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Frecheville

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

FRECHVILLE and DISTRICT BRANCH

Reg: Charity No: 219279

 

Minutes of the Meetingheld on 18 Jan 2017

 

  1. Meeting Opening: The Meeting opened at 19:05 hours with a Homage to The Fallen

  2. Present: There were 18 Members and 1 guests present.

  3. Apologies: There were 11 apologies

  4. Minutes of the last meeting:It was proposed by Gail Leach and seconded by Derrick Wilkinson that the Minutes of The Previous Meeting be passed as read. Carried

  5. New Members:

The Chairman welcomed new members Susan Blyth and Sandy Saxton-Warne. She also welcomed Joyce Street who was in the process of joining the branch.

She then spoke at length about the difficulties the branch management team face in making sure that the Central Membership Database is accurate and kept up to date, and how certain information seems to disappear. Members spoke of their frustrations when faced with these issues. The Chairman and Secretary each gave a commitment to keep working on these problems until they are all solved.

The Chairman will also draft a letter to the Central Management Team high- lighting these problematic areas and requesting a solution.

 

  1. Apologies: Michael Wilks,Gwyneth O'Brian, Danielle Reilly, Chris Edwards, Steve Lee, Margaret Stirling, Jean Ellwood, Arthur Ellwood, Sylvia Hall, Moss Elliott, Margaret Stracey, George Young

  2. Matter arising:

  • The White Gauntlets for Standards have now been purchased and handed to the Standard Bearers

  • The Pie'n'Pea Pre-Christmas Supper was very successful and the turnout was excellent. The Angel did a great job and fully justify our decision to relocate.

  • The Branch's Proposal, that The Legion establish a “National Membership Recruitment Campaign”, was put forward at the recent County Conference, and was carried.

  1. Welfare:

  2. Agenda:

  • It has been suggested we have a Social Evening in the spring, based around a hot buffet and some “Old fashioned singalong” entertainment, to be held here at The Angel. There was a general agreement to this and 19th April has been pencilled in as a favoured date. Alan Walker will liaise with the landlord and details will be published as soon as they are available.

 

  • The 2018 Pilgrimage, mentioned earlier, has now been officially announced. The Branch will be asked to send two members, one of whom is a Standard Bearer, at a predicted cost of £1K. The Treasurer put forward a number of suggestions as to how we can ensure that this sum is made available.

 

  • As a result of the recent Parkin Funeral and the issues it raised, it's been suggested the The Branch contacts all appropriate “Residential Care Homes” in the area to find any more veterans who have no family or vistors, and to establish a Rota to meet and visit regularly. The President, Dave Warburton, will initiate this process and will keep the branch updated. Suggestions were made from the floor about extending the search and these will be considered.

  • The Government has announced the launch of the “Veterans' Gateway” in the first half of 2017. This programme will help veterans find and access advice and support on a broad range of issues, including healthcare and housing.

“The Royal British Legion will work with Combat Stress, SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity, Connect Assist and Poppyscotland to deliver it.

The service will aim to provide veterans, regardless of age or location, with an easy point of contact for advice and help in accessing public, private and charitable services through a 24/7 phone number, a dedicated website and a mobile app”

 

  • A need has been identified to appoint a third Standard Bearer in the branch to ensure we can meet all commitments for Funerals and Parades. A Volunteer is requested.

  • Bryan Green has been appointed as the branch delegate to attend National Conference in May.

  1. Additions to the Agenda

  2. Correspondence:

  • (Reminder) The Annual Conference for 2017 will take place in Southport over the weekend of 20/21 May.

  • The next County meeting takes place in Leeds on Feb 4th. The Secretary will continue to chase down all the outstanding “Membership” anomalies.

 

  1. Treasurers/Poppy Sales Report:

  • Legion Fund: £ 420.34

  • 3rd Wed Fund £1050.95 (Minus £50 for Scout Band)

  • Poppy Appeal 2016 £56k

The Treasurer said that in June of this year he will be setting out on a fund raising “Coast to Coast” walk, and will set up a “Just Giving” site with pro- ceeds going towards funding the Great Pilgrimage branch attendees

  1. Other Business:

  • Sandy Saxton-Warne spoke about a “Valour for Veterans” offer at Doncaster Racecourse in March. Veterans and Service Personnel can get “2 for 1” tickets to the County Enclosure, as well as family discounts, during this month. Tickets should be booked by ringing “01302 304200” and quoting “V4V” scheme. Service evidence will be required when collecting tickets.

  • Walter Whitely thanked those who attended his branch's Christmas Lunch at The Novotel.

  1. Meeting Opening: There being no further matters the meeting closed at 20:10 hours “The Queen”