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
11 Mar 10
The Chairman opened the meeting at 1930hrs and welcomed the attendees, especially those attending for the first time. He invited members to stand in silence in remembrance of those no longer with us and on this occasion particularly SAC Luke Southgate 2 Sqn RAF Regt killed in Afghanistan. Members were then invited to briefly introduce themselves.
1. Present: A Shaw (Chairman), A Flavell (Vice Chairman), K Christian (Treasurer), K Adams (Secretary), G Hopkins (NB Editor), P Adams, E Carter, J Carter, E Christian, E Eady, G Gibbs, P Imbert, T Maddox, E Rowden, L Rowden, C Shaw, B Simmonds, B Sutton, M Sutton, F Turner, M Lester, R Lamb, R Laver, J Ewens, S Oakes, W Veazey. (20mbrs/6Assoc)
2. Apologies: N Button, J Hildrey, A Moore, C Williams, F Williams, P Clarke, B Peake, R Richardson, R Smith, E Smith, R Strachan, (7m/4a)
3. Minutes of the Mar 08 Quarterly Meeting. Accepted unanimously as a true record.
4. Matters Arising. (Item 7 AOB.) Peter Imbert said that whereas at the last meeting he had been surprised to hear the proposal to dedicate the Branch Standard in his name he had subsequently had the opportunity to reflect on the matter. Whilst he was touched by the sentiment displayed and had initially accepted the honour, now after careful consideration, he felt he should decline. He considered that with the current situation and the sacrifices the services were making, the timing was not opportune. The members wholeheartedly acknowledged his sentiment and accepted his decision.
5. Secretary/Correspondence. Keith Adams said we welcomed the following new Members since Sep: Anthony Peters, Lawrence (Bill) Sykes, Harry Evans, Roy Wells and Patrick Plumridge. Sadly we lost Charles Sutton (Dulwich), who died in January. (A condolence card was sent to his family.) Branch Membership: 166, Subscribed mbrs: 63, Associates 15. National Ass: 1459. About 125 Assn members and guests attended the Snowdrop Ceremony at the NMA Alrewas on 3 Mar. Inc the RMP Element there were 11 Standards paraded. Those attending the AGM at Hopton should have paid their accounts in Feb. If you have not done so please contact asap. Our Website received c9600hits in the quarter. The Webmaster has offered to revamp the website and invites suggestions for inclusion. The contact for 'goodie' parcels for Afghanistan is still FS Al Honer. Please note we are now welcome to resume despatching parcels after the festive period. No decision has yet been made on the sale of RAF Police Poppy Badges for 2010. Get well cards went to Ray Phillips and Reg Lamb. The new Association President is: Air Cdre Russell La Forte CBE BA RAF ACoSFP AORAFPol. Dave Wardell (Assn Sec) still holds a few copies of the Provost Parade; contact him direct for a copy.
6. Treasurer. Keith Christian said that the current balance was £740.94, a healthy position. He had his pocket picked recently whilst returning from the bank and the RAFPA a/c paying in book was stolen. He reported it immediately to the bank. It would be of no use to a thief. Keith had received a letter of thanks from the charity 'Help for Heroes' for the donation of £300 the Branch had recently made. (The letter was read out by the Sec.)
4 Chairman. Alan Shaw said he was looking forward to a busy AGM and an enjoyable weekend. One of the matters to be discussed would be the 'RAFPA Tie'. He was wearing a new type red/black striped model to display it and to compare it with the current 'official' blue with crest model. Bill Veazey was wearing the RAFPol red/black striped model equivalent. (See Dec 09 mins on this.) As those who would have attended know, the NATO HQ Northwood visit had to be cancelled due to service/security commitments. It is not known when/if we shall be able to reschedule the visit. Although he could not attend due to illness he reported the Magic Circle visit was much enjoyed by the 15 members/guests. It was a full evening with both close up magic and a stage show in between which a light supper and drinks were taken. The building itself is interesting with a high spiral staircase and a museum. The management kindly offered Alan and Celia another date. The Tower of London Parade and Commemoration with the RMPA was again very successful with c20 Members marching and both the RAFPA National and LHC Branch Standards on parade and c40 in our party. A number of the RAFPA party were able to go to the Yeomen Warders' Club afterwards but unfortunately the number had to be limited. Our party has grown and the Club, unfortunately, cannot accommodate all who attend. Likewise we cannot invite other branches to participate because we would be in danger of exceeding the RMPA contingent. 31 have booked for the visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea followed by lunch and visit to the National Army Museum. Brian Sutton needs more members to make up the numbers to visit Ightham Mote (see box below). There is still time to book for the visit to RAF Northolt (see box below). Alan has spent many hours in what has become a successful (well almost!) project to register the RAFPA badge with the Intellectual Property Office to prevent others using it for commercial purposes. Fortunately we got it right at the start. It contained both the Royal Crown and a Royal Title and because the badge was produced and registered with the College of Heralds and signed off by Garter King of Arms on behalf of HM QE2, it had to be referred back to the Lord Chamberlain and dealt with by HM's solicitors A formal objection raised by The Secretary of State for Defence has been successfully dealt with and withdrawn. Providing no further objections are raised certification will be issued on 29 Mar. The Trustees of the RAFPA (of which Alan is one) will be formally responsible for the safeguarding of the use of the badge. Any change to the badge is not now feasible. Alan reminded the meeting that we shall need a new Treasurer when Keith C stands down next December. There was some discussion amongst members and Keith C invited anyone interested to contact him to discuss the duties which he (Keith C) describes as not too onerous. (Post meeting note: Roy Laver has offered to undertake the duties. Thanks Roy! The appointment will be formalised in due course.) The RAF Pol and neither the Air Cdre nor the PM will be able to attend the NMA on 23 Jun. They have said that due to ongoing commitments service participation will have to be limited to 'milestone' years viz: 5, 10, 15…. The Nat Vice Chairman questioned the viability this year as the RAFPA Padre will also be absent. A number of members stated their intention to attend and it is known members from other branches will be there. The meeting consensus was that we should hold a commemoration this year. (Post meeting note: This has been communicated to the Nat VC. Alan has found an ex member of the LHC (nowSD) Branch who is a Rev to take the service and Peter Clarke (Gp Capt Ret'd) has offered to take the salute. Bill Veasey offered to act as Parade WO. These details have also been passed to the Nat VC). Alan encourages all who can, to attend on 23 Jun.
5 NoteBook Editor. Gerry Hopkins said the next edition will be published at the end of March. He is enjoying producing the Magazine but he still needs material to publish. When sending photos please include name(s) and a description of the occasion. Please see box below.
6 London Reunion Brenda Peake was unable to attend but had advised that planning was in progress for the next re-union which will take place on 29 Oct 2010.
7 AOB Keith Christiansaid he thought there was an anomaly in the subs paid by Associates who requested the NoteBook. He thought the current £8 (£3 joining fee/ann sub and £5 NB sub) was too much and should be reviewed. Alan invited discussion but advised that no decision was possible at a quarterly meeting. The matter would have to be tabled at the AGM with a formal seconded proposal to permit members to discuss and vote. KC acknowledged this and intends to do so. Reg Lamb said Branch members from the Oxford area continue to represent the Assn at the John Radcliffe Hospital when deceased from Afghanistan are taken there for post mortems. They had recently been invited to a reception held by the Lord Mayor of Oxford in recognition of the support being shown at repatriations by our and other organisations. About 250 were present. Furthermore, a number of local stores have provided financial support and parking facilities for those attending. Alan expressed the appreciation of the Branch for their continued commitment and asked Reg to write a short account for the NoteBook and the website. The ceremonies at Oxford receive little media coverage, that being directed to Wootton Bassett. Keith Christian said in a recent speech the CDS, ACM Sir Jock Stirrup, has apparently supported the amalgamation of the RAF with another of the Forces. There was some discussion as to what Sir Jock said or meant. However, Keith was of the opinion that we as vets should make known our support for the RAF and advise our association officers accordingly. (Post meeting note: Keith's concerns are being passed to the Nat officers)
8. The Raffle made £48. Alan thanked the donors for a very interesting range of prizes and the ladies for the organisation.
9. Date/Time/Location of Next Meeting Thu 10 Jun 10 - 1900 for 1930. London District WOs & Sgts Mess, Wellington Barracks, (entrance in) Petty France, London SW1. PLEASE NOTE meetings on the SECOND Thursday.
11 The meeting closed at 2120. Members then socialised.
NOTES/CONTACTS:
Associates: Relatives/Friends/Other suitable persons are eligible to apply. Annual fee £3. Apply to Secretary.
Branch Website www.rafpalhc.co.uk
Webmaster superchimp1@ntlworld.com (Ian Alexander)
Branch Subscriptions. The full branch membership subscription of £5pa is due 1 Jan 10. Cheques should be made payable to 'The Royal Air Force Police Association LHC Branch'. A 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 are naturally eligible to partake in all meetings/activities. The Treasurer holds application forms for Veteran's Badges. Please apply to him.
Association AGM-10 Apr 10. Potters Leisure Resort Hopton on Sea Norfolk NR31 9BX. Various accommodation packages available. Contact: 01502 730345 - 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.
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
FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES CONTACT ALAN SHAW ASAP. Contact details above.
ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA and NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM 0945/1000 29 Apr 10. Conducted tour of the RH followed by lunch (choose & pay on day), presentation (of general interest) and visit to NAM. Small charge for RH tour depending on numbers attending. NAM free.
IGHTHAM MOTE Visit to NT Property 13 May 10 c5miles from Sevenoaks, Kent. Own transport. Non NT members conc. entry fee £9.60. Tea/coffee on arrival £3ea. Tour of house £3ea. (Total £15.60) For this outing please contact BRIAN SUTTON 01732 450873 asap. BRIAN NEEDS 15 TO GET THE CONCESSIONAL RATE.
RAF STATION NORTHOLT & BFPO HQ. 0930/1000 15 Jun 10. Tour of Station, inc BFPO, RAFP Dog Section, etc. Free. Lunch in Mess (pay on day). Possible extension to BoB Sector Control Room at RAF Uxbridge. Own transport. Vehicles to be registered. Tube - Ruislip Gardens (5mins).
NEW MEETING DATES As a result of the clash in meeting nights in the new venue the LHC Branch has CHANGED its meeting night 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 10 Jun 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.
FOUND A small Spitfire gold type lapel pin badge was found in the Yeomen Warders' Club after the Commemoration and Parade on 7 Feb 10. Please contact Alan Shaw (details above) to claim.
