event like this should be less than the amount raised. The Chairman stated that the 2008 event had been organised at zero cost in a written contract.
Lt Col Ross Bennett proposed that the Events Organiser investigate the actual cost involved with each venue and report his findings back to the Committee. This was seconded by the Secretary and agreed by all present. Action: Events Organiser

(11) Award of the “Jack Loveridge” Trophy
This year the trophy was chosen by secret ballot of those present at the AGM. The winner of the trophy was David Humphrey.

(12) AOB
The Secretary reminded those present that the newsletter was due to be published and anyone wishing to submit articles for publication should do so as soon as possible.

On completion of the meeting the following members were chosen to serve on the Welfare Committee:
Lt Col Ross Bennett, Mrs Ania Driver, Mr David Manners, Mr Bill Reed, Mr Ken Whetlor.

Meeting Closed: 20:15 hrs.

Please note. The next Committee meeting will be held on 5th February 2009 at 19:30 hrs.
A meeting for the Welfare Committee only will take place at 19:00 hrs.

Minutes of the General Meeting of the Lyme Regis Branch held on 9th October 2008

Minutes of the General Meeting of the Lyme Regis Branch held on 9th October at The Woodmead Hall, Lyme Regis, commencing 19:00 hrs.

(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 C Quick, President; Mr K Whetlor, Chairman; Lt Col R Bennett , Vice Chairman; Mr M Kirkby, Secretary; Mr M Jones, Treasurer; Mr D Humphrey, Membership Secretary; Mrs A Manners, Poppy Organiser; Mr D Manners, Events Organiser; Mr K Austin; Mr E Bignall; Mr M Lloyd

1) Apologies: Mr W Reed, Rev J Harrisson, Mr N Hampton-Rumbold

2) Exhortation: The President.
We were asked to remember Graham Marler who died at the age of 73 on 20th September.

3) Minutes of the Last Meeting held on 4th September 2008. The Minutes were presented on the night agreed as a true record and signed by The President.

4) Matters Arising: None.

5) Chairman’s Report: None.

6) Secretary’s Report: Dave Humphrey and his partner, Tracy visited Belgium recently and took the opportunity to visit some of the battlefields. They were able to lay crosses at the graves and memorials of several of Lyme’s war dead. I have put 2 pictures on the blog and there are more which I hope to include in the next newsletter.
A Welfare Committee meeting took place on 24th September 2008 at 11:00 hrs. The Chairman, Welfare Secretary and Secretary were present.The meeting took place to review the status of the excused payment members. Two members were removed from the excused payment members list and two more were added. The number of excused payment members remains at five. The Committee raised no objections to this recommendation. The welfare committee also recommended future meetings be held 30 minutes before the start of the main Committee meeting. The Membership Secretary questioned whether 30 minutes would allow enough time to conduct the Welfare Committees but was assured that this was only a guideline and the meeting could be rescheduled to start earlier if necessary.

7) Membership Report: One member has passed away. There are 4 new members.
81 Members pay cash.
50 pay by Direct Debit.
There are 4 “Excused Payment” members contrary to the Secretary’s report. This is because one of the “Excused Payment” members offered to pay when their membership card was delivered. Payment was accepted by the Membership Secretary and the Welfare Secretary was informed.
There are 2 Life Members.
Most of the 2009 membership cards have been delivered. One member has not been able to be contacted yet and there are 4 members who have not yet replied to the Membership Secretary.
Twenty Membership badges were recently ordered and there are now only 4 left.

8) Welfare Secretary’s Report: None

9) Poppy Organiser’s Report: The Poppy Organiser asked the Committee if some enamel poppy badges could be ordered to sell at the Festival of Remembrance. The Secretary and Membership Secretary admitted they had already ordered some and had been selling them for several weeks now. The profit from the sale would be donated to the poppy appeal but would not now be the surprise they had hoped for.
The new self adhesive poppy was displayed to the committee. They are meant to be an addition not a replacement for the current design. 1000 have been received so there will be limited numbers in each box.The Poppy Collectors have been given complementary tickets to attend the Festival of Remembrance.Remembrance wreaths have been distributed to the local organisations with one exception (edited for privacy reasons )who have been reminded that payment has not yet been received for the last one. The Committee were asked by the Poppy Appeal Organiser whether they should be given a wreath. It was agreed that they should.
The St Georges Square Memorial has had the old poppies and wreaths removed in preparation for Remembrance Day.
Prizes for the Festival of Remembrance Draw were requested. The Poppy Appeal Organiser asked for the prizes to be either given to her in advance or brought down on the night.
The Poppy Appeal Organiser wished to see a return to the old way of choosing the recipient of the Jack Loveridge Award whereby every member attending the AGM was given a ballot paper to record who they felt should receive the award. The Poppy Collectors should not be eligible as they have their own award scheme however non members would be eligible if they have provided outstanding service to the Legion.
10) Events Organiser’s Report: There is an amendment to the timing of the wreath laying ceremony at the cemetery on the 8th November. The start time will now be 10:15 hrs and not 10:30 as previously stated. This will allow more time between the cemetery and Polish Memorial engagements.The Polish memorial ceremony will take place at 11:00 hrs.The Festival of Remembrance will take place at 19:30 hrs on 26th October. The events Organiser was disappointed that no replies had been received to the invitations sent to the county’s standard bearers and despite invitations being sent out to the County Committee and others only the County Chairman had bothered to reply. If standard bearers do not attend then the Committee could consider changing the date of the Festival as one of the reasons for holding it so far in advance of Remembrance Sunday was to accommodate the standard bearers own timetables.
Pip Evans will return as compere this year and Cpl John Hunt will carry the Bible in the Drumhead ceremony. The Lifeboat Crew have been invited to take part in the Drumhead ceremony but no reply has yet been received. Lyme Regis’ Standard Bearer has also been informed but has yet to confirm his availabilty.
The Pilot Boat has been contacted to supply sandwiches for the standard bearers. Publicity for the event has been organised as has any necessary equipment.
The Events Organiser reported that due to a lack of available performers this year’s event would involve more audience participation set against a rolling slide presentation.
Help from Committee members was requested for 11:00 hours on 26th to assist in setting up the Marine Theatre for the festival.
The question of whether medals should be worn was raised. Some members thought it should be compulsory as it is a formal occasion while others thought it should be optional. The Secretary thought that the Committee should wear medals to set an example but leave it optional for others. The Committee decided that medals should be optional.
Trafalgar Night, whilst not strictly a Legion Event, will be held on Saturday October 18th at the Nag’s Head. The event is usually open to Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and veterans only but the Events Organiser decided to open it to all members this year. A Legion collection box will be passed around.The first Social evening was held at the Nag’s Head on 7th October. A small group of members attended. It is hoped this informal event will continue and that more members will attend over time.The President Proposed a vote of thanks for the Events Organiser for his work in organising the Festival of Remembrance.

11) Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s report was moved from item 7 as he’d arrived at the time stated on the Agenda, which was incorrect.
The 6 monthly Halifax bond, currently earning interest at 6.4%, matures on 17th November. The Treasurer asked for the Committees advice on whether he should reinvest it in another bond or follow the Branch Fund Initiative. The President was unhappy that by following the Branch Fund Initiative the branch would probably lose £125 in interest next year but felt that change was inevitable. The Secretary reminded the Committee of the current financial position of the Halifax. He explained that in the event of a banking failure, the Branch would probably not receive the protection that an individual investor is entitled to and the funds are not safe where they are at the moment. If the funds were lost and the Committee had not followed the instructions given by the Board of Trustees then the Committee could be held personally liable for any losses incurred. The Poppy Appeal Organiser felt that the Treasurers advice had always been sound in the past and that the Committee follow whatever decision he thought best. The Events Organiser agreed with the Secretary’s comments. The Vice Chairman stated that the debate could go on for ever with no decision being reached. He therefore proposed that the Committee accept the Branch Funds Initiative. This was Seconded by the Secretary and agreed by all present. Branch Funds will therefore be transferred to the Central Account when the Bond matures with the exception of the amount held for subscriptions and the maximum sum allowed under the Branch Fund Initiative.
The Poppy Appeal Organiser requested a donation from the branch to the Poppy Appeal. The Treasurer will arrange for £300 to be transferred to the Poppy Appeal account on 1st May 2009.

12) Standard Bearer’s Report: None

13) Correspondence: Timetable to Annual ConferenceOctober’s Legion LetterInstructions and forms relating to Annual Conference 2009Branches DVD Autumn 2008 (A copy will be placed in the library)

14) AOB: None

Meeting Closed: 19:48 hrs.

Please note. The next meeting will be held on 27th November 2008 at 19:30. This will be the Annual General Meeting for 2008.