Committee Meeting Chaired by Bob Cubitt, Secretary at the request of Graham Walker, Chair.

Item 1: Matters arising from previous minutes

Proposed Branch Trip to Defford House and Museum

• Bob Cubitt had received 6 names interested. After further discussion it was decided to postpone an outing for 2022, and look afresh in 2023.
• Alan Bailey to email DACT to advise that we will not be using their services.

BBQ Sunday 31 July 2022

• Bob Cubitt has had 16 members record an interest.
• Till Williamson will be the chef.
• The rector has agreed to loan tables and chairs.
• Chris Kiely will order the meat – chicken, sausages & burgers, and rolls.
• Bob Cubitt will arrange disposable plates and cutlery.
• Cost of £10 per head payable on the day to go to branch funds.
• Invitations are for Members + 1 to bring their own drinks and chairs. Salads / rice / cakes to be provided by attending members on the day please.
• Chris Kiely has the gazebos which may need replacing at a future time, and will need help transporting the BBQs to the school. Bob Cubitt to ask Laurie if he can help with transport.
• To arrive around 12:30 to eat at 1pm.
• Volunteers needed to help set up in the morning.
• Bob Cubitt to email members once more.

Item 2: Finance statement end June 22

• C/A end May 22 OK. As David was absent at a guess funds believed to now still be OK after payment of village hall hire for May22
• Bank signatories need to be amended. This is in hand and being progressed.
• RBL by laws to be checked on how the branch can spend its funds for next meeting if possible.

Item 3: Promotional events for 2023

• Kevin Tobin has asked what promotional items will be required at branch level for 2023. After discussion it was decided to ask for items for 4-5 events, looking to a Quiz, a children’s event, and a possible 2 promotional events in the district villages as fetes etc arise.
• If members in other District villages are aware of any upcoming events in 2023 where the RBL branch could have a promotional stand please do let Bob Cubitt know. Thank you.

Item 4: Funding a replacement Branch Standard

• The funeral drapes (black) have been mislaid by a previous standard bearer and need replacing. Chris Kiely advised that these cost circa £36 plus P&P from Newton Newton who are the main RBL suppliers. The expense was proposed by Bob Cubbitt and seconded by Chris Kiely.
• A new standard that will require the Kings crown as opposed to the current Queens crown will cost between £600-£750 based on the last price paid. It is possible that just the Crown may be able to be replaced, however this is unknown.
• It was proposed by Bob Cubitt that 20% of any future branch income is to be allocated to a Standard contingency fund. This was seconded by Chris Kiely.
• Bob Cubitt to advise David Bradshaw, Treasurer.

Item 5: Speaker for October 22

• Bob Cubitt to approach Brian Scott to see if he knows anyone that can give a short talk on Catesby tunnel at Charwelton. A possible 2^nd option is to find a speaker on HS2.
• It is possible that Kevin Tobin may attend our October 22 meeting.

Item 6: Quiz night November 2022 (provisional discussions)

• Provisional date 18 November held at Byfield Village Hall. This may change to Friday 25 November. Tio be finalised at next meeting.
• Bob Cubitt will arrange questions and host again on the night.
• Graham Walker volunteered to organise the bar with Chris Kiely to help.
• Jane Holland to help organise a raffle

Item 7: Galanos House Christmas run (provisional discussions)

• Alan Bailey advised that the Riders branch organise and fix the date.
• Alan will let us have the date as soon as it is released so that we may try and publicise this more widely and receive more donations to take on the day.

Item 8: Any other business

• It was agreed to get some Get Well, Think of You, and In Sympathy cards pre signed.
• Les Jones expressed concern over ex-servicemen and widows. Chris Kiely, BCS officer, advised that he is doing what he is allowed. If members hear of any ex-service personnel in the branch district villages it will be appreciated if they pass their name to Chris so that we can try to keep in touch with them, if they wish us to.
• Chris Kiely requested that BCS (Branch Community Support) be a regular item on the monthly agenda. Chris was able to report that he had visited an ex-serviceman recently who had requested help, and had referred him on for further support from RBL. He had an online meeting with Nick Fall of County BCS and filed the branch support report for the quarter. A report has to be filed every March, Jun, Sep & Dec.
• Bob Cubitt to remind Kevin Tobin that Chris Kiely needs a 365 log-in.

Meeting closed 21:10

Date of next meeting: Monday 1 August 2022 Byfield Village Hall Meeting Room 20:00.

Speaker to open: Peter Stratton to speak on Crime & Punishment in Victorian Northamptonshire