Exmouth Branch The Royal Marines Association
President
Col W M McDermott OBE
Chairman
Liam Kelleher
Vice Chairman
Terry Sandy
MINUTES OF BRANCH MONTHLY MEETING HELD AT EXMOUTH POLICE CLUB ON THURSDAY 8 JULY 2010
The meeting was opened at 1938 hours.
There were no visitors to the Branch. Two new members were welcomed.
Loyal toasts were given. The Chairman read the names of those killed on operations in Afghanistan. This was followed by a minutes silence.
Apologies: Tom Devin (Globe and Laurel Rep)
Minutes of last meeting and matters arising:
No matters arising. Proposed by Terry Sandy and seconded by Roy Davis that minutes be accepted as a true record. So accepted.
Chairman’s Report: Chairman thanked Branch members for their efforts on the recent Armed Forces Day. He informed the meeting that approximately £4000 had been raised. There was a proposition that £500 of this be donated to the Welfare Fund of 40 Commando Royal Marines. There were other propositions to be discussed for donations to non service charities and which would, if agreed, come from Branch Funds. Meeting was informed that donation to Tesco’s chosen charity, CLIC, as agreed at earlier meeting would take place on 21 July 2010. Chairman informed meeting that Dave Turner would talk in due course regarding boat trip to Turf Lock on 18 July 2010. Chairman congratulated Moggie Morgan on his award of commendation by RMA Central Office. Chairman again asked for volunteer(s) to run Xmas Draw. Advised meeting that if none forthcoming might be necessary not to hold one this year and perhaps combine with that of the Police Club. Chairman provided update re renewal of membership and advised those present that the renewal date for membership was 1st April irrespective of actual date of joining. Chairman invited Clive Evans to provide update re Armed Forces Day and upon which Clive informed members that the day had been a great success and he thanked those who assisted for their support.
Secretary’s Report: Secretary reminded Members that he would be submitting list to Central Office the next day for Branch ticket requirements for RMA Reunion weekend. He asked for those intending to take part in just the Parade to let him know so they could be included in information provided to Central Office. Meeting advised that latest RMA Newsletter now on notice board in Club. Secretary informed meeting of contents of three letters received praising Branch’s work on Armed Forces Day and informed meeting that donations totalling £60 had been received with two of these letters. Meeting informed that letters of thanks had been sent to both Exmouth Town Council and East Devon District Council.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer provided meeting with details of current financial position of the Branch. Balance as at end of May 2010 was £5052.92. Total income was £3815.56. Total expenditure was £1607.37.
This gave a balance of £7261.11. The sum allocated within the Branch ‘Pledge Box’ was £3339.52. This gave a balance remaining of £3921.59.
The Treasurer informed the meeting that in addition to the above there was some monies held as ‘unprocessed income’. He provided members with details of this and explained that these monies would cover the propositions to be discussed later in the meeting.
Social Secretary: Social Secretary reminded Members that tickets available for Corps Birthday Dinner. Meeting informed that for those attending function at 40 Cdo RM on 22 July 2010 transport had been arranged and would leave from outside ‘Iceland’ at 1815 hours. There would be a charge of £3 per head payable on the night. Social Secretary informed meeting that there was a proposition for £60 to cover cost of framing three prints of 45 Commando RM on operations in Afghanistan and which are to be auctioned at the Branch function being held for the RMA Reunion Weekend. Gary Arnold provided the meeting with details of these prints and how they had been obtained. Meeting advised that a bid of £100 had already been received. Question was posed by one of the Members as to whether the Branch could submit a bid themselves for the prints.
Membership Secretary: Meeting was given further update as to progress in membership renewals. At that point 45 full members, 12 associate members, 1 HQ Roll and 1 local member, a total of 59, had renewed their membership. Again meeting informed that renewal date for all would be 1st April each year. Meeting informed that any overpayments by those aged over 65 would be reimbursed. Treasurer informed meeting that where refund was due it was up to individual(s) concerned to contact him. Two new members namely Joan Matthews and Geoff Kamester introduced themselves to those present. They were duly voted in as members of the Branch
Welfare: Nothing to Report. Two members spoke of two individuals possibly needing welfare assistance. This to be discussed outside of meeting.
Globe and Laurel Representative: Chairman informed meeting that article had been submitted for next edition of Corps Journal.
Quartermaster: Quartermaster thanked members for their assistance on Armed Forces Day.
Mentors Representative: Meeting informed that Branch’s continuing support in providing mentors was needed. Representative gave meeting update regarding current events at CTCRM in relation to Recruit Training.
Fund Raiser: Meeting informed that Volunteers were needed for collection at Tesco on 28 August 2010. Timings were 0800 to 2000 hours. Anticipated that this would be a most busy day and opportunity to raise considerable amount of money. Time for presentation of cheque to Tesco on 21 July 2010 was 1500 hours. Details of dress were given. Question posed by Bill Huddleston as to whether contact had been made by RM Memorial Fund. Fund Raiser advised meeting that a letter had been received from them.
Propositions:
066. That the sum of £500 be allocated from the monies raised on Armed Forces Day as a donation to The Welfare Fund, 40 Commando Royal Marines.
Proposed by: Clive Evans
Seconded by: Liam Kelleher
Carried unanimously.
067. That the sum of £250 be allocated from Branch Funds as a donation to Stallcombe House.
Proposed by: Moggie Morgan
Seconded by Clive Evans
Carried unanimously.
068. That the sum of £250 be allocated from Branch Funds as a donation to Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Proposed by: Clive Evans
Seconded by: Moggie Morgan
Carried unanimously.
069. That the sum of £60 be allocated to cover cost of framing of 3 prints of 45 Commando RM on operations in Afghanistan and which are to be auctioned at Branch function for RMA Reunion Weekend.
Proposed by: Louise Arnold
Seconded by: Clive Evans
Carried unanimously
070. That the sum of £300 be allocated to cover the cost of the buffet for the Branch Function for the Friday night of the RMA Reunion Weekend.
Proposed by: Moggie Morgan
Seconded by: Liam Kelleher
Carried unanimously
Any Other Business:
Dave Turner provided members with details of planned boat trip and barbeque on 18 July 2010. Cost would be £2 per head to be paid to Roy Davis. Clive Evans informed meeting that if any members wished to attend the Corps SNCO Reunion he had the proformas for this event. Dave Thompson asked if any Branch Members wished to assist at the forthcoming Stallcombe House Summer Fayre that they speak with him.
Meeting closed at 2020 hours
Date of next Committee meeting: Thursday 5 August 2010
Date of next Branch meeting: Thursday 12 August 2010
Liam Kelleher Pete Jones
Branch Chairman Branch Secretary