Minutes of the Branch Meeting held on 4th May 2017 at the Royal Oak, Eydon
A. CHAIRMAN’S OPENING REMARKS
Before the main meeting, Russ welcomed and introduced Dougie Adams, an ex-Grenadier Guardsman whose service included three tours of Afghanistan. He has returned from there to the peace and tranquillity of painting, initially with watercolours and more recently with oils which is helping him relieve the extreme stresses experienced during his service. A Q&A session was held with Dougie before the main meeting.
B. MATTERS ARISING from last meeting’s Minutes
B.1 Cascade: Alan explained nothing had been done because of holidays, and that the first stage was to ensure he had all the available e-mail addresses.
B.2 Membership Letter: Russ asked if everyone had received the Membership Letter via e-mail from Alan, and this was confirmed.
B.3 Bruntingthorpe and National Memorial Arboretum Visits? Four members expressed interest in Bruntingthorpe on 28th May. Russ specified a 10 am departure from the Village Hall. Seven agreed to the NMA visit on 21st June. Timing would be agreed at the June meeting.
B.4 Eydon Standard: This would be laid up at Eydon Church during the service at 10.30 am on Sunday 7th May.
B.5 Barbecue: Joy confirmed that Sunday 23rd July would be acceptable at her house. Details to be decided at the June meeting.
B.6 Welfare Conference: 1st June: It was agreed that Russ and Alison would attend, venue still to be decided.
C. CORRESPONDENCE
C.1 Byfield PTA Summer Fete 24th June 1- 4 pm: The Branch has received an invitation to have a stall at this Fete. There would be a charge of £10 to the PTA but any money raised could be kept by us. Alan will write to accept the invitation and book the 3m RBL gazebo.
C.2 Visit to Halton House: Russ explained he had received an offer from Bernard Tisley for the Branch to visit Halton House which has an interesting museum which contains 3 Link Trainers. This will be discussed at the next meeting for a possible visit in September.
C.3 Group 4 Social Evening Greens Norton 24th May 7.30 pm: A social evening has been arranged at Greens Norton RBL for all members of Group 4. Four members will be attending.
C.4 RBL Newmarket Race Day 12th August: This is primarily for Standard Bearers to take part; details will be forwarded to Chris Kiely. However for a cool £120 each, anyone can attend.
D. FINANCE
D.1 David reported that Finances at the end of April were in the black.
E. POPPY APPEAL
John reported that the figure stated previously i.e. £10,054.42, was expected to be confirmed by Aylesford by the end of May.
F. WELFARE There were no visits made during April.
G. MEMBERSHIP
G.1 Terry presented a copy of a new poster, which he had printed and laminated, to everyone and urged them to show it wherever the public could see it. Laurie asked if a smaller one could be prepared for his car, and Terry agreed to do that for all.
G.2 Membership figures for every Branch in the County had been produced by Andrew Bowes which showed us as having 72 in total, the 7th highest in the County.
G.3 Terry again stressed the need to try to recruit individually. He also urged members to complete the Questionnaire in the current issue of the Legion magazine.
H. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
H.1 The BIG poppy. Alan reported he had received a request from the RBL Riders Warwickshire Branch asking if we would like to support a Guinness World Record attempt at Southam School on 13th July, organised in conjunction with Galanos House, to make the largest human poppy ever formed. Seven members at the meeting agreed to take part; and Alan will email all other members of the Branch.
H.2. John Tompkins commented on how much better the Memorial Green looked now that the area which previously had flowers planted had been turfed.
Flag Flying Days: 2nd June Coronation Day
10th June Birthday the Duke of Edinburgh
17th June Official Birthday HM The Queen
21st June Birthday Duke of Cambridge
