Minutes of the RBL Byfield and District Committee meeting held at Byfield Village Hall on 2 October 2023 at 20:00

1. Six Members attended with Apologies received from four others.

2. Confirmation of Minutes September 2023. These were accepted by all present as complete & accurate.

3. Finance report: David B advised that the c/a is in the black.

4, BCS report: No report available.

5. Planning for AGM Monday 6 November 2023: Northants RBL County's Club Liaison Officer Robbie Paice will attend our AGM. Caroline will e-mail all members in advance of AGM to explain what roles will be vacant and request any nominations.

6. Remembrance Sunday: 12 November 2023. David has contacted Pam Hicks, and Bishop Ed will be available for a Church Service and at the War Memorial. The Scouts, Cubs and Beavers will be contacted by the Church.

David will read the Roll of Honour at the memorial on behalf of the RBL.

Chris Kiely will parade the RBL standard.

Graham Walker will lay the RBL Byfield wreath at the memorial.

Jane Holland will kindly remove the old wreaths and crosses within the next few days, in preparation for Remembrance Sunday.

Caroline advised that a lady had contacted her to say that she felt wreaths were left on the memorial for too long. Caroline replied stating that there are no rules in this regard and that it is in the RBL historic minutes that old wreaths should be removed latest end September, and that the Parish Council is the custodian of the War Memorial. The lady’s email was passed across to the Parish Council for their comment and any action in due course.

7. Poppy Appeal November 2023: Most villages in the District are experiencing challenges with door-to-door collections, and have to rely more heavily on local businesses. 

In Byfield we have lost around half of our collectors, and wish to thank the ones that have committed to help again this year.

Byfield Big Breakfast has said that we may put poppies and a tin there on Saturday 4 November, and David will kindly ensure this is delivered on the day and collected afterwards.

8. Contribution to County Newsletter: None

9. AOB: Jane H advised that our members Dennis Watson and Brian Kirk have passed away. Our condolences go to their families.

Meeting closed 20:38

Date of next meeting: AGM Monday 6 November 2023 in Byfield Village Hall Meeting Room 20:00.