Spring 2009

Winter 2008

Spring 2008

Winter 2007

Spring 2007

The Chairman's Opening Remarks.

The Chairman welcomed every body to the 2008 AGM and thanked them for being here.

Apologies were received from committee members: Lord Gainford, President, Wg Cdr Maddison, Vice President and Mr Simon Heighway, Treasurer.

The minutes were read and approved.

Proposed: Mr John Leeks

Seconded: Mr John Sayers

Action from the Membership Registrar: Spouses of ‘late’ members will receive the Association newsletter. The Chairman was pleased that all were receiving and had been informed very positively. Action was still ongoing to increase membership across current squadron members. It was generally accepted the Squadron was very busy and it was still hoped that more interest could be fostered. All members were encouraged to inform the committee of any known address changes. No reply had been heard from either Mr George Blackie, he had paid his dues and little information had been forthcoming re information for the Squadron Association web site. Mr John Leeks did say that he had forwarded a DVD, which had been received by the Chairman and was in the process of being put onto the web site. The web site is in the process of being updated.

The Membership Registrar’s report for the Year.

Mr Brian Collins informed the meeting that the association had 168 Full Members and 35 Associate Members. This represented an increase in Full Membership over the year. However, a few still had to pay their dues. Some discussion took place with regard to wider membership and the future organisation. There was no appetite at present for a merger with another Sqn association and it was thought that we should continue as we are for now. Numbers had been fairly steady over the last few years. Discussion took place with regard to other ‘ideas’, Mr David Bailey mentioned 202 Sqn, who used a reunion function for an award presentation. Options were discussed for formats when the Sqn moves back to the mainland. The Chairman will write to the Squadron Commander to inform him of the ‘Airman of the Year Award’ and the timing of next year’s Association Reunion date. Debate ranged over several issues and contact mechanisms were discussed. Should we use e-mail listings, hard post et al? The newsletter was being sent electronically and hard copy to those still requiring it. It was agreed that the newsletter should be sent to crew rooms across the SH Force in an attempt to reach more people. The Chairman summed up by saying that whilst numbers were slightly up we should upgrade the ‘Airman of the Year’ award and make an effort to widen publicity.

The Treasurer’s Report for the Year.

Whilst the Treasurer was absent, due to work commitments, he had provided a balance sheet as requested. Membership dues continued to cover ‘outgoings’, however, he had suggested that we should discuss increasing the membership dues. Costs are rising fast and there will be a point in the near future where membership dues will not cover the Association costs

The Chairman suggested a rise of £1 per annum to the meeting for discussion. Discussion followed and Mr Bob Turner suggested that the Association should send out an amended Standing Order to all members. Was there likely to be a further large expenditure, Squadron History, next year? Mr John Leeks suggested that we should wait until next year to see how the balance was looking before making an increase to the Membership fees. Discussion centred on how the Association could move the outstanding copies of the Squadron history. Wide ranging discussion resulting in the consensus that e-mail should be the preferred means of sending out information amongst association members.

It was proposed by Mr John leeks that we should leave the Membership fees as they are for this year and reassess next year. Mr Rod Goodier suggested that we may want to increase fees and be more proactive in ‘marketing’ the Association. Mr David Bailey suggested that the Committee should put plans to Association members ahead of next year’s AGM.

Association dues will stay the same. AGM in full agreement

The proposal was that the current committee will stay as is for the next year. Mr Bob Turner proposed a vote of thanks to the Committee for all their efforts. The AGM fully agreed that the Committee members were all re-elected to serve another year. The Committee for 2008/9 remains as: Chairman. Dave Waring Vice Chairman Vacancy (co-opted from the Committee if/when required) Secretary Gp. Capt. Ian Bell Treasurer Simon Heighway Membership Secretary Brian Collins Newsletter Editor Alan Nicholson Member Fred Maryon The 230 Squadron Liaison Officer to be appointed by O/C 230 Sqn.

The Approval of the Annual Subscription Rate

See above. No change this year.

During the evening Sqn Ldr Palmer informed the Chairman and secretary that the Sqn Cdr was very keen to host the Association, at Aldergrove, for what would be the last time before the Sqn relocates to RAF Benson. The Chairman would write to the Sqn Cdr and confirm the best weekend for the reunion. This will most likely be the weekend of the 3&4 October 2009. Once this has been confirmed members will be informed accordingly. The Committee are very grateful for the continued support of the Sqn.

There was no advance notification of Any Other Business. Mr Eddie Bardgett presented 2 DVDs, which he had been loaned from the Imperial War Museum. These proved excellent and were thoroughly enjoyed by the AGM.