AGENDA FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE LYME REGIS BRANCH,AT THE WOODMEAD HALLS, LYME REGIS,29th OF NOVEMBER 2012 AT 19:00 HRS.

Agenda For The Annual General Meeting Of The Lyme Regis Branch,
At The Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis,
29th Of November 2012 At 19:00 Hrs.

01. Exhortation.

02. Apologies.

Mr Tony Smith

Honorary Secretary.

03. Chairman’s Opening Remarks.

04. Minutes of the Last Meeting.

The Minutes of the last Meeting held on the 24th November 2011 were agreed as a true record and signed by The Chairman.

05. Matters Arising.

06. Additions to the Agenda.

07. President’s Address.

08. Chairman’s Report.

09. Vice Chairman’s Report.

Remembrancetide events.

10. Honorary Secretary’s Report.

11. Honorary Treasurer’s Report.

Head Office Policy on Legacies.

12. Welfare Chairman’s Report.

13. Welfare Secretary’s Report.

14. Poppy Appeal Organiser’s Report.

15. Recruitment Advisor’s Report.

£500:00 donation to the Dorset County Welfare Fund.

16. Standard Bearer’s Report.

Official handover between James Rice and John Hunt.

17. Members’ Reports.

18. ELECTION OF THE BRANCH OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE

Chairman.

Vice Chairman.

Honorary Secretary.

Honorary Treasurer.

Welfare Chairman.

Welfare Secretary.

Poppy Appeal Organiser.

Recruitment Advisor.

Members

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

19. APPOINTMENTS BY THE COMMITTEE

President.

Vice President.

Standard Bearer.

Deputy Standard Bearer.

Chaplain.

Auditors.

20. FORM MS 1

21. Nominations for County Office.

22. Nominations for National Office.

23. Motions for the County Annual Conference, January 2013.

24. Delegates for the County and National Conferences.

25. Award of the Jack Loveridge Trophy.

The Meeting closed at:

LAST YEAR’S MINUTES – SEE HERE.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE LYME REGIS BRANCH. HELD AT THE WOODMEAD HALLS, LYME REGIS, 24th OF NOVEMBER 2011 AT 19:30 HRS.

Minutes Of The Annual General Meeting Of The Lyme Regis Branch.
Held At The Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis,24^th Of November 2011 At 19:30 Hrs.

Present:
Appointees.
Mr Cecil Quick	President
Mr Bill Reed	Vice President
Mr James Rice	Standard Bearer
Committee.
Mr Ken Whetlor	Chairman
Mr Tony Smith	Honorary Secretary
Mr Martin Jones	Honorary Treasurer
Lt Col Ross Bennett	Welfare Chairman
Mrs Ania Driver	Welfare Secretary
Mrs Sylvia Marler	Poppy Appeal Organiser
Mr David Humphrey	Recruitment Advisor
Mr Keith Austin	Member
Mr John Hunt	Member
Mr Mike Lloyd	Member
Mrs Angela Manners.	Member
Mr Kevin Taylor	Member
Attendant.
Mr Philip Evans	Branch Member
Mr Ted Bignal	Branch Member
Mr Peter Ward	Branch Member
Mrs Jacqueline Ward	Branch Member
Apologies:
Mr David Manners	Vice Chairman
Rev Jane Skinner	Chaplain
Mr Murray Kirkby	Branch Member
Mr Vernon Rattenbury	Branch Member
Mr Jeremy Robson	Branch Member

Exhortation:

The President

President’s Address

• May I welcome you all to my 64^th AGM. Thank you all for coming this evening and you are all very welcome.
• First of all I want to say thank you to Bill, our Vice President, for coming along this evening and joining us, and retaining his interest as always.
• Our Vice Chairman has been very ill but, in spite of that, he carried on with all his duties. He organised the Festival of Remembrance, the Church Parade, the Church Service and everything else concerning Remembrance Week. I would like The Committee to pass a vote of thanks for all that and send best wishes for his recovery.
• I am not going to pick out any individual to-night, but just thank the whole of our committee for the work they have done during the year. It has been a successful year and I am very grateful to everybody for the part they have played.
• I remember some fifty years ago there was a competition to find the best branch in England and we came 3rd – that was really something; and there is no reason why this Branch cannot go forward to great things. I think we are recognised in Dorchester (sic) as one of the best branches in the county. So keep up the good work, and keep the Branch going, as it is worthwhile.
• I would ask our Secretary please, if you would send a letter to David Manners wishing him a speedy recovery.
• I wish you all a very Happy Christmas. Thank you.

Response.

The Vice Chairman, Mr Bill Reed, stated: “we owe so much to Cecil as, under his leadership, for the last fifty or sixty years, he has kept us together. We have had bad days, bad weeks, bad years but we have had very good ones as well, and it has all been under Cecil’s direction. For that Cecil, can I say thank you and I am sure the rest of you agree with me”. This sentiment was applauded by the meeting.

Minutes of the Last Meeting:

The Minutes of the last Meeting held on the 25th November 2010 were agreed as a true record and signed by The President.

Matters Arising:

None.

Additions To The Agenda.

Mr Martin Jones would like to discuss the dedication of a beach hut to The Red Arrows. See Any Other Business below.

Chairman’s Report.

• Our branch still maintains its usual consistency of loyalty to the Legion from Committee and members alike.
• We had a new Secretary start in office at the beginning of the year, Tony Smith, and I congratulate him on doing a good job on the takeover. Not an easy task.
• All Committee positions have been taken up and fulfilled to the job required.
• All Committee members will give their reports as per the Agenda.
• We have held six meeting in the past year; unfortunately I was absent from one through illness.
• I would just like to comment on, and congratulate the work of our poppy organiser, Sylvia, who has the most hideous task to keep up with expectations of that position. The Legion cannot thank her enough for the time and effort she gives to the appeal.
• A sincere thanks to our Treasurer, Martin Jones, for laying the two crosses at the memorial on his visit to the Falkland Islands.
• The Quiz night was a success as usual, held in the Nag’s Head. We raised the sum of £135.06
• Rogation Sunday - Blessing of the Boats was well attended; although I had to miss that because of illness I have already mentioned.
• We had no request this year for tickets for the Festival of Remembrance at the Albert Hall. (After Minute: Mr and Mrs David Humphrey did request tickets and attended.)
• The refurbishment of the Polish War Memorial has taken place during the year.
• The branch was presented with an oak goblet by Steve Staples, ex- Royal Marine, carved by him from oak from HMS Victory. It is to be used on Trafalgar night for the loyal toast. It is now in the Lyme Regis Museum.
• Last, but not least, to all those who gave their time for our Remembrance evening at The Woodmead Halls, the Lifeboat crew and our wonderful Town Band, Standard Bearers and members. Thank you all.
• I would like to extend special thanks and appreciation, on behalf of us all, to Philip Evans for a superb job as compere for the evening. He is always a strong supporter of our work here in Lyme Regis, and has provided excellent newspaper coverage on our behalf.
• The Chairman proposed that a cup that used to belong to the old Boys Club should be presented to The Hub Youth Club as the Branch’s contribution.
  Seconded: Mrs Angela Manners. Motion carried unanimously.
• General Meetings: protocol. Only elected members of The Committee are entitled to attend meetings and vote on agenda matters.
• During the discussion about protocol it became apparent that our Branch Rules booklet is inaccurate.
  The Chairman proposed that it should be scrapped forthwith. The Branch Management Handbook will be used as the only guide in future.
  Seconded: David Humphrey. All agreed.

Vice Chairman’s Report.

Absent through illness.

Honorary Secretary’s Report.

• The County has a Three Year Plan – basically to increase membership and income. It would be a good idea if we adopt a similar plan at this Branch so that we conform to the county guide lines and, as a policy, follow their lead.
  Seconded: Mr Ken Whetlor. Motion carried unanimously.
• The Form MS 1, which we complete after elections this evening, has a section where we sign to say we acknowledge our responsibilities as Branch Managing Trustees. I ask David Humphrey, who works at county level, to explain the meaning of this to us.
  David stated that signing the MS 1 Form, as a committee member, is a commitment to safeguard the Branch Funds that we hold. We are responsible for this money but, it is not actually the money of this Branch, but everybody’s money in the country; we are just holding public money. By signing this form we are agreeing that we will look after this money to the best of our ability.
  The Welfare Chairman supported this and stated that at the Management Course it is emphasised that everybody is equally responsible for any mismanagement.

Honorary Treasurer’s Report:

• We have received donations in memory of the late Peter Flux for £83.26 plus £10.00 making a total of £93.26. I ask the Secretary to acknowledge receipt of the funds.
• The Annual Accounts have been audited and need to be signed by The Chairman, The Treasurer and The Secretary; The Vice Chairman will sign subsequent to this meeting.
• I would ask The Secretary to thank Keith Jenkin for auditing our accounts and express our gratitude for waiving their fees.
• The Income Sheet contains one very large number which is the subscriptions from members paying cash. Fund raising this year yielded £839, from quiz nights and the Prize Draw. If anyone has any ideas for fund raising they would be most welcome.
• Last year we only received £30 in donations; this, of course, varies from year to year.
• The interest on the funds that we hold is not as attractive as it used to be: we get about £350 per annum, at about 3.2 to 3.4 %, which is as good as we can get in the current market. So our income comes from fund raising, gifts and donations and the interest accumulated from money that we have.
• Expenditure includes administrative costs, such as the hiring of rooms for meetings and The Festival of Remembrance and the outlay for badges. The Benevolent Fund received over £500 for their activities in the local area.
• Overall our funds have increased over the last year:

The Branch holds:
	Last Report	This Report
	6 October 2011	24 November 2011
Current Account	£337.85	£596.66
Branch Funds at Head Office	£11, 794.29	£13,094.29
Total	£12,132.14	£13,690.95

• The details are attached to this report.
• Note: The subscriptions collected by David Humphrey have been deposited in The Branch’s BFI Deposit Account, along with other monies received from bequests, so our real value is about £1,000 less than the above total.
• It was recorded that The Welfare Committee did not have any need for money at this point.
• The Chairman thanked The Treasurer for all his work. He stated it was a great deal of money for a small branch; it is a tribute to all of us that we manage to keep it on that amount of money. It does not seem to get less every year – it seems to get more, which is incredible really. The Treasurer added that it is due to the fund raising activities exceeding our expenditure. The Chairman opined that this is excellent. 

Welfare Chairman’s Report.

• A Veteran's Spouse has died. No assistance is required. (Report edited to protect the individuals privacy)

Welfare Secretary’s Report.

• The person I was concerned about appears to be ok, and just to say to Bill I hope I am running as good a show as you did.

Poppy Appeal Organiser’s Report.

• First I would like to thank anyone who helped in any way.
• The Summary of Donations for the 2010 Appeal, Lyme Regis (TCF 18), was presented to The Committee. The details are:

Direct Total	£101.41
Business Boxes	£0.00
Direct Church Collections	£0.00
Direct Gift Aid	£1.41
Direct Donations / Sales	£100.00
Direct Special Events	£0.00
Direct Wreaths	£0.00
Not Restricted Funds	£0.00
Poppy Appeal Organiser	£5,320.62
Church Collections	£371.24
Donations / Sales	£40.50
House to House	£0.00
Special Events	£455.67
90th Anniversary	£0.00
Static Point Collections	£0.00
Static Point Manned	£2,446.68
Static Point Unmanned	£1,553.47
Street Collections	£0.00
Unallocated	£320.06
Wreaths	£133.00
GROSS TOTAL	£5,422.03
Expenses Claimed	£0.00
Expenses Claimed at Source	£0.00
NET TOTAL	£5,422.03

• We are up a bit since last year by £94.84. We need to find some more collectors if anybody can think of anyone. If anyone wants to se the figures I have got them at home.
• The President thanked Sylvia and congratulated her.
• There is still the same number of boxes distributed. Mrs Angela manners said that Sylvia should be congratulated for that as it is a lot of work . Mr James Rice said that next year he will assist with this.
• The Chairman thanked Sylvia on behalf of The Committee for her efforts, and asked that any recommendations for next year should be submitted in good time.

Recruitment Advisor’s Report:

• The branch has lost 11 members since last November: 6 have died and 5 have Refused payment. Those who died were:
  Mr Elliot Leonard Harvey
  Mr David Rattenbury
  Mr William Croad
  Mr Lionel Harry Fisher
  Mr Raymond David Hallett
  Mr Peter Flux.
• On a positive note the Branch has recruited 11 members this year, the oldest being 51 and the youngest 25.
• Overall the membership has remained steady at 183, the same number as at the last AGM. So we are bucking the trend by not decreasing our Branch’s membership over the year, as is happening with a lot of branches throughout the County. 107 members pay by Direct Debit, 74 members pay by Cash and 2 are life members. Whilst on the subject of membership, can I just ask those people who pay by cash, or know of any member who pays by cash, to consider paying by Direct Debit, as cash payers cost the Royal British Legion over £1 million pounds a year in administration fees. I am sure we all agree that this could be spent on better things.
• David explained that cash payments are held by this branch prior to sending them to National Office whereas Direct Debits go straight there.
• I sold a batch of badges over the last year making a profit of £29 for The Branch. I have at the moment nine membership badges and £55.00; badges are still £5:00 each.
• The monthly draw this year has 48 members taking part. £180.00 will go to prize money, leaving a profit for The Branch of £396:00. Since the draw started three years ago it has made a profit for The Branch of £1,346:00.
• One of my agenda points is the abolition of The Branch Administration Fee. Two years ago I introduced this. The cost of joining The RBL at the moment is £12; we charge an extra £1 which goes towards branch administration costs. The National Committee has agreed that branch fees will increase annually. I feel that if we remove it now it will be easier for members next year.
  I propose that this fee is abolished. Seconded by Angela; carried unanimously.
• The next couple of items are just ideas and do not require a vote.
  We have commented on how well the Poppy Appeal Organiser has done, and quite rightly so. We all know that this is not an easy job. Before the next General Meeting in January, I would ask people to think about forming a Poppy Appeal Subcommittee. This would not have to hold formal meetings but would be a group of four or five people willing to help.
• The next thing is the Relocation of the Legion Crest. The Crest used to be outside The Ship, then it went to the bar in the Nag’s Head when meetings were held there, but it is no longer on display. As we now hold our meetings here, it might be an idea to ask The Woodmead Halls Committee if a place could be found for it here. Mr Philip Evans said he did not think there would be any problem. The Committee is very pleased that The RBL use this hall. The Halls are meant for the community and the Legion a big part of the community; they would consider it an honour to have the badge outside or wherever you want it. I am sure I am speaking for The Committee.
• Mrs Angela Manners will speak, on behalf of The Committee,  to Rob, the owner of the Nag’s Head, to ensure he would be happy with the plan. The Chairman asked for a report at the next meeting.

Monthly Draw.
November	£10:00	Mrs P M Freeman	£5:00	Mr T Rice
December	£10.00	Mrs O Hill	£5:00	Mr G Jones

Standard Bearer’s Activities.

• Mr James Rice apologised for not being as active as he would have liked to have been but he is working nights and sleeping during the day, but he is available at key points when needed.
• The Standard is looking a little bit tatty but should last another year.
• The gauntlets need to be replaced and can be sourced by himself.

Members’ Reports.

Mr Keith Austin:

I would like to thank you very much for helping me out to get the wreath for The Baptist Church. Sylvia got me one and we were very pleased with it.

Election Of The Branch Officers And Committee
Appointment	Name	Proposed	Seconded
Chairman.	Ken Whetlor	Ross Bennett	John Hunt
Vice Chairman.	David Manners	Ania Driver	Ross Bennett
Honorary Secretary.	Tony Smith	Martin Jones	John Hunt
Honorary Treasurer.	Martin Jones	David Humphrey	Kevin Taylor
Welfare Chairman.	Ross Bennett	Ania Driver	Angela Manners
Welfare Secretary.	Ania Driver	Ross Bennett	David Humphrey
Poppy Appeal Organiser.	Sylvia Marler	Keith Austin	Ania Driver
Recruitment Advisor.	David Humphrey	Kevin Taylor	Ania Driver
Members	Keith Austin	Ross Bennett	Ken Whetlor
	John Hunt	Martin Jones	Mike Lloyd
	Mike Lloyd	Ross Bennett	David Humphrey
	Angela Manners	Sylvia Marler	Ken Whetlor
	Kevin Taylor	David Humphrey	Martin Jones
	Peter Ward	Ania Driver	David Humphrey
	Jacqueline Ward	David Humphrey	Ania Driver
Appointments By The Committee
Appointment	Name	Proposed	Seconded
President.	Cecil Quick	Ken Whetlor	David Humphrey
Vice President.	Bill Reed	David Humphrey	Angela Manners
Standard Bearer.	James Rice	Ken Whetlor	Kevin Taylor
Deputy Standard Bearer.	John Hunt	David Humphrey	Mike Lloyd
Chaplain.	Jane Skinner	Ken Whetlor	Ross Bennett
Auditors.	Keith Jenkin	Martin Jones	David Humphrey

All of the nominees above received a unanimous vote.

Form MS 1

This was completed and signed by Branch Officers and Committee Members.

Nominations for County Office and Nominations for National Office.

None.

Motions for the County Annual Conference, Sunday the 8th of January 2012.

None.

Delegates for the County and National Conferences.

None.

Award of the Jack Loveridge Trophy.

Mrs Sylvia Marler received the Jack Loveridge Trophy from The President.

Any Other Business.

• Lt. Col. Ross Bennett said that he would like to propose a vote of thanks to Mr Philip Evans for everything he does on behalf of The Royal British Legion. Seconded by Mr Ken Whetlor and applauded by the meeting.
• Mr Martin Jones said that a current Town Councillor had approached him with a germ of an idea to generate another point of interest in the town, by dedicating a couple of beach huts, Numbers 3 and 4, to the two members of the Royal Air Force Red Arrows Team who died this year. There is no particular plan as to the form this would take, but he was seeking to gain the general approval of The RBL, as representatives of the Armed Forces, that they could go ahead with the idea.
  I am proposing that we do accept interest and allow them to proceed with the scheme.
  Seconded by The Chairman and given a unanimous vote.
• The Chairman reminded the meeting that we had received an oak cup during the year. This was carved out of a piece of oak from HMS Victory and is now in the Museum. There was also a Certificate of Authenticity which in the hands of a local calligrapher for completion.
• Mrs Angela Manners has booked the Hall for next year’s meetings and would present the dates at the next GM on the 5th of January at 19:00 hours.
• Ania pointed out that if anyone wished to receive an Agenda they should give their email address to The Honorary Secretary.

Meeting Closed: at 20:47 hours.

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE LYME REGIS BRANCH. HELD AT THE WOODMEAD HALLS, LYME REGIS, THURSDAY 4th OCTOBER 2012 AT 19:00 HRS.

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE LYME REGIS BRANCH.
HELD AT THE WOODMEAD HALLS, LYME REGIS,
THURSDAY 4th OCTOBER 2012 AT 19:00 HRS.

Present:

Mr Cecil Quick	President
Mr David Manners	Vice Chairman
Mr Tony Smith	Honorary Secretary
Mr Martin Jones	Honorary Treasurer
Lt Col Ross Bennett	Welfare Chairman
Mrs Ania Driver	Welfare Secretary
Mrs Sylvia Marler	Poppy Appeal Organiser
Mr David Humphrey	Recruitment Advisor
Mr Keith Austin	Member
Mr Mike Lloyd	Member
Mrs Angela Manners.	Member
Mr Kevin Taylor	Member
Mr Peter Ward	Member
Mrs Jacqueline Ward	Member

01. Exhortation: The President

02. Apologies:
Mr Ken Whetlor Chairman
Mr John Hunt Member

Mr David Manners chaired the meeting and opened by welcoming Mike Lloyd back.

03. Minutes of the Last Meeting: 
The Minutes of the last Meeting held on the 13th of September 2012 were agreed as a true record and signed by The President.
Proposed:  Kevin Taylor Seconded: Ania Driver   Passed: unanimously

04. Matters Arising: 
Peter and Jacqueline Ward apologised for their absence at the last meeting.
No one received an invitation for The Woodmead Halls 30th Annivesery celebration.

05. Additions to the Agenda.
None.

06. Chairman’s Report. 
Not present.

07. Vice Chairman’s Report. 
Everything is progressing for the remembrance period; everyone has the dates and the format is the same as previous years.
The Festival of Remembrance.
Posters for the Festival were distributed. The County guests have been invited; The Secretary will invite The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Miss Sally Holman, and The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Mrs Minnie Churchill.
David Humphrey will send a list of current Standard Bearers to The Vice Chairman.
Ross and Ania will manage the door and the raffle as in previous years.
The most important thing is for helpers to assist in the preparation of The Halls from 10:00 hours on Saturday the 3rd of November.
Pip Evans will be comparing again but this will be his last year.
Contributions for raffle prizes should be brought on the day.
The meeting was reminded that Remembrance Day is on the 11th this year; the War Memorial in the morning and the Parade in the afternoon.

08. Honorary Secretary’s Report.
The latest RBL News Letter was handed out.
The new three year County Plan is expected in January 2013.
The Secretary gave his apologies as he will be unable to attend the AGM. All the paper work will be presented at the next meeting ready for completion. The Vice Chairman volunteered to take the minutes.

09. Honorary Treasurer’s Report: 
The Branch holds

Current Account £904.79p  Branch Funds at Head Office £13,133.28p Total £14,038.07p.

Note:
I will transfer a further £500 to the higher interest earning Head Office Account.
The annual accounts are being finalised and signatures from Ross and Ania are required to authorise the auditors to access the accounts.
The accounts will be with the auditors next week and should be ready for presentation to the next meeting, on the 1st of  November, when the signatures of The Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary will be required.
There will be copies of the accounts at the next meeting. Everyone on The Committee is responsible for the correct financial procedure for Branch Funds. Any observations, comments or recommendations about policy, or individual transactions, will be welcome.

10. Welfare Chairman’s Report.
Nothing new to report. Home visit programme is on-going.
The telephone number for Lyme Regis taxis is: 07900 69 85 69. Ania will post notices or laminated cards for this number if necessary.
The Vice Chairman added that an item for The AGM would be ways of improving communications between The Branch and the population.

11. Welfare Secretary’s Report.
NTR.

12. Poppy Organiser’s Report.
Still have not received payment from the Coast Guards for their wreath from last year.
After some discussion, The Secretary proposed that no more wreaths would be made for them.
Proposed:  Tony Smith  Seconded: David Humphrey  Passed: unanimously
The collection dates for this year, 2012, were confirmed as:

	Saturday 27 October
Friday 02 November	Saturday 03 November
Friday 09 November	Saturday 10 November

Lists are being prepared for the street collections.

13. Recruitment Advisor’s Report: 
I have still not received the cash cards, I spoke to the county chairman about this last night and he is going to investigate it. As it stands as of Monday 1st October all cash members are lapsed members and can remain in the Legion for three months without paying a membership fee. After that they should re-join the legion as a direct debit payer or leave the legion. This is a worst case scenario if the cards do not show up.
I have been invited along with the poppy appeal organiser to attend the golf club's ladies AGM next Thursday at 13:30 hrs. to receive a cheque from the ladies captain, as the poppy appeal washer chosen charity last year.
News from the County
The County chairman send his apologies as he and his wife will not be able to attend our Festival of Remembrance as he will be away.
Mrs Lucy Eden county vice chairman and her husband
Mr  Mick Arnold and his wife
Mr  Michael Tuck and his wife will all be attending.
The county secretary will be leaving the post at the end of the month to take up a post in Haig House London. The post of County Secretary has been advertised.

14. Standard Bearer’s Activities.
Not present.
Mr David Humphrey believes that John Hunt has The Standard and has attended training.

15. Any Other Business: 
Kevin gave his apologies for not being able to attend the next meeting but is available for street collections.

16. Future Meetings:
Date, time and place of the next meetings:

GM:	Thursday 1st of November, at 19:00 hours in The Woodmead Halls.
AGM:	Thursday 29th of November.

The Meeting Closed: at 19:37 hours.

Minutes of The General Meeting of The Lyme Regis Branch.Held at The Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis,Thursday 13th September 2012 At 19:00 Hrs.

Minutes of The General Meeting of The Lyme Regis Branch.
Held at The Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis,
Thursday 13th September 2012 At 19:00 Hrs.

Present:

Mr Cecil Quick	President
Mr Ken Whetlor	Chairman
Mr Tony Smith	Honorary Secretary
Lt Col Ross Bennett	Welfare Chairman
Mrs Ania Driver	Welfare Secretary
Mr David Humphrey	Recruitment Advisor
Mr Keith Austin	Member
Mr John Hunt	Member
Mr Kevin Taylor	Member

01. Exhortation:

The President

02. Apologies:

Mr David Manners	Vice Chairman
Mr Martin Jones	Honorary Treasurer
Mrs Sylvia Marler	Poppy Appeal Organiser
Mr Mike Lloyd	Member
Mrs Angela Manners.	Member

Absent:

Mr Peter Ward	Member
Mrs Jacqueline Ward	Member

03. Minutes of the Last Meeting:

• The Minutes of the last Meeting held on the 5th of July 2012 were agreed as a true record and signed by The President.
  Proposed: Ania Driver Seconded: Ross Bennett Passed: unanimously

04. Matters Arising:

• None.

05. Additions to the Agenda.

• None.

06. Chairman’s Report.

• The Standard Bearer had sent a reply to the Chairman’s email concerning availability suggesting that, because of his work commitments, it would be better if John Hunt took over from him and he became his deputy.John Hunt stated that he intended to attend as much training as possible at Ferndown but would be unable to enter the competition for family reasons.After some discussion it was decided that it would be best for James to remain as Standard Bearer until The AGM when John could take over.
  Proposed: David Humphrey. Seconded: Kevin Taylor Passed: unanimously.

• The Chairman will write a letter to James to this effect.

07. Vice Chairman’s Report.

• Not present.

08. Honorary Secretary’s Report.

• Murray Kirkby had received an email from The RBL Web Editor about revamping the RBL Website. In future, Murray will receive copies of the approved Minutes.
• The forms for nominations for National Chairman and Vice Chairman were presented. There were no nominees. (David Humphrey pointed out that no-one in our Branch is qualified for these appointments).
• A letter and DVD has been received from an organisation called Equality for Veterans. These were handed to The Welfare Chairman.
• The Woodmead Halls Committee have made new arrangements for bookings. Mrs Pat Smith has retired and all future bookings will be taken by Michaela Ellis who can be contacted on her home number, 01297 443 942, or mobile 07856 63 09 75.
• There will be an evening in September celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Wood-mead Halls;  an invitation will be sent for us to be represented.

09. Honorary Treasurer’s Report:

• The Secretary presented the Treasurer’s Report:
• The Branch holds

Current Account	£913.29p
Branch Funds at Head Office	£13,133.28p
Total	£14,046.57p.

• Note:Unless advised that cash is required for the benevolent fund,  a further £500 will be transferred to the higher interest earning Head Office Account.

10. Welfare Chairman’s Report.

• Nothing new.

11. Welfare Secretary’s Report.

• Same.

12. Poppy Organiser’s Report.

• Not present.

13. Recruitment Advisor’s Report:

• As for the membership I have nothing to report only that I was expecting the cash cards to be here, but they were sent to the wrong address so as yet they are missing.The County Secretary is chasing the problem.

News from the County.

• As of the 20th July the County Manager and County Welfare assistant have left their posts. Also, as of yesterday, the County Secretary's Assistant has also left her position for a more permanent position. Any welfare cases branches come across are to be forwarded directly to the County Welfare Office and not taken on by the branch.
• All volunteer visitors must have CRB clearance and have attended the half day course for volunteer visitors. The Welfare Chairman has attended one.
• The Branch cannot give any assistance over £10 without completing the relevant forms.
• It was agreed that invitations will be sent to the usual representatives from The County Committee for our Festival of remembrance on Saturday the 3rd of November.

14. Standard Bearer’s Activities.

• See Chairman’s Report above.

15. Any Other Business:

• The AGM should be held on the 29th of November.
  Proposed: David Humphrey. Seconded: John Hunt. Passed: unanimously.

16. Future Meetings:

• Date, time and place of the next meetings:
  Thursday 4th of October at 19:00 hours in The Woodmead Halls.
  Thursday 1st of November.

The Meeting Closed: at 19:40 hours.

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE LYME REGIS BRANCH. HELD AT THE WOODMEAD HALLS, LYME REGIS, THURSDAY 5th JULY 2012 AT 19:00 HRS.

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE LYME REGIS BRANCH.
HELD AT THE WOODMEAD HALLS, LYME REGIS,
THURSDAY 5th JULY 2012 AT 19:00 HRS.

Present:

Mr Cecil Quick	President
Mr Ken Whetlor	Chairman
Mr David Manners	ViceChairman
Mr Tony Smith	Honorary Secretary
Mr Martin Jones	Honorary Treasurer
Mrs Ania Driver	Welfare Secretary
Mrs Sylvia Marler	Poppy Appeal Organiser
Mr David Humphrey	Recruitment Advisor
Mr Keith Austin	Member
Mrs Angela Manners	Member
Mr Kevin Taylor	Member
Mr Peter Ward	Member
Mrs Jacqueline Ward	Member

01. Exhortation:

The President

02. Apologies:

Lt Col Ross Bennett	Welfare Chairman
Mr John Hunt	Member
Mr Mike Lloyd	Member

3. Minutes of the Last Meeting:

• The Minutes of the last Meeting held on the 3rd of May 2012 were agreed as a true record and signed by The President.
  Proposed David Humphrey. Seconded David Manners

04. Matters Arising:

• David Manners clarified Paragraph 7 of the Minutes. The timings for the 10th of November should read:
  10:30 hours at the Cemetery and 11:00 at the Polish War memorial.
• The Secretary stated that Murray Kirkby had not contacted him about posting the Minutes on the website. The Chairman will contact him.
• The system is in place for the new taxi firm.

05. Additions to the Agenda.

• None.

06. Chairman’s Report.

• NTR.

07. Vice Chairman’s Report.

• The Quiz Night was a failure as only one person turned up. This was curious as all preparations had been the same as in the past.
• Last weekend was Armed Forces Day. I would like the Committee to consider ideas for next year if this Branch would like to take part.

08. Honorary Secretary’s Report.

• The June News Letter is here if anyone wishes to read it.
• There is a circular here concerning The Festival of Remembrance 2012. Sub Committees not required at the moment.

09. Honorary Treasurer’s Report:

The Branch holds:

Current Account	£211.21
Branch Funds at Head Office	£13,034.87
Total	£13,246.08

Notes:

• Incoming: £97.71 donation from a local company, a £1,000 bequest and we won £10 in the Company District Lottery Draw.
• We are due to receive around £100 in interest for the last three months.
• The June BFI Statement has not been received.
• I apologise for my non-attendance at the last meeting.

11. Welfare Secretary’s Report.

• There are two ongoing cases, for one of which Ross conducts weekly visits and the other has been referred to Blandford.
• I have been fundraising for the Branch and have here £116 for Martin.
  David Humphrey expressed his thanks for Ania’s activities, seconded by all present.

12. Poppy Appeal Organiser’s Report.

• NTR.

13. Recruitment Advisor’s Report.

• Since the last meeting one member has transferred out of the branch to move to Axminster, the good thing is they have not left the Legion. I have recruited one member keeping the membership constant.
• We have 183 members.
  107 Pay by Direct Debit
  74 Pay by Cash
• 2 are Life Members.

Badges.

• I have sold two badges since my last report, this is partly due to the Naval visit. I now hold seven badges and £65:00

News From The County

• We have lost Howard Fairman the County Manager, he has been made redundant, along with all the other County Managers. His exact date of leaving at the moment is not known but I believe it will be soon. Louise Revula the community fundraiser is also leaving the RBL tomorrow (6 July 2012). Any Poppy Appeal matters should be raised with Stuart Burman the County Poppy Appeal  Coordinator.
• I recently went to a meeting of the Beaminster Branch, and they have shown some interest in a skittles match against this branch. (Anybody here interested in organising that let me know and I’ll pass it on to them).
• As a Branch we should be holding meeting's every three months for the members, so how about trying to attract the members to the Woodmead Halls every now and again for a get together. Perhaps at the next meeting we could discuss any ideas.
• The Monthly Draw has been cancelled.

14. Standard Bearer’s Activities.

• The Chairman stated he was disappointed that The Standard Bearer did not attend The Queen’s Jubilee Parade even though he had said he would. In a reply to an email from The Chairman, James Rice said he had been unable to attend due to work and that he did not think The Deputy Standard Bearer would be able to carry out his duties.
  The Committee were agreed that failing to advise anybody about this before the event was unacceptable. Someone could have carried the Standard and ensured it was on the parade.
  It was proposed that The Chairman should write to James Rice concerning this affair and gain written confirmation that he will be able to attend the rest of the year’s events.
  Proposed: David Humphrey. Seconded: Ania Driver. Passed unanimously.
• A copy of the letter will be at the next meeting.
• The Deputy Standard Bearer is undergoing training during September and October.

15. Any Other Business.

• Angela Manners made the point that all communications by email or telephone should be acknowledged.
• David Manners asked if The County has a supply of RBL flags. There will be a Flower Festival at St. Michael’s Church in September and it would be appropriate if the section allocated to The RBL could be marked with a flag. David Humphrey will ask The County Office.

16. Future Meetings.

• The next General Committee Meeting will be held at 19:00hours, in The Woodmead Halls, on Thursday the 6th of September 2012.
• Dates for the rest of the year 2012:
  Thursday 04 October
  Thursday 01 November
  Date for the AGM to be arranged in November
  The last Thursday is the 29th.

Meeting Closed: at 19:52 hours.