Date

21/11/2022

Time

19.30 – 20.34

Location

Newton Abbot RBL Club

Meeting type

Annual General Meeting

Chair

Richard Underhill

Note taker

David Cair

Name

Initial

Name

Initial

Mike Joyce: President

MJ

Michael Stark* Standard Bearer

MS

Richard Underhill: Chairman

RU

Deb Fitzgerald

DF

David Cair: Vice Chairman

DC

Dawn Erison (Online)

DE

Nicola Cair: Secretary

NC

Sadie Grainger Gove (Online)

SGG

Dave Harcombe; Treasurer

DH

Andy Grainger Gove (Online)

AGG

Paul Toovey * BYL/Parade Marshal

PT

Austin Hendren (Online)

AH

Richard Dredge *

RD

Nigel Kenneison

NK

Ann Jones*

AJ

Richard Hood

RH

Jeanette Rogers

JR

Colin Davieson

CD

John Rogers

JoR

William Kelsall

WK

David Tester

DT

Michael Davies

MD

Robert Nicol

RN

Evoline Davies

ED

Richard Webb *

RW

Chris Jones

CJ

Margret Jones

MJ

Yasmin Gibbins (Online) (County Chair)

YG

Twenty-eight members in total

Committee Member

*

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Discussion

RU

At 19.30 The Chairman, Richard Underhill, asked those present to be upstanding. The Branch Standard was marched in by the Standard Bearer, Mike Stark.  The Chairman asked that we think of Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family.  

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Discussion

NC

 Apologies received from –Mr. N Green, Mrs. B Underhill, Mr. A Dawes Mrs. Lisa Lynch, Mr. Bob Beer, Mr. David Heath

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Discussion

RU

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the AGM and commented on the good turnout. He thanked the ViceChairman for producing the AGM packs

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Discussion

RU

The Chairman presented the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on the 15^th of November 2021

Proposed by Rick Webb and Seconded by Paul Toovey that the that the Minutes of the meeting held on 15^th November 202 are a true record of the meeting.  All in favour.

The Minutes were subsequently SIGNED by the Chairman and Secretary.

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Discussion

No matters arising.

Actions:

Nil

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Discussion

MJ

The Branch President gave his report

He stated that when Richard (RU) approach him asking if he would, if nominated, consider taking on the role of President of Newton Abbot British Legion,  that to be fair he was taken aback because, though he enjoyed being part of the Legion and being able to assist whenever and wherever he could, to be offered this prestigious role was something he had not even considered, or was on his radar.

Of course he realised that saying he would take on the role was just the first step because the committee had to approve it and you know what committees are like?

Taking on the president’s role is an honour for him in more ways than he could really express to everyone this evening., Having served with the engineers, please don’t hold that against him, and learnt early on the role of the Legion and how, through  its various integrated sections they are there for both serving and veterans.

He is still learning but knows the passion that this Legion Branch has for its members both serving and veterans and for the community as a whole.

This being his first report he wanted it to be as short as possible so that you didn’t fall asleep whilst he was reading it out but  wanted it to be a reflection of how he has seen the work that goes on here at this branch.

Of course no branch can ever function without those officers of the branch who put in hours of work, mostly behind-the-scenes, making sure that this branch carries out its duties to both serving and veterans within our community. It also has ambitions to further involve the youth of our community both those in the services but also in the wider community. So to those numerous committee members on behalf of the branch and on behalf of myself he said, thank you.. Two little words that in the hurly-burly of modern day life sometimes gets forgotten but can reflect the gratitude of many.

In his opinion, it will be the youth of the  services and the community that will ensure that the Legion continues to be there for those in need and to serve both the wider Legion community and those closer to home.

In a year that has seen many changes to our lives, it has meant that we had to reflect on what many of us have known all of our lives, to be part of a period of mourning for our late Queen Elizabeth II and to welcoming a new chapter in our lives in our King Charles III.

The Legion will and must continue to adapt and he  is confident that  this Branch and the Legion as a whole,  will continue to grow and be there for all, as and when required. Life changes, its perspectives changes our perspective changes but there is one continuum and that is the Royal British Legion.

In conclusion he want to say again  thank you, to you the Royal British Legion Newton Abbot Branch, who, through your dedication and service, are here for both serving , veterans and the community at large, for the commitment that you make to be part of our community and engage with it and last but not least,  thank you for giving him the opportunity to be your president, an honour  that he will treasure.

Actions: Nil

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Discussion

RU

The Chairman, Richard Underhill, gave his report:

a.                Remembrance Sunday.  it was a tremendous success and well represented by various organisations.  Thanks go out to Rev Bruce Porter and RAFAC Gareth Regan for officiating, to Paul Toovey for Parade Marshal and to everyone who contributed. Special thanks must go to the piper Martyn Graves, The Plymouth Maritime Corps of Drums and the detachment from HMS Triumph.

He stated the he is aware of a couple of issues which were discussed at the Wash-up meeting with the Town Council last Friday.

Looking at what we have achieved over the last year:

b.                Decoration Day was a back to normal and was well attended with 9 standards.

Thanks go to Rev Bruce Porter for officiating, the Mayor and other dignitaries for attending.

c.        Branch Officers attended the War Memorial and paid their respects and laid wreaths at various commemorations including Holocaust Memorial Day, Falklands 40^th Anniversary (VC and Sec attended commemoration at the National Arboretum), VE and VJ Day, Monte Casino, Op Granby and Op Herrick.  Himself and Standard Bearer attended Armed Forces Day at Babbacombe.

d.        Monthly meetings have continued with members also using Teams if they cannot attend in person.

e.        Recently he and Standard Bearer Mike Stark attended the Mayors Civic Service

f.         The gazebo has only been out this year to the Carnival, IppleTipple and Abbfest plus 2 Awareness Days in the town. The VC has additionally been out to Bovey Tracey Craft Fair and will be attending St Luke’s Xmas Fayre next Saturday. The main reason for attending is to raise the profile of TRBL and fundraise.  I hoped the branch will attend more events next year so will be looking for volunteers to man the gazebo.

g.        The Vice Chair has now taken on a County Officers role (in addition to all the roles in the branch) as the County Community Support Co-Ordinator.

Training:       

k.        Training has been very limited over the past year however it is hoped that it will pick up in the new year as most training can/is done online.

l.         He reiterated that although training is not compulsory he would encourage all committee members to attend both Branch Management, MAP and Safeguarding Training

l.         Looking forward to the next year.  We have Decoration Day on 4^th June which I am sure will be well supported.

m.       We will, of course be taking the gazebo out to our events possibly more and also at least 2  Information days in the town.     

n.        He said he could not finish without mentioning the Club.  He was sure everybody was aware that there has been an incident resulting in restricted opening hours.  He is aware of the situation however it is a Club matter not Branch and he asked people not to discuss or speculate on what is happening whilst the investigation is ongoing.        

o.        Finally, he thanked the committee for your continued support and look forward to an even better year next year.

Action: Nil

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Discussion

DC

The Vice Chairman presented the Branch Plan report

He hoped that everyone had had a chance to scrutinize the Branch Plan.  

He stated that The Branch Plan is a LIVE document, which is to say it is fluid, it will evolve and be updated during its life.

A few years ago we, as a committee, divided responsibility for the various sections of the plan between the officers and committee members to look after and to brief , however due covid this got shelved so we agreed at the last AGM this would be reinstated for this AGM.  Due to other circumstances, we haven’t really done this at committee level so he won’t be calling on anybody to brief their segments this year. (Maybe next year!)

We had a mainly positive set results with meeting our targets over the past twelve months and he adjusted Branch Plan to take this into account.

He had retained the traffic light signaling system which he felt does help highlight at a glance how we are doing.

A couple of points he chose  like to raise.

2.1           Branch Community Support.  Generally we are doing well. One area we need to improve is 2.1.6 Enhance the branch media awareness plan……It is possible we need someone to act as the Branch PR Officer.  (DF volunteered to look at this)

2.2           Fundraising We are doing well overall, the only objective holding us back is 2.2.3 We need to be recruiting more Poppy Appeal Volunteers

2.3           Remembrance and Ceremonial.

We are overall good at this. 2.3.5  Support to town groups, schools and youth groups throughout the year – We need to be getting together with not only Cadet units but schools, Scouts/Guides, church groups etc. (DF/PT to look at this initially)

2.4           Membership, Recruiting and Events.

2.4.1 Continue to increase branch membership from across the town and wider community.  Membership is static.  We need to raise awareness and attract new members. Everything under youth activities is RED, mainly due to a hangover from Covid.

2.5           Training. No change in objectives.  Succession Planning and inhouse training have tended to fall by the wayside.  As a minimum I would like to see all officers and committee attend Branch Management Courses, and of course the wider membership too.  (We even had a suggestion from a member recently that committee members shadow branch officers to learn the roles)

2.6           Administration and Finance. Everything in the Green

He asked everyone to take their copies of the Plan and let him know any amendments or additions to the plan that anyone felt wanted looking at.

He propose that we adopt this Branch Plan and he will send it to County for their approval.

(Proposed by Richard Hood. Seconded by Ann Jones Approved by show of hands)

Action: All in favor.  DC to submit to County 

Youth team (DF/PT) to formulate plans to involve more diverse youth groups

DC to consult with DF over PR Role        

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Discussion

DH

 The Treasurer, Dave Harcombe, presented the accounts:

Copies of the accounts were distributed. And included in the AGM Packs

Accounts have been examined.

Proposed by Mike Stark Seconded by David Cair All agreed.

Action: Copy to be posted on noticeboard

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Discussion

NC

a)    Secretary

The Secretary, Nicola Cair gave her report:

She said as most of you know she had been ill.  Treatment is now complete, and hopefully successful, and she is slowly returning to her duties. She thanked everyone for bearing with her and thanked the committee for their support.

There was no formal report as everything will be covered by other officers.

She stated however she had managed to attend a number of events and functions throughout the year from Decoration Day, Devon Quarterly Meetings, Remembrancetide events and even a couple of awareness events.

On the county front she had qualified as an Independent Examiner and helped with the Treasurers clinics for various Branch year end accounts.

She reminded Branch Officers and Committee members to stay behind after the AGM to complete the MS1.

Rick Webb asked that the thanks of the committee and members to Nicola be recorded for her sticking to her post through illness and adversity.   – All agreed – much applause.

DC

b)    Membership Secretary

The Membership Secretary, David Cair, gave his report:

We did not hold any dedicated recruitment events during the last year, but we did piggyback on awareness events and this is reflected in membership numbers.

The membership is up 14% on 2021 and now stands at 296

He hoped that in 2023 we can hold  targeted recruiting events in addition to awareness and fundraising events to help boost our membership.

DC

c)    Vice Chairman

The Vice Chairman, David Cair, gave his report

He noted the pertinent points had been raised by the President and Chairman.

He went on to add that he had began a project of visiting CWG sites in, and around, Newton Abbot throughout the year as close to the anniversary of the deaths as possible. These have had crosses laid on the graves, and photographs left on social media. He had received a number of messages of thanks from relatives as far away as Australia. There are only a few more left to do.

Along with Nicola he had attended the Falkland 40 ceremonies at the NMA

Along with other committee members he had helped restart the Torbay Group – At the first meeting since winter 2019 the group met in October, six branches were present – The next meeting is scheduled for Jan 2023

MS

d)    Standard Bearer

The Standard Bearer, Mike Stark, gave his report:

Busier year than previous year. Several Funerals attended, along with AFD and other events.  Very busy with the passing of HM queen Elizabeth II with events attended at various venues in Exeter and Newton Abbot.  Devon Festival of Remembrance

He was runner up in the Devon County Standard Bearers Competition. Most recently he was present for the Poppy Train and Service on Armistice day, then a quick dash to London where he paraded at the Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall, then back home for Remembrance Sunday.

DF

e)    Branch Youth Liaison  

Debbie Fitzgerald gave the BYL report:

She said that since picking up the mantle there had been a very busy few months

Army Cadets – Talks are under way

Air Cadets – No contact

Sea Cadets – Meeting in pipeline

Police Cadets – Working closely – they have visited the branch to see the work that goes on – it is hoped to affiliate with the Branch.

PT

f)      Parade Marshal

The Parade Marshal, Paul Toovey, gave his report:

He felt that it had been an exceptional turnout. He praised the Corps of Drums and the lone piper. Lessons had been learned to take forward to next year.

AJ stated that she would like to thank Paul for his help on Remembrance Sunday

NK – Thanked the Branch for the “Poppies” that had been put up throughout the town.

DC

g)    Web Master

The Web Master report was delivered by Dave Cair:

The website, with its new Branding, is up and running.   The required sections are maintained but Material from the Membership is required to keep it current and relevant.

Facebook Group - 316 members, 22.5 thousand views, 590 posts

Facebook Page - 260 followers, 26K reached

DC thanked Bob Beer for his administrative role on Facebook.  Bob is in Cyprus and proves geography is no bar to branch participation.

Instagram -  our Instagram account is linked to the FB page so a decent viewing average.

Twitter -  only an average of 100 views per month but this is because I don’t tweet much

Not Social media but we are still producing and almost monthly Newsletter – Again like the Website input is required from the membership.

RU

h)    Poppy Appeal Organiser

The PAO, Richard Underhill, gave his report:

He reported that we had had difficulties this year with Bovey Tracey as the POA rep there stood down shortly after taking over the role. Very trying times.

We have done a lot better than expected – This year we could NOT ask for recommended donations we just have to take what is offered.

However, as of today.

Cash - £33,042

Card -  £ 3,837

S’Bury  £ 3,257

BACS  £1,225

          £41,361 Fantastic!

There is still a bit more to collect.

Richard extended his thanks to Shirley for all her help with the Poppy Appeal.

i)      Branch Community Support Representative

YG

The BCS report was given by David Cair:

The Branch had been busy on the Branch Community Support scene.  We have a small but dedicated BCS Team with the possibility of recruiting more supporters in the near future.

Telephone Buddy Calls – 104 made to three beneficiaries.

The Standard attended nine funerals

We logged 157 events -  Of these 123 were the CWG mentioned in the Vice Chairs report. The remainder are made up of Wreath Layings  on commemorative dates, Awareness Events, Breakfast Club etc.

 He stated that he had taken on the role of County Community Support Coordinator back in the summer so was aware that County Wide we are in the top half of active branches.  That said he reiterated that we can, and should, be doing more. 

To finish off he asked for BCS Supporter – Telephone Buddies and Home/Hospital Visitors to volunteer.  It is a chance to give a little back to the community. Not are arduous task.  Training will be given. 

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Discussion

DC

The report was given by Dave Cair

All being well you have all seen a copy of the Byelaws. The only real changes are date and the addition of the Branch Presidents Terms of Reference

If there are no concerns as to the contents I would like to submit that they be passed on to county for approval.

All agreed to adopt Byelaws

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Discussion

AJ

RU

Ann Jones stated that she was stepping down from the committee.

Vice Chairman – David Cair – elected for 3 Years

Committee – Mike Stark- elected for 3 Years

Committee – Paul Toovey – elected for 3 Years

Committee – Debbie Fitzgerald -elected for 3 Years DF to be sworn in at next Committee meeting

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Discussion

Nil

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Discussion

RU

Newton Abbot Branch will be Seconding a Motion Raised by Plympton and District Branch - RU read out the motion – No objections

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Discussion

Richard Underhill appointed as Branch delegate for National Conference

Debbie Fitzgerald appointed as Branch delegate for County Conference

Action: NC to register Branch Delegate for National and County conferences

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Discussion

DC

EK

David Cair propose that the Branch maintain its on hand funds for the issuing of Crisis Grants at its current level in the form of two £50 ASDA Gift cards.  (Agreed by all)

Additionally he drew members attention to The Royal British Cost of Living Grants.

He explained that A Cost of Living Grant is a quickly assessed grant designed to support those struggling with the rising cost of living. Costs you can receive a grant for include:

• Energy bills
• School uniforms
• Kitchen appliances
• Digital access equipment

There are many other everyday costs that are eligible for a grant too, and the easy-access portal makes applying for support quick and convenient. The aim is to process applications within 5 days, however at present there is high demand, and it is taking a little longer.

Apply for the Cost of Living Grant using the Lightning Reach portal which can be found on the front page of the British legion website.

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Discussion

Next Committee meeting on completion of AGM.  Next General meeting Monday 19^th December 2022

.

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RU

The Chairman stated that the business of the meeting being concluded we should remember our duty to our King, Country, and Comrades and to our Branch. Let us be ready at all times to foster the spirt of brotherhood and mutual helpfulness to which we are   dedicated never forgetting our solemn obligations as members of The Royal British Legion.

The first version of the National Anthem was sung

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Discussion

RU

When you go home tell them of us and say

For your tomorrow we gave our today

.

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The Standard was Marched off by Standard Bearer Mike Stark

.

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RU

The Chairman closed the Annual General Meeting at 20:25