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.
Present:
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Appointees.
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Mr Cecil Quick
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President
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Mr Bill Reed
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Vice President
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Mr James Rice
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Standard Bearer
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Committee.
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Mr Ken Whetlor
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Chairman
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Mr Tony Smith
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Honorary Secretary
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Mr Martin Jones
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Honorary Treasurer
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Lt Col Ross Bennett
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Welfare Chairman
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Mrs Ania Driver
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Welfare Secretary
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Mrs Sylvia Marler
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Poppy Appeal Organiser
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Mr David Humphrey
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Recruitment Advisor
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Mr Keith Austin
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Member
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Mr John Hunt
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Member
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Mr Mike Lloyd
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Member
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Mrs Angela Manners.
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Member
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Mr Kevin Taylor
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Member
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Attendant.
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Mr Philip Evans
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Branch Member
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Mr Ted Bignal
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Branch Member
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Mr Peter Ward
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Branch Member
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Mrs Jacqueline Ward
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Branch Member
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Apologies:
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Mr David Manners
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Vice Chairman
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Rev Jane Skinner
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Chaplain
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Mr Murray Kirkby
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Branch Member
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Mr Vernon Rattenbury
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Branch Member
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Mr Jeremy Robson
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Branch Member
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Exhortation:
The President
President’s Address
- May I welcome you all to my 64th 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:
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The Branch holds:
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Last Report
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This Report
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6 October 2011
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24 November 2011
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Current Account
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£337.85
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£596.66
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Branch Funds at Head Office
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£11, 794.29
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£13,094.29
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Total
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£12,132.14
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£13,690.95
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- 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:
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Direct Total
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£101.41
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Business Boxes
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£0.00
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Direct Church Collections
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£0.00
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Direct Gift Aid
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£1.41
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Direct Donations / Sales
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£100.00
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Direct Special Events
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£0.00
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Direct Wreaths
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£0.00
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Not Restricted Funds
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£0.00
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Poppy Appeal Organiser
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£5,320.62
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Church Collections
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£371.24
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Donations / Sales
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£40.50
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House to House
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£0.00
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Special Events
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£455.67
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90th Anniversary
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£0.00
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Static Point Collections
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£0.00
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Static Point Manned
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£2,446.68
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Static Point Unmanned
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£1,553.47
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Street Collections
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£0.00
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Unallocated
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£320.06
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Wreaths
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£133.00
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GROSS TOTAL
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£5,422.03
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Expenses Claimed
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£0.00
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Expenses Claimed at Source
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£0.00
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NET TOTAL
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£5,422.03
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- 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.
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November
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£10:00
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Mrs P M Freeman
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£5:00
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Mr T Rice
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December
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£10.00
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Mrs O Hill
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£5:00
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Mr G Jones
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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
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Appointment
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Name
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Proposed
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Seconded
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Chairman.
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Ken Whetlor
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Ross Bennett
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John Hunt
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Vice Chairman.
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David Manners
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Ania Driver
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Ross Bennett
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Honorary Secretary.
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Tony Smith
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Martin Jones
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John Hunt
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Honorary Treasurer.
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Martin Jones
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David Humphrey
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Kevin Taylor
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Welfare Chairman.
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Ross Bennett
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Ania Driver
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Angela Manners
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Welfare Secretary.
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Ania Driver
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Ross Bennett
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David Humphrey
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Poppy Appeal Organiser.
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Sylvia Marler
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Keith Austin
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Ania Driver
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Recruitment Advisor.
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David Humphrey
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Kevin Taylor
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Ania Driver
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Members
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Keith Austin
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Ross Bennett
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Ken Whetlor
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John Hunt
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Martin Jones
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Mike Lloyd
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Mike Lloyd
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Ross Bennett
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David Humphrey
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Angela Manners
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Sylvia Marler
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Ken Whetlor
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Kevin Taylor
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David Humphrey
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Martin Jones
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Peter Ward
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Ania Driver
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David Humphrey
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Jacqueline Ward
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David Humphrey
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Ania Driver
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Appointments By The Committee
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Appointment
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Name
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Proposed
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Seconded
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President.
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Cecil Quick
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Ken Whetlor
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David Humphrey
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Vice President.
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Bill Reed
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David Humphrey
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Angela Manners
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Standard Bearer.
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James Rice
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Ken Whetlor
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Kevin Taylor
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Deputy Standard Bearer.
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John Hunt
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David Humphrey
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Mike Lloyd
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Chaplain.
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Jane Skinner
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Ken Whetlor
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Ross Bennett
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Auditors.
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Keith Jenkin
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Martin Jones
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David Humphrey
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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.
