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.