3rd February 2012 Mount Batten Lounge R.B.L. Margate. S/M H. Allen in the Chair
There were 23 Members present and 5 apologies
Opening.
The chairman shipmate Harry Allen opened the meeting at 20:00 with the sad news that our president S/M Sid Jones had suddenly crossed the bar on 24th January. His funeral arrangements are 16:00 on Monday 13th February at Margate crematorium. He then spoke of welfare officer S/M Betty Hazleton who has had major surgery and is now recovering in Cheerful Sparrow’s ward of the QEQM hospital. A silent tribute was then observed for shipmates that had slipped their cables.
Minutes.
The minutes of the January meeting were read. These were accepted proposed by S/M Reg Baker, seconded by S/M Tony Sayer. There were no matters arising and they were signed as a true record.
Correspondence
An invite to Sunday lunch to celebrate the mayor of Margate’s year in office to be held at the Walpole Bay Hotel on Sunday 25th March at £23 per person.
Submariners Day in Chatham historic dockyard on Saturday 12th May to celebrate 50 years since HMS/M Ocelot the last Chatham built warship was launched.
E-mail from S/M Harvey Allen was read.
A letter from the General Secretary re fraud within the RBL part read and forwarded to RBL caseworker Geoff Mullinger.
The latest copy of the Warship magazine.
The Plymouth conference minutes.
Items from the HQ circular were read.
Local events, next Saturday is Channel dash day with expected fly past by a swordfish aircraft from RNAS Yeovilton.
News of a trip to Portsmouth cathedral for the unveiling of a plaque to the 534 boy seamen killed in action during WW11 on Sunday 18th March.
The Correspondence was proposed by S/M Bernie Butten and seconded by S/M Derek Edwards.
Treasurer’s Report.
The report was given by the secretary as S/M Taft is shaking his hooves in Bournemouth the financial statement for January gave us total branch assets of £1,499-00 an increase of £219 which reflects money still to be paid for the AGM dinner. Tonight’s raffle raised £45.
The report was accepted and proposed by S/M John Watkins and seconded by S/M John Sheldon.
Social Report
S/M Cox said he was collecting money for AGM dinner at the North Foreland golf club on Wednesday 7th March 2012, and also subs.
Welfare Report.
No report this month as S/M Betty is her self in hospital and the chairman spoke of welfare items in his address. There was also news that S/M Chris Cesana had been in hospital and was now home being cared for by his niece.
Standard Bearer’s Report.
Our standard was unable to parade at the funerals of ex matelot Les Greenwood, and S/M Harry Dodd as S/M Taft was attending hospital with Paula on both Wednesdays, Ramsgate S/M’s Les Smith and Derek West attended with the Ramsgate and HMS Phoebe standards many thanks to them.
The secretary said he had by chance bumped into S/M Richard Hiller licensee of the Horse and Groom Ramsgate who has kindly offered his services once again to carry our standard.
T/S Jamaica Sea Cadets.
The chairman reported that there had not yet been to a committee meeting at the unit.
AOB.
S/M Edna Scott asked what the branch had planned for S/M Sid Jones funeral a discussion followed and it was agreed to send an RBL poppy wreath plus a collection with S/M Jessie deciding on where it went, all agreed.
At this point the Secretary, new President S/M John Chapman called the chairman to the centre of the room where he was presented with Life membership of the RNA for services to the branch over 10 years as Chairman, HMS Jamaica Association Chairman, Vets Cub Chairman, North Russia Club Chairman, President of T/S Jamaica, Navy through and through. A letter from the General Secretary was read congratulating Harry on his life membership.
Close
The meeting closed @ 20:45 with prayers and singing of the branch song.
Up Spirits
Happy Birthday to shipmate Alan Palin
Next meeting
Friday 2nd March at 20:00