Minutes of the Meeting: Held 16 Apr 2014
Meeting Opening: Meeting opened at 19:15 Hrs. The Act of Homage was duly observed.
Present: There were 21 members and 2 guest present. Roll call available from the secretary.
Apologies: There were 2 apologies. Names available from the secretary.
Minutes of the last meeting: Proposed by Gwen Wilkinson, seconded by Steve Lee, that the Minutes of the previous meeting be passed as read.
Carried
Matter arising:
There were a few complaints about the quality of the food at the Pie'n'Pea Supper, held at The Fairways in March. Appropriate letters have been sent.
The Chairman gave an update on the RBL Helpdesk service in Sheffield, and circulated the freefone contact number. 0808 802 8080. The Helpdesk will be open for personal consultations on the first Monday of each month.
The two memorials held in March, at Frecheville and Hollinsend respectively, were both well attended and very succesful. The planned Memorial dedication for Frecheville is now set for 16 May 2015.
The Chairman gave a résumé of the Poppy Appeal Coordinator's Report, congratulating Sheffield in general, and Frecheville in particular, for showing significant increases in funds collected
The Treasurer read out letters of thanks from Alderson House and Lister House for the £500 donation each received from the branch
Dated Poppy Pins for 2014 are now available from The Chairman and Dave Warburton.
Correspondence:
RAF Benevolent Fund membership application forms are available from the secretary.
Treasurers Report:
3rd Wednesday fund £2966.13
Branch Account £69.24
BFI £174.48
New members:
Nil
Proposals:
Nil
AOB:
Dave Warburton spoke of a visit to the new Asda at Mosborough and his meeting with the management. There are concerns over the proposed positioning of the Poppy sales team but Dave hopes to reconcile this closer to the time.
Dave Warburton suggested that we send letters to all the Poppy sales sites in advance of this year's campaign. He and The Chairman will negotiate this matter.
Alan Smith spoke briefly about details of London and Battlefield tours, and circulated a list of upcoming events.
Walter Whitely gave details of the planned “Battle of Britain” Remembrance Ceremony in September: Sunday 25 Sept, 12 midday – march on at City Hall, followed by wreath laying and march to cathedral for 1PM service.
Gwen Wilkinson tabled a vote of thanks to Alan Smith for the Pie'n'Peas night arrangements
The branch discussed the validity of continuing with Poppy sales on the Sunday and Monday, Nov 9th and 10th, immediately before Armistice Day. It was decided to revisit the issue closer to the time.
Dave Warburton suggested that we ask the Information Desk at Crystal Peaks to announce, during the Remembrance Parade on Nov 11th, the amount of Poppy funds raised. This suggestion met with general approval.
Poppy sales this year will begin on Saturday 25th October.
Date of next meeting: 21 May 2014
There being no further matters the meeting closed at 20:00 hours. “The Queen”.
