Manningtree and District Royal British Legion
Minutes of Branch No 3683 Meeting held on 9th September 2014
Item
1
Opening Address
Jamie welcomed everyone to the meeting
By Whom
Branch
Chairman
Item
2
Exhortation
The meeting was opened with the exhortation, and a respectful silence
was observed. In particular for local servicemen who had given their lives
in wartime in:
By Whom
Branch
Chairman
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3
August – Frederick Garrard and Arthur Sage
September – Frederick Buck and John Scotney
Apologies and Attendance
17 members of the Branch attended the meeting, with apologies being
received from 8 others.
4
Minutes
The Minutes of the previous (August 2014) meeting were read out.
5
Chairman’s Report
In summary Jamie talked about:
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Item
6
Philip Cunningham’s biographies of deceased servicemen on local
memorials
The Oct branch AGM – election/re-election of officials and
nominations for committee members. Andy B suggested that this be
‘advertised’ on the web site and by e mail
Requested ideas for advertising for local press
The recent ‘least we Forget’ production at the Mannifest Theatre, he
thanked Kerry and said that flowers had been presented on behalf of
the branch
A suggestion that going forward the annual formal August meeting
should be a social gathering due to holiday commitments
A United Services Club, Harwich invite to a film and fish supper night at
19:00 Sat 20 Sep. The cost would be £7
Vice Chair’s Report
Nothing to Report (Vice Chairman not present)
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Branch
Chairman
Branch
Secretary
Branch
Chairman
Branch
Chairman
Item
7
Secretary’s Report
Alan spoke about:
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Branch
Chairman
Apologies for recent non attendance and a thank you to Andy Baker
for providing such excellent cover
MS 1 forms
Minutes Book (currently held by Treasurer following audit)
Membership renewals
Treasurers Report
8
Income
Receipts to Date
£3,186.04
Expenditure
£2,084.17
Current Balance
Branch
Treasurer
£1,101.87*
*£306.39 Ringfenced for WW1 Events
Item
9
Branch Welfare
It was reported that Wilf Sadler was currently in hospital, the branch
wished him well
Branch
Welfare Officer
County Welfare Report
10
Nothing to Report
County
Welfare Officer
A Group
11
12
13
14
th
Next meeting 4 October
Parade Marshals Report
Jamie talked about the Arnhem memorial service on 21st September, Rev
Chris Hills to officiate. He requested that cadets be encouraged to attend
Membership Secretary Report
 Membership now stands at over 80
 From 2015 cash payers will be sent an invoice that will be asked to pay
directly to a bank account rather than through branches
 From 2015, the RBL will move to Anniversary rather than annual
renewal (i.e. Renewal for new joiners will be due on the anniversary of
joining rather than 1 Oct)
Social Committee Report
Sharon spoke about:
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th
Remembrance ceremony at Royal Albert Hall on 8 Nov. Coach would
leave at 09:30 for a 14;00 event, and return for about 19:30. Dress –
smart casual, tie and medals for gentlemen. Packed lunches suggested
A Nov ‘Lunch with the Legion’ at Foundry Court (soup and roll)
The Dec party would be free and include music
Possible Christmas fund raiser TBC
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A Group Reps
Branch
Chairman
Membership
Secretary
Events
Secretary
15
16
Press Relations Officer
Sharon said that articles about branch activities and events were now
being regularly featured and expected
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17
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18
PRO
Poppy Appeal
2013 – The Drumhead service raised £430 and the Poppy Appeal total
stood at £7,370
2014
o Stock, including wreaths had now arrived
o A foyer table and military vehicle had been arranged for the
Co-op collection on 8th Nov
o Ann requested assistance from people who could devote time
to arrangements and collections
By Whom
PAO
AOB
Andy Baker read a letter from Lawford Parish Council thanking the
branch for their involvement in recent WW1 commemorations
Next meeting Tuesday 14th October 2014 at The Red Lion. It will be the
branch AGM
By Whom
Kohima Epitaph
The meeting closed at 20:45 with the Chairman reading the Kohima
Epitaph
Jamie Robinson Branch Chairman
Branch
Chairman
Alan Saddington Branch Secretary
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