Royal Air Force Police Association
London Home Counties Branch
Minutes of the Quarterly Meeting held at the
London District WOs & Sgts Mess Wellington Barracks London 10 Jun 10
The Chairman opened the meeting at 1930hrs and welcomed the attendees. The meeting observed a minute’s silence in memory of fallen comrades.
1. Present: A Shaw (Chairman), A Flavell (Vice Chairman), K Christian (Treasurer), K Adams (Secretary), G Hopkins (NB Editor), P Adams, N Button, E Carter, J Carter, J Ewens, K Fletcher, W Floydd, G Gibbs, C Gibson, N Gibson, R Lamb, R Laver, M Lester, A Moore, S Oakes, D Parker, P Plumridge, R Richardson, C Shaw, R Smith, E Smith, R Strachan, B Sutton, M Sutton, F Turner, W Veazey. (21mbrs/10Assoc)
2. Apologies: E Christian, J Hildrey, T Maddox, P Clarke, B Peake, E Rowden, L Rowden, B Simmonds, M Waterford (5m/4a)
3. Minutes of the Mar 10 Quarterly Meeting. Accepted unanimously as a true record.
4. Matters Arising. In response to Keith Christian’s comment (para 7 Mar mins) about the CDS Sir Jock Stirrup being reported as apparently supporting some amalgamation of the armed services, the secretary gave an account of Air Cdre Russell La Forte’s address to the Assn AGM, where the matter was raised, and quoted from a speech by the CAS ACM Sir Stephen Dalton (made at the RAFA Conference) about the future of the RAF as a professional independent Air Force. Both air officers opined that the RAF will exist well into the future - at least. Other matters were dealt with as line items.
5. Secretary/Correspondence. Keith Adams said we didn't welcome any new members since Mar. Member S Potter was recorded as ‘Gone Away’ from his Farnham, Surrey address. If anyone has any info about him, please advise branch sec. Branch membership 166, subscribed members 66, associates 22, national membership 1466. The County of Oxford had been ‘allocated’ to the LHC Branch (although members are free to choose a branch). The webmaster had not received any replies to his invitation for suggestions to include in the website revamp. This will go ahead. The site received c18500 hits since Mar. Some members stated that the website had not been updated since 28 Jan 10. The sec advised it had because he had assisted with updates. However, he would check with the webmaster. (Post meeting note: members were correct. Although the offline version had been updated, the uploads had not been successful. This has been rectified; the webmaster and the sec apologise and action has been taken to prevent recurrence.) The contact for 'goodie' parcels for Afghanistan is now FS Matt Chapman at the same address (info sheet enclosed). It is unlikely RAF Police Poppy Badges will be on sale in 2010. There had been a number of changes in the personnel taking part in the NMA Commemoration on 23 Jun. Originally, there was to be no RAF involvement this year. However, our Branch chairman aided by the sec arranged for Padre Brian Tyler (ex LHC) to take the service, have Gp Capt (Ret) Peter Clark (LHC) take the salute and WO Bill Veazey (LHC) act as parade marshal. Air Cdre La Forte who initially was unable to attend, then was to attend had finally had to withdraw due to the exigencies of the service. Fortunately, the PM offered to attend and Rev (Wg Cdr) Lee Spicer, RAF Cosford, offered to take the service. (Post meeting note: The ceremony was well supported and most impressive with serving personnel in uniform.) The sec is still updating the branch membership database – please see box below). The sec said that unfortunately, some associate members had not been receiving mins of meetings, although those opting to receive the NoteBook may have done so. The matter has now been resolved and Gerry has been provided with an updated associate database to despatch the mins accordingly. The sec regrets these omissions. Members were advised of the sudden death in May of the CinC Air Command. ACM Sir Chris Moran died whilst running in the final phase of a triathlon. He was a former Harrier pilot, had commanded RAF Wittering and was AOC 1 Gp. The sec and Richard Smith have been allocated places at "The City of London’s Salute to the Battle of Britain and RAF WWII Veterans" to be held at St Paul’s Cathedral on 7 Sep. They will parade the RAFPA national and branch standards.
6. Treasurer. Keith Christian said that the current balance (26/5) was £911.33, which included capitation fees. The branch was still in a healthy position.
7 Chairman. Alan Shaw gave a brief account of the outcome of the AGM and how the proxy voting enables and encourages a significant part of the membership to vote. Lynne Williamson the new Assn secretary was unopposed and Dave Wardell had become the membership secretary. Alan advised that the ‘new’ black/red striped tie had been accepted for ceremonial wear. (Post meeting note: The blue tie with badge is no longer available). The SD Branch, members of which gave a presentation on the Assn to RAF Pol trainees had purchased a trophy, a cup, to be awarded to the most deserving recruit, selected by the PM, passing out at Southwick Park. The winner would be awarded a personal memento to keep. (Post meeting note: details now on RAFPA website) The Assn had also agreed to purchase 2 items for use by the residents at St Dunstan’s, a portable pocket digital recorder and a computer package for the visually impaired. Members who had visited St Dunstan’s were most impressed by the buildings, location and facilities. Ex-service personnel are eligible for entry. It is an interesting place to visit. The branch visits to The Royal Hospital Chelsea/National Army Museum and Ightham Mote (arranged by Brian Sutton) had been successful and enjoyed by those attending. C30 members were due to visit RAF Northolt on 15 Jun. Alan was arranging a visit to Bletchley Park on 28 Aug. (See box below.) Alan advised the attendees that we were considering creating a post of Branch Public Relation Officer. He and the sec said they saw the incumbent as looking after publicity for the Branch and producing items and reports on activities for (eg) the NoteBook, the Griff, Websites , Provost Parade and RAF News. Members who attended activities could be asked to submit info to the PRO who would the edit and collate it and ‘publish’ it as appropriate. If any member is interested in helping please contact Alan or the sec. (See box below.) Alan was happy to announce that after c13 months of dealing with the IPO, MoD, The College of Heraldry and HM Queen’s solicitors the association badge was now formally registered. The registration is valid for 10 years and the relevant documentation has to be kept securely as it will not be replaced. Arrangements were being made to have this done. (Bill Floydd offered to make enquiries about safe custody of the docs in London. Alan thanked Bill and will advise the national officers.) Alan reminded the meeting that Keith Christian is resigning at the next AGM and that Roy Laver has offered to stand as Treasurer. Although we could not vote Roy in until Dec, Alan solicited a proposer and seconder for the nomination. Bill Veazey and Bob Strachan did so. Roy’s nomination has been formally recorded for action at the Dec AGM. (Keith C said if no sponsors were forthcoming – he would do so himself!!!!!!) Alan said that he had been arranging visits for c14 years and is hopeful that someone else could take on the task. If you are willing please contact Alan. (Secs note: Brian Sutton has offered to arrange a visit to Chartwell next year. See box below.)
8 NoteBook Editor Gerry Hopkins said the next edition was well under way. He thanks members who are providing material but still asks members to continue providing it to publish. When sending photos please include name(s) and a description of the occasion.
9 London Reunion Brenda Peake was unable to attend. Alan advised that planning was going ahead for the event on Fri 29 Oct . Diary entry now!
10 AOB ‘The White Berets of Oxfordshire’ (LHC branch members) who parade whatever the weather at the John Radcliffe Hospital had produced an article entitled ‘Parade with Pride’ for the NoteBook which will also be published on the website. On behalf of the branch Alan thanked the Oxfordshire contingent for their continuing dedication to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Alex Flavell said that the NE area branch had been represented at local funerals of personnel killed in the present conflict. He had attended on 5 occasions. (Sec’s Note: When members attend on such occasions, please make the Assoc Chairman, Brian Flinn, aware.) The chairman and a number of members personally thanked Gerry Gibbs for providing info on The Armed Forces/Veterans Day to be held at Chatham on 27 Jun. A number said they would be attending. Bill Veasey said the RAF Central band woodwind and brass quintets were giving recitals at St Clement Danes Church on 14 Jun and 12 Jul, commencing 1310 with refreshments. Bill advised that a statue of Sir Keith Park (ex plinth in Trafalgar Square) was to be unveiled in Waterloo Place, London on 15 Sep 10. John Ewens commented on the power of the computer which recently revealed to him that Sgt Paddy McQuillan, killed in Cyprus, been an acting sgt and his forename was Arthur, neither of which fact he had been aware of all those years ago! Richard Smith commented that he had thoroughly enjoyed the AGM weekend, although the Saturday evening was marred by a lacklustre meal and the tables and room were cleared immediately after the meal in preparation for a public disco, leaving us nowhere to gather privately. Frank Turner, who had attended the Queen’s Birthday Parade in the past, asked whether representation could be made through the GSM for some places to be allocated. Alan said he would make enquiries. Ellen Christian, who was unable to attend, by letter asked members to consider sponsoring her friend, Mandy Chancellor, who is doing the Tri Jordan Challenge for Marie Curie. 100 people will run, 100 cycle and 100 ride horses for 50 miles ending in Petra. The sec has retained the sponsorship form for the next meeting. Members not attending are invited to sponsor by contacting him.
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The Raffle made £47. Alan thanked the donors for a fine array of prizes and the ladies involved.
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12 Date/Time/Location of Next Meeting Thu 9 Sep 10 - 1900 for 1930. London District WOs & Sgts Mess, Wellington Barracks, (entrance in) Petty France, London SW1.
13 The meeting closed at 2100. Members then socialised.
NOTES:
Branch Website www.rafpalhc.co.uk
Branch Subscriptions. The branch (subscribed membership) fee of £5pa is due 1 Jan 10. Cheques should be made payable to 'The Royal Air Force Police Association LHC Branch'. The branch associate subscription of £3pa. is also due 1 Jan 10. Please send to the branch treasurer. Please note that branch subscribed members will receive a copy the NoteBook. Non subscribed members will receive minutes only. All members are eligible & welcome to partake in all meetings/activities. Associates may subscribe separately to the NoteBook. The Treasurer holds application forms for veteran's badges. Please apply to him.
Association AGM – 16 Apr 11 The Nottingham Belfry Mellor’s Way Off Woodhouse Way Nottingham NG8 6PY. Various accommodation packages available. Contact: 0115 973 9393 - RAFPA Weekend
The NoteBook. Members are urged to submit suitable material, whether it is service or civilian activity orientated, for The NoteBook. Gerry the editor needs more articles and photos for the next issues. If sending photos please provide an account of scene, names etc for Gerry. It's your magazine - please send in something for publication! Material returned if requested. To subscribe please contact secretary – details above.
Branch Website - needs your input! Submit your material direct to the sec or webmaster. A personal profile, photos, stories, hobbies - anything legal and entertaining welcome! If you register webmaster will email you with info on updates. Find us at www.rafpalhc.co.uk
VACANCY. The branch needs a Public Relations Officer to promote it. If you have a flair for this sort of activity, we need you! Please contact the chairman or sec for more info.
NEW MEETING DATES Please remember that our meeting dates have been changed to the SECOND THURSDAY in the (same) MONTHS of MAR/JUN/SEP/DEC. Meetings will continue to commence at 1900 for 1930 (AGM 1830 for 1900). The NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON 9 SEP 10 at 1900/1930 in the London District WOs & Sgts Mess, Wellington Barracks, (Petty France entrance), Victoria, London SW1. Mainline Stn - Victoria. Tube - Victoria/St James's Park. (There is a lift to Mess level)
Visit to Bletchley Park 28 Aug 10. Private travel. See the Enigma, the bombes and Colossus. How we cracked the German codes and cyphers and much more. Lunch available. Contact Alan asap for further info. Details above.
Visit - Early Warning! Brian Sutton has offered to arrange a visit to the NT property, Chartwell, Kent, in 2011. Private travel. Proposed coffee & biscuits, conducted tour, lunch available. Needs min 15 for discount entry. (NT members use card.) For info please contact Brian direct. Details above.
Branch Membership Database - Update - If you have not already done so, and are willing for the information to be included, please send your current telephone number(s) and email address to the sec to update the database.
