Minutes of the RBL Byfield and District Committee meeting held at Byfield Village Hall on 3 July 2023 at 20:00

1. Sadly, only SIX Members attended this meeting, with apologies from five others.

2.  Confirmation of Minutes of June 2023

These were accepted by all present as complete & accurate.

• It was agreed for Caroline to put an article about the photo archive now held by Rob Crewe in Byfield's next Byword (Oct/Nov issue).

3. Finance Report

David Bradshaw advised that the Branch Finance figures were in their normal range, although lack of fundraising activities would soon put a strain on supporting our primary beneficiaries.

4. BCS Report - in the absence of Chris (see Item 8 below), no report was available.

5. Armed Forces Veteran's Breakfast

Bob advised that there had been a good first attendance with 5 non RBL members and a total of 10 all-together. Possibly the format needs revising a little with regards to food. It was worthwhile and they will look at organising another event.

6. Summer BBQ 

Regrettably it was decided to cancel this event due to lack of interest. No responses had been received from the all-members email. Perhaps we can look at itin the form of more of a more "social" type "do" in August?

     ● Bob will advise Byfield school.

7. Annual War Memorial Competition

Bob Cubitt advised that all Parish Councils had been contacted.

Byfield PC has indicated its support for Byfield’s entry.

Chipping Warden and Aston le Walls responded no with no response from the other PC’s.

     ● Bob will complete the entry for Byfield, and we will look to form a working party at our August meeting.

8. BCS Representative

Bob advised that due to poorly worded correspondence from RBL Chris has resigned from his post as BCS Representative. Chris was notified that because he hadn't completed some training, he could no longer act as BCS rep and had to cease any work he was currently doing until he had completed the necessary training. Bob has emailed County to complain about the letter wording. This however leaves the branch without a BCS rep unless any member wishes to take on the role.

       ● Bob will email County to ask how to refer any cases in future.

9. Branch Management - Required Training

Correspondence has been received from County advising that all branches are reminded that branch officers and committee members are required to attend a Branch Management (BM) training session every 3 years and for any newly appointed officers or committee members as soon as possible after taking up the position in their branch.

10. Branch Succession Planning

Both Bob and Caroline confirmed that they will be standing down from their roles at the next AGM.

• A plea will be placed in the next Byword (for Oct/Nov) for new members to join to help the branch continue if possible
• Bob will email all members.

As a reminder of the branch options should a committee not be formed:

• The branch will close if it cannot form a viable committee, and will have to lay up its standard in the parish church. Branch funds will be donated to RBL charities, and members will be absorbed into Daventry branch.
• The branch may become a County Supported branch. The branch would have to meet at least twice a year, could retain its standard and organise events, but would have to request permission from the County Treasurer to spend any funds. The branch would need to nominate 2 points of contact as there would be no official roles held.

11. Contribution to County Newsletter

• Caroline to send across details of Poppies in a Jar, the AF&V breakfast in June and the visit to WH Model Railway Club

12. A O B

The annual quiz night for 2023 was raised, and a provisional date of Friday 17 November 2023 put forward.       

       ● Caroline to book Byfield village hall.

To be discussed in further detail at our August meeting.

Meeting closed 20:45

Date of next meeting:

Monday 7 August 2023 Byfield Village Hall Meeting Room 20:00.