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National Service (RAF) Association
Cosford Branch
Secretary: Peter Morrell, 2 Lothians Road,Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 9PR.
Tel: 01902 746896 e-mail: ptrmrrll@hotmail.co.uk.
Newsletter
Issue: March 2010
9th March 2010 at ‘The
Summer House' Kingswood, at 12.00 hours.
Branch AGM 2010:
The Branch AGM was held at 12.00 hours on Tuesday 9th February 2010 at ‘The Summer House, Kingswood.
Attendance: Members: 63 Apologies 15 Guests:8
The meeting was opened by the Chairman, Mike Brice who welcomed members and guests. There were no apologies received other than those in the attendance book. Mike then invited our new member Terry Grant to give a brief account of his service in the RAF. Terry suitably replied.
Sick Parade:
Jim Paterson read out the names of members on Sick Parade.
•1. Vic Smith- recovering from heart surgery.
•2. Jim Plank- awaiting operation on his back.
•3. Alan Evitts- recovering from a Stroke.
We wish them a speedy recovery and hope to see them soon.
It was good to see Don Hughes, Jerry Cleary and Malcolm Barratt at the meeting. Keep well chaps.
The minutes of the 2009 AGM were read, agreed and accepted by the members present.
There then followed reports from
Chairman - Mike Brice Secretary - Peter Morrell
Treasurer - Peter Holland President - Bill Munro
Copies of the Treasurers report are available to any member who wishes
to receive a copy-
Contact: Peter Holland, 5 Monet Close. Shawbirch, Telford. TF5 0PP.
Mike Brice then handed the meeting over to the President Bill Munro.
Bill informed the meeting that a Proposition had been received from Norman Morris (52) Seconded by Alan Johnson (54) not present. The proposition put forward was- ‘That membership of Cosford Branch of the National Service (RAF) Association be granted only to those eligible personnel who are paid up
members of the National Service (RAF) Association'. Bill Munro informed the meeting, that the Committee did not support the Proposition and the branch would not dictate to members on the issue of National membership, this would be left for the individual member to decide. The Proposition was rejected with only three members in support thereof.
There then followed the re-election of officers who were re-elected en bloc.
The retiring Chairman Mike Brice then invested the new Chairman Jim Paterson with his badge of office.
Jim thanked the Committee and the members for their support and would endeavour to carry on the good work of his predecessors.
Any Other Business:
The following points were raised by Jim Griffiths (134)
Canal Trips. List of Committee members. Newsletter by e-mail.
The following answers were given.
Canal Trips: Les Bouts has the information and will be organising trips as
and when the weather improves.
List Of Committee members - A new list of Committee members together with their contact numbers is being prepared and every member will receive a copy with the Newsletter.
Newsletter by e-mail: The Committee attempted to circulate copies of the Newsletter to those members who were on the internet. Unfortunately, for one reason or another some members did not receive the e-mail or could not download the Newsletter Because of the problems and the extra work and time involved and to ensure all members received the Newsletter it was decided that we return to the postal system. Georgina (non member) wife of Fred Wheeler (6) raised the question that Minutes were not taken at our monthly meetings and members who were unable to attend meeting were not aware of what took place and were not informed of various trips/ visits.
Georgina was informed that details of proceedings were circulated to every member by the monthly Newsletter
Jim Paterson told her that this would be dealt with by the Committee and taken in hand.
Note:
Jim Paterson has since contacted Georgina on this matter and posed the following questions:
•1. ‘Having regard to the fact that Cosford branch has been in existence for over five years and since that time minutes have never been taken at our monthly meetings, if they were they certainly were never read out at any subsequent meeting. (Our former Secretary deemed them unnecessary)
So why has it taken this length of time to raise the matter now?.
•2. ‘Who are these members who have complained to you a non member of the branch Why not complain to the Secretary or any other member of the Committee?
Georgina was unable to give me a suitable explanation. I informed her the matter would be discussed at the next Committee meeting and auctioned accordingly.
Note from the Chairman:
Having regard to the complaint made by Georgina (non-member) on behalf of some anonymous members. The following points are worthy of note.
•1. Since the formation of Cosford Branch minutes have never been taken of proceedings at our monthly meetings. If they were taken, they certainly were never read out at any subsequent meeting. (Our former Secretary considered them to be unnecessary.)
•2. Since the formation of a Branch Committee during 2007 no minutes have been taken at our monthly meetings. However, a note of proceedings has always been reported in the monthly Newsletter.
In my view, no member can complain that they were not aware of what took place at meetings, in particular details of any forthcoming events, trips or visits. All they have to do is read the Newsletter.
•3. Fred Wheeler (6) has been a member of Cosford branch since its formation and has never raised this issue until now?.
•4. Being naturally suspicious, I wonder if some outside influence has prompted Georgina to make this complaint at this late stage. If some outside influence has been brought to bear on this issue with the view to causing some mischief within the branch let me make it clear, I am passionate about Cosford branch and will take all necessary action to ensure its survival.
Many ex-service organisations have ceased to exist due to divisions, disputes and disharmony amongst their members. Let me assure you, that, with the continued support of members and that of the Branch Committee this will never happen to Cosford branch.
I would remind members that if they have any comments, suggestions or complaints connected with the running of the branch, they should submit these, in writing to Peter Morrell, Branch Secretary, 2 Lothians Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 9PR, when any issue raised will be discussed by the Committee and actioned accordingly.
It should also be noted, Guests are always welcome to attend our meetings, but take no part in the running of branch affairs, nor are they permitted to vote on any matters affecting the smooth running of the branch.
Raffle:
As mentioned in the January Newsletter, a Hamper and bottle of Brandy donated by Trevor and Margaret Philpott were the Raffle prizes at the AGM. The Raffle raised the magnificent sum of £110 and will be donated by Cosford Branch to ‘Help for Heroes Fund'. Well done everybody, I am sure this will be appreciated by our injured service men and women at Selly Oak Hospital.
There being no other business the meeting was closed.
(Any member wishing a copy of the Minutes of the AGM should contact the Secretary, Peter Morrell.)
Speakers:
The Speaker at the March meeting will be our own member Jim Griffiths (134). The subject ‘Life of a National Service Airman on an Operational stations'.
We are beginning to get a response for Speakers from within the branch and we look forward to hearing them. Well done chaps, keep up the good work.
Aircraft Recognition:
I would like to thank all those members who responded, in particular Jim Griffiths (134) who provided me with a print out via ‘Google'. Yes. The answer was a Handley Page Heyford Mk1a bi-plane bomber and was the last bi-plane bomber in service with the RAF. The bomber first came into service with the RAF in 1933. Well done everybody who had spent time researching this in their Aircraft Recognition books or via the net.
I apologise for giving the wrong e-mail address for replies. The correct
address is: jpaterson447@btinternet.com
The RAF at War:
Whenever you hear the news of the war in Afghanistan you very rarely hear mention of the RAF's role. As an ex Rock Ape I follow the RAF Regiment's involvement in that far off land with great interest. I have included a poem written by an ex-Rock Ape about a Rock Ape's Role in war.
Our Common Bond
In a far distant foreign land
Our comrades serve in dust and sand.
Trained to fight with special skill
Those who would cause them harm, or ill.
Team work essential to protect their mates,
Sadness for those who have met their fates.
A place to fill, but never the same.
Courage? Of course! But too many to name.
Our hearts go out to these gallant men,
We who once wore the ‘flash‘ think of them.
They who face the risks so far from home,
Good luck! Stay safe! You're not alone.
Next meeting.
Tuesday 13th April 2010 at 1200 hours at ‘The Summer House' Kingswood.
That's all for now folks.
Your Editor, Jim.|
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