Minutes of the Meeting held on 18th November 2015
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Meeting Opening: Meeting opened at 19:15 Hrs. The Act of Homage was duly observed.
The Chairman gave an update on Gwen Wilkinson. She's recovering after her operation and the signs are very encouraging. The Branch wishes her a speedy recovery.
2. Present: There were 18 members and 1 guests present. Roll call available from the Secretary.
3. Apologies: There were 5 apologies.
4. Minutes of the last meeting: Proposed by Margaret Stracey seconded by Fred Hall that the minutes of the meeting held on the 21st October 2015 be passed as read. Carried.
5. Matter arising:
The City Centre Remembrance Sunday Parade, which was attended by some members of the branch, was very successful. There was a large turnout from the general public and the rain held off. There was some disquiet, and indeed a level of anger, about the Lord Mayor opting to take the “Eyes Right” meant for the Cenotaph. Feedback will be passed through the appropriate channels.
The Church Parade at Fulwood, also attended by members of the branch, alongside Scouts and Guides was equally successful and established a format for future occasions. The young bugler was singled out as being particularly skilful.
The Branch Armistice Day Parade at Crystal Peaks was well attended and well executed. Letters of thanks have been sent to the Security Team at Crystal Peaks, and to the staff of Greggs, who laid on free refreshments. The President gave a vote of thanks to all involved.
Th Armistice Day Parade at the City Centre Cenotpah was well attended and Bryan Green's photo, taken whilst laying a wreath, appeared in The Sheffield Star
Bryan Green is now “Chairman: Sheffield Group R.B.L.” The Branch congratulates him and wishes him well
Bryan Green will coordinate attendance at the 2016 Annual Conference
Stewart Dalton and a few friends held a small Armistice Day Ceremony at The Cenotaph in Halfway
6. Agenda:
Chairman:The Chairman gave The Branch a general “Thank You” for the hard work that many members, and some friends put in during the recent Poppy Sales period.
Treasurer: Alan Walker gave a summary of the finances relating to Poppy Sales:
The total collected, including “Gift Aid” and a contribution from Branch, is a little over £60K, which is a small increase on the previous year, and is a superb effort all round. The Branch should be very proud of this sum.
That total consists of the following breakdown:
Market: £12.8K
Sainsburys: £18.2K
M&S: £8.9K
ASDA: £6.2K
ASDA (Manor): £2.5K
Clarks Shoes: £1.2K
This was supplemented by collections from a large number of smaller locations, combining to £9.2K, and a contribution of £1K from 3WF
Well done everyone!!
Alan then spoke about the accounting procedures for this money, having paid off all loans and then transferring a sum to 3WF. He also spoke about next year, and how many larger shops will be counting the money themselves. The flow of information on this subject, from County and National, will need to improve so that we can organise ourselves around these changes. This will also force a few adjustments to the types of things we sell.
We may well need a wider spectrum of selling items next year, avoiding expensive brooches, and storage space will be an issue. It was suggested that the branch forms a Poppy Sales Committee to deal with this matter.
The President pointed out that Alan's time and effort over this period was invaluable to the cause, and described the midnight oil burnt by Alan and his wife Sheila, in managing the money and the accounts. There was a well deserved round of applause.
Gail Leach thanked The President for the Wreath her two nieces were given, to present on Remembrance Sunday.
Arthur Ellwood asked The Treasurer if the Supermarkets will do their own banking? Alan said that they would.
Phil Thickett asked if we can ensure that the “Accounting by Supermarkets” info fed down from County is much more thorough in the future. The Chairman and Secretary said they would do everything they could to ascertain that it was.
It was proposed (after an amendment) by Phil Thickett, seconded by Danielle Rally, that £50 be given to each of the two Yorkshire based care homes run by the legion. Carried
Proposed by Margaret Stracey, seconded by Angie Dalton, that £1K be transferred from 3WF to Poppy Fund. Carried
Eric Colley thought that the letter of thanks given to shops may need rewording as it may be deceptive
President: The President endorsed Alan's idea that a Poppy Committee be formed. This will consist of Alan Walker (Poppy Organiser) and Dave Warburton, Pat Davey and Steve Bush
7. Correspondence:
Chairman:Tapton Hall will be holding a Christmas Tree Festival on Friday 27th November at 11am. It is sponsored by the “Sheffield & District Freemasonry in the Community” and will raise money for a number of charities, including the RBL. It will be opened by Christine Spencer, County Chairman, South and West Yorkshire. All members are encouraged to attend.
Chairman:The Chairman has received a very encouraging letter of response from Clive Betts MP, in relation to the number of hours people suffering from conditions like PTSD may work selling poppies.
Sheila Walker:Sheila introduced us to the working of Amy's House, who provide support and care for children with special needs and their families, and is based in Handsworth, S13, and of their need to raise funds.
President: Tonight's raffle will be in aid of Amy's House
8. Treasurers Report:
3WF: £3.2K
Legion: £285.84
9. New members:
The Chairman welcomed the return of Stewart and Angie Dalton.
10. Other Business:
Welfare: Gwen Wilkinson. Update already given.
Margaret Stracey. Margaret was back in attendance and is slowly recovering from the operation on her foot
11. Date of next meeting: The next meeting will take the form of a Pie'n'Peas Supper at “The Angel” pub at Woodhouse, (S13 7EQ ) on Wed 17th Feb 2016, from 7PM onwards. Names to Alan or Dave please.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:40 hours. “The Queen”.
