Royal Air Force Police Association
London Home Counties Branch
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting
London District WOs & Sgts Mess Wellington Barracks London 3rd December 2009
The Chairman opened the meeting at 1920hrs and welcomed the attendees, especially those attending for the first time, who were invited to introduce themselves. He apologized for the late start which was caused by traffic congestion in W London.
1. Present: A Shaw (Chairman), A Flavell (Vice Chairman), K Christian (Treasurer), K Adams (Secretary), P Adams, E Carter, J Carter, E Christian, P Clarke, E Eady, G Gibbs, G Hopkins, P Imbert, T Maddox, D Parker, B Peake, R Richardson, E Rowden, L Rowden, C Shaw, B Simmonds, E Simpson, R Simpson, B Smith, R Smith, R Strachan, B Sutton, M Sutton, F Turner, M Waterford, C Williams, F Williams, (23mbrs/9Assoc)
2. Apologies: N Button, K Fletcher, R Lamb, R Laver, M Lester, J Hildrey, A Moore, S Oakes, R Phillips, J Rapley (9m/1a)
3. Minutes of the previous AGM (4 Dec 08). Accepted unanimously as a true record.
4. Matters Arising. There were no matters arising.
5. Chairman's Annual Report. A copy of Alan's report is attached. It was adopted unanimously.
2009, and the end of yet another year. It is as though time speeded up, with life passing so quickly, that it became ever harder to keep pace with events. Remember this time last year, I reported on the successes achieved by the Branch, with an ever-changing scenario. Well, those changes are still taking place, not least of which was having to find a new resting place for the Branch. After many weeks of hunting around, visiting different locations, and begging for someone to take pity on us, out of the blue, came an invitation from Garrison Sgt Major Billy Mott at Wellington Barracks, to use the WOs & SNCOs Mess for our quarterly meetings, on condition the 2nd Btn Grenadier Guards permitted us to enter the barracks. In due course, permission was granted and it was agreed we could meet on the first Thursday in March, June, September and December from 1900 to 2300 hours, utilising the events room in the mess. We have been very lucky, for we are not being charged a penny, and we owe a great debt of gratitude to GSM Mott, and Major Green of the Grenadiers. And how about those military bar prices!! Did I hear a cheer somewhere?
As we start our first meeting, another little enhancement will take place - the unfurling of our Branch Standard at the start of each event, when it will be mounted in a stand behind the Chairman and remain so until the meeting is concluded, when the Standard will be dismounted. Did I hear someone shout bull…….? yes, I suppose it is, but it adds to the formality of our coming together four times a year, to meet friends, talk shop and feel we have gone back in time, just a little, to our military past.
Talking of which, you might be interested in hearing, that the 160 Corp RMPA have also found a new home, in the same mess as ourselves, meeting every third Saturday in the month, and like us they will mount their Standard behind their Chairman, for the duration of their meetings.
Now, what shall we talk about next? Well, of course, as you know we dedicated our Branch Standard at St Clement Danes, and on the same day, attended the dedication of a floor plaque in the side walkway of St Clement Danes, to the left as you enter the church. Both events were attended by Air Cdre Steven Abbott and the PM, Gp Capt John Whitmell, with the gathering outside the church attracting considerable attention from tourists. This was a most unusual and unique occasion, and we should feel proud we were permitted to dedicate our Standard at that church. Considerable thanks must go to John Walton, for his considerable effort in achieving such a success.
This year, the London Re-Union was attended by 33 RAFPA members and guests, at the Victory Club, the arrangements having been kindly undertaken by Brenda Peake – many thanks Brenda. At this point, I must also thank Ellen and Keith Christian for their wonderful achievement in scrounging (sorry!!!) persuading, the residents of Grosvenor Square, London in donating some 37 prizes to go toward the raffle. In actual fact we entered 18 in the Reunion raffle and kept 17 for the raffle at this our first meeting at Wellington Barracks. Oh, and by the way, the Reunion raffle took just short of £200.00 – what a success story, and even more so because it was decided to donate the monies to the Help for Heroes charity.
On a downbeat note, may I apologise for the standard of the meal provided by the Victory Club, at the Reunion, - the main meal left something to be desired, as did the sweet, and the matter has been taken up with the management of the VC. However, I must emphasise this was no fault of Brenda`s. Later, I will inform you of the outcome of the complaint lodged with the VC.
So what about visits during the year. We started with the Tower of London ceremony on the 8th February 2009, when some 33 members and guests of the LHC Branch attended a church service, with 13 Branch members joining with the RMP, RMPA, Yeomen of the Guard and the Green Hackle Pipe Band for the ceremonial parade. This was rounded off with drinks and lunch in the Yeomans Club and the freedom of the Tower for the rest of the day. On the 22nd May, 20 Branch members and guests visited Air Command at RAF High Wycombe where we were given briefs by various Provost Officers, had lunch in the Officers mess and ended up with a photo-shoot in front of the Spitfire. On the 25th August, 29 Branch members and guests attended the NATO Headquarters at Northwood, where we were given most interesting briefings on counter-piracy, the roll of Counter Intelligence within NATO, the military exercise in Bulgaria and the investigation into indecency involving children, by a member of the Dutch Navy. We then attended the bar for drinks, but due to unforeseen circumstances, could not partake of lunch in the Officers Mess.
So what of 2010. I have arranged 5 visits so far: On 26th Jan, we will return to NATO HQ at Northwood, for further briefings and hopefully, this time, lunch in the Officers mess. On 2nd Feb there will be a visit to the Magic Circle in the West End, with wine and snacks, private table for a review of magic and then a show in the theatre. On the first Sunday in Feb 2010, Branch members and guests are again invited to attend and march in the ceremonial parade and service at the Tower of London, followed by drinks and a buffet lunch in the Yeomans Club. On 29th Apr, a group visit has been arranged for a guided tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, followed by a visit to the Army National Museum, which will include lunch. On 13th May, there will be a group visit to Ightham Mote, a 14th Century moated mansion house, with a guided tour, and ploughmans lunch. Finally (so far), there is to be a group visit to RAF Northolt, with lunch in the Officers Mess, a photo-shoot, then a visit to the WWII underground operations centre at nearby RAF Uxbridge. Full details will be forthcoming in due course, but attendance lists are displayed tonight for you to append your names. If you were unable to attend the AGM, but wish to be included in any of the visits, please telephone me on 01895 678 355, as soon as possible I will then enter your names on the appropriate lists.
I would personally like to thank Keith Adams (Hon Sec), Keith Christian (Hon Treas), Alex Flavell (Deputy Chair), Gerry Hopkins (Notebook Editor), Brenda Peake (London Reunion Organisor) and John Hildrey (Branch Auditor), for their unstinting co-operation and assistance in running and organising the London Home Counties Branch. Without their help, I could not possibly do my job properly. So maybe a member from the floor would be willing to propose a big vote of thanks to these stalwarts. Finally ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank all those members and friends who consistently support the Branch, and indeed make great efforts, sometimes at considerable cost and time, to attend the meetings. Finally, may I say welcome to our Associate Members and especially the very recent additions to our `family`. I hope you enjoy your stay and remain with us for years to come.
Well dear friends, I have prattled on long enough, I hope you will feel a little enlightened after reading this missive, and I do so hope you like your new watering hole. You are in a totally secure environment, you have your own private meeting room, at no cost, the drinks are nearly at pre-war prices and hopefully, we might be able to pursued the mess manageress to provide rolls or sandwiches at a small cost, in the future. May I wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year, and may God keep you safe where-ever you are.
6. Secretary's Annual Report. Keith A said this is his sixth year in post. He was able to attend the Exec Council Meeting in Jun but unable to attend the AGM. When necessary, Alan continued to represent the Branch wearing 2 hats, as Branch Rep and Association Trustee.
7. In 09 we welcomed 27 new members and 2 members died. Branch membership stands at 162 (140/08) inc 71 (63/08) subscribed members. We have 10 Associates. Average meeting attendance was 19m/6a (15/4/07). However, including apologies the totals rise to 24/8 (21/8/08). No meeting was cancelled this year. As a result of the formation of the SD Br we lost members but a number of WR Branch members transferred to our Branch. We welcome them. Our attendances at meetings and subscribed membership numbers have increased which is an encouraging sign.
8. We had to leave the Combined Mess at 160 Pro Coy RMP Rochester Row and we thanked them for their hospitality. We are fortunate to have been welcomed to this our new venue.
9. Our Branch website is fully up and running and has received c30,000 'hits' during the year. A lot of people out there have some interest in the Branch.
10. During the year Keith Adams and Richard Smith proudly paraded the RAFPA National Standard at HM ToL, AGM Torquay, NMA Alrewas (twice), Yevres France, Arc de Triomphe Paris, St Clement Danes London (twice), RAF Uxbridge, Westminster Abbey and the RBL Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. Our own Branch Standard was dedicated in Sep at St Clement Danes. Keith thanked the committee, Branch members, National officers and others for help and support, inc especially his wife, Pam, for her continuing forbearance. He is willing to continue as Branch Secretary. Adopted unanimously after Richard Smith and Gerry Gibbs advised additional occasions when the Nat Standard was paraded (included). Keith thanked them.
11. Treasurer's Annual Report. Keith C provided members with a copy of the annual audited accounts. The balance in hand this year is higher than 2008 (£1393/864) but there are payments to be made. Details in quarterly mtg. He now receives regular capitation fees from the Nat Treas. We had received a total of £705 in donations for our Standard, which with associated items cost £599. The costs to the Branch of the dedication (shared with the Association's Floor Plaque dedication) were £135, a deficit of £29 which was made up from Branch funds. Keith thanked John Hildrey for auditing the accounts and also those Members who had made donations during the year. He proposed a donation be made to the London District Mess (for a nominated Charity), as a token for the use of the Mess. Prop/Sec LR/RS - unanimous. Keith stated he is willing to continue in post for a further year. However he is retiring and moving away from London and intends to resign as Treasurer at the 2010 Branch AGM. The Chairman thanked Keith and John and all the generous donors. Please see box below - Vacancy for a replacement Treasurer.
12. Election of Branch Officers/Committee No nominations had been received by the Sec, nor were any forthcoming from the floor. All current members of the committee were willing to stand for re-election/re-appointment. The Chairman stood down and the Vice-chairman, Alex Flavell, took the chair. On a proposal from the floor (BS/FT) the committee were re-elected/re-appointed en-bloc. Unanimous.
· Alan Shaw re-elected Chairman.
· Alex Flavell re-elected Vice-chairman.
· Keith Adams re-elected Secretary.
· Keith Christian re-elected Treasurer.
· John Hildrey re-appointed as Branch Auditor.
· Alan Shaw re-appointed as Branch Trustee (rotational tenure). (Retiree 2010 - Alan Bell-Brown)
· Gerry Hopkins re-appointed as NoteBook Editor.
· Brenda Peake re-appointed as annual London Reunion Organiser.
13. The Chairman formally thanked the outgoing Officers, Committee and Trustees and welcomed the 'new' incumbents. The AGM was closed at 1955hrs
