Patron Her Majesty The Queen
West Lancashire County
The Royal British Legion
Annual Report
2013/2014
and agenda
for the
22nd Annual Conference
to be held at
Maghull Royal British Legion Club
On
Saturday 24th January 2015 at 1400hrs
Attention is drawn to Governing Regulation 15b of The Royal Charter, which reads;
The membership of each County/District Conference will consist of one representative
from each Branch in that County/District with up to 300 Members and Life members in
total, and 2 representatives from each Branch with over 300 Members and Life
members in total. Only Branches that have submitted their receipts and payment
accounts, Form MS1and paid their affiliation fee by the preceding 31st March are
entitled to be represented at a meeting of the County/District Conference
Only Branch Delegates are entitled to vote at the conference.
On rising to address the Chair, delegates are requested to state the name of the
branch represented.
The following is a proposed agenda however this could change
ENTRY OF STANDARDS
1.
Exhortation the County President
2.
Opening prayers Branch Chaplain
3.
Welcome to Host Venue by the Branch/Club Chairman
4.
Civic Welcome by Lord Mayor
5.
County Awards
6.
Apologies
7.
Address by the County President
8.
Appointment of Scrutineers
9.
Confirmation of Previous Annual Conference minutes
10. Chairman's Report
11. County Report
12. Approval of County Plan
13. County Manager’s Report
14. Treasurer's Report
15. Adoption of Accounts
16. Address by Guest Speakers
17. Vote of thanks to guest speakers
18. Election of County Committee Members
19. County Conference Committee Nominations
20. National Conference Committee Nominations
21. Resolutions
22. Venue for next County Conference
23. Handover of County Standard
24. Vote of Thanks by County Vice Chairman
25. National Anthem
The Royal British Legion West Lancashire County Annual Conference Saturday
24th January 2015
Committee Nominations
County Chairman
Mr J Ryan
Netherley
elected unopposed
County Vice Chairman
Mr W Sergeant
Hale
elected unopposed
County Committee
(5 Vacancies to be filled)
Mr D Morgan
Mr R Raufer
Mr H Slater
Mr A Williams
Formby
Woolton
Maghull
Netherley
All are elected unopposed
County Conference Committee
(3 Vacancies to be filled)
Mr H Slater
Ms L Taggart
Mrs J Martin
All are elected unopposed
Motions to be Debated
None
Maghull
East Liverpool
Penketh & Sankey
Annual Report 2013/2014
The Twenty Second Annual Report of West Lancashire County RBL for the year
ending 30th September 2014.
It is with great sadness that once again the annual report of West Lancashire County
must start with the loss of some outstanding Legionnaires.
Firstly we must announce the passing of a Life member and former County President
Tom Hughes, Ken Fyldes President of Garston, Lol Parr President of Ball O Ditton
and John Roberts Chairman of Speke. Other noticeable members too have left us
are Bob Draper and Bob King, our sincere condolences go to their families. We also
send the County’s condolences to all the outstanding Legionnaires that have passed
away in the last 12 months. They will all be sadly missed and our deepest sympathy
goes to their families.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
County Committee
The County Committee would like to record their thanks to the Branches and Clubs
within the county for their hospitality to the County Committee at the County Meetings
during the past year and a special thank you to Maghull Branch and Club for the use
of their premises for our County Conference Committee meetings
Branches and Clubs
We should start by welcoming back like a phoenix or a Liver bird The City of
Liverpool Branch which reopened this year and starts with a very healthy
membership of 108 members with 48% being youth members most of these being
cadets.
Some of our smaller Branches continue to find it difficult to cope and to replace
officers when they retire due to age and ill health. It is essential that all current
Branch committees have succession plan in place which will allow time to identify
suitable replacements?
On a positive note Boro of Crosby Branch have continued to increase their
membership for which we congratulate them. With the advent of on-line joining in
the last 12 months 96 people have joined the County by this method, 34 in this
calendar year. They are initially placed in the County Branch and from there
advised of their options.
Statistically the County began this year with 4,257 members and we recruited
another 485, unfortunately we lost 924 members for various reasons and we end
the year with 3,832 which is a decrease of 10.2%. This is mainly due to the loss
of Bolton & Thatto Heath RBL clubs who lost 61% and 85% of members
respectively.
Many branches should be congratulated on their efforts to maintain their membership
levels 13 of the 36 Branches in the County ended the year with positive figures or no
loss of membership. We must all continue to strive to ensure that the membership
side of The Royal British Legion continues in its present form. The Branches that
have grown greatest in the last few years are Culcheth, Crosby and Wigan. The
County Central Branch has also increased, due to online joining and unfortunately at
the cost of other Branches as they close.
One way of retaining members is Direct Debit (DD) the percentage has risen by 2.5%
to 21.6% there is still more to do and Branches are reminded that all new members
must be encouraged to join as a DD payer. Gift Aid is also a very easy method of
giving funds the Legion every tick in the box gives 25p for every £1 spent on your
membership fee, which is an easy way of trying to keep the Affiliation fee at its
current level.
The County Recruiting Officer Sean Pullen, the Membership Support Officer Bill
Martin or the Armed Forces Engagement Officer Andy Dixon will be pleased to
offer advice to any branch that needs help with this or any other recruiting or
retention effort.
Unfortunately we have lost a couple of Clubs this year Bolton mainly due to poor
trading and increased costs and Thatto Heath due to a catastrophic roof collapse, the
clubs insurance company refused to pay out due to the club not having sufficient
maintenance records.
There are Clubs within our County who continue to face very difficult times and we
have lost another club since but in next years reporting so clubs should heed warning
signs, do not wait until it is too late, seek the free advice of Geoff Morrey our Clubs
Relationship Manager and act on his advice even if it seems unpopular it is surely
better to have a few dissatisfied members than no club at all?
It is imperative that any club in difficulty and on the verge of closure lets the
Membership Support Officer or Clubs Relationship Manager know. This will enable
them to look at options for the club and may not necessarily mean closure of the
facilities, just closure of the business.
County Conference 2013
The County held its 21st Annual Conference at Garston Royal British Legion Club
on Saturday 18th January 2014.
The delegates and visitors were given a warm welcome to Garston by the Lord
Mayor of Liverpool.
Our guest speakers where Bob Gamble Assistant Director Membership & Armed
Forces Engagement, Col Telford QRANC and Lt Col Gallagher RAMC from 208 Field
Ambulance, who gave us an excellent presentation of the history of 208 and the
Medical Services in Afghanistan.
The attendance at Conference was superb this year with a record number of
delegates; the County Committee would like to thank all the delegates and visitors
who attended for all their efforts. Also the Standard Bearers who attended must be
commended on their turn out and bearing. They were an excellent reflection on the
county and all our guests commented on their professionalism.
We would like to congratulate all who received awards on the day.
Thanks must also be given to Garston Branch and Club for making us so welcome in
wonderful surroundings.
WW1 Commemorations
The County has been involved in a number of commemorations to mark the
centenary of start of WW1 including:
Poppy on the Beach
To mark Sefton's World War 1 commemorations, a total of 5,821 pupils from more
than 47 schools were on Southport beach on Friday 4 July to form a huge human
poppy.
The huge group formed the famous Poppy logo on Southport beach wearing red and
black and green t-shirts. Pupils had to stand in the formation for more than 15
minutes and the amazing feat is now being verified with Guinness as a new World
Record.
The event was organised by Sefton Council in partnership with Sefton CVS and the
Legion and watched by thousands of residents and visitors on Southport seafront.
Leader of Sefton Council, Cllr Peter Dowd, was at the event. He said: "To watch the
World Record being set on Southport beach was truly amazing. "Once in formation,
the poppy looked spectacular and the hugely successful event marks the start of
Sefton's commemorations to mark the onset of World War 1.
Lights Out
The Lights Out event organised by 14-18 NOW, a cultural programme to mark the
centenary invited everyone in the UK to participate in a shared moment of reflection
by turning off their lights from 10-11 pm on 4 August, leaving on a single light or
candle, to mark the 100th anniversary of when Great Britain entered the First World
War.
Westminster Abbey led the nation with a First World War vigil liturgy which was
broadcast live on the BBC. Liverpool Town Hall, the Liver Building and Area Office as
well as Blackpool Tower, Downing Street, Tower Bridge, the Eden Project in
Cornwall, the headquarters of the Football Association and the Imperial War
Museums in London and Greater Manchester, were among the buildings which also
took part in the event.
A giant candle was transposed onto the Liver building and many churches held
solemn services to mark the start of WW1.
WW1 Weekend
The programme of events started on Friday, September 12, with a free children’s
concert at Liverpool Cathedral, which was very well attended
On Saturday, September 13, St John’s Gardens we had an information tent and Pop
Up Shop in use which was very successful and we sold £411 worth of stock from the
Poppy Shop.
The weekend finished off on Sunday, September 14, with a special Drumhead
Service at Exchange Flags, with High Tea at the Town Hall.
Annual Cathedral Service AFD Parade
The Annual Cathedral Service was held at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral in June and
was combined with Armed Forces Day. It was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of
Merseyside, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool and other Civic Dignitaries.
The County was disappointed with the turnout from Branches; however those that did
attend had an enjoyable afternoon. The Chairman asks all Branches to encourage
their members to attend all County events in the future.
There continues to be a good turnout of Standards, the Legion Standard was clearly
visible during the service and parade. It was commented by a number of people that
this was one of the best Service and Parade they had attended on AFD. It would be
great to see every Legion Standard Represented and to that end Branches must
ensure they do all in their power to appoint a Standard Bearer and Deputy if possible.
AFD continued at the Albert Dock with Military stalls and the Legion was represented
with a Gazeebo manned by the County Secretary, Case Officer and a couple of
information Volunteers from the Pop In.
The Lord Lieutenants Cadet Poppy Appeal Awards
The competition and presentation evening held at HMS Eaglet were both highly
successful events and the Community Fundraiser Christine Bradford should be
congratulated on her efforts.
This year saw a continued rise in cadet units taking part in the competition the
Committee encourage all Poppy Appeal Organisers to ensure that their cadet
units are entered into the competition.
Trophies were presented by the Lord Lieutenant before a number of
distinguished guests. It was good to see many Poppy Organisers represented at
this year's event however the Committee would encourage all Poppy Organisers
to attend to show their support to the Cadets that helped them during the appeal.
The County must ensure that this prodigious event remains at the top of our
social calendar.
We also took the opportunity to ask the Lord Lieutenant to award an number of
awards on the evening including presenting 2 Life Membership Awards to John
Gaffney and Ronnie Lewis from Huyton.
Congratulations go to all the Cadets that took part in the Poppy Appeal.
National Conference
National Conference 2014 was held in Torquay and the County was as normal their
in force.
There were a number of Charter Motions Passed most of them were to tidy up the
wording in the Royal charter. A Charter Motion to change The Royal Charter was
again presented and became the contentious Motion this year and after a lengthy
heated debate the Motion lost.
The motion forwarded by the County was carried below is the motion:
This Conference requests the Board of Trustees, to lobby HM Government to
ensure people on benefits who are volunteering to help The Royal British
Legion are not disadvantaged by being threatened to have their Benefits
withdrawn.
We would like to congratulate Dusty Miller who received the Legions highest honour
the National Certificate of Appreciation from the National Chairman.
Next years Conference will be held in Southport and as it a local Conference there
will be no trip arranged centrally delegates wishing to attend should arrange their
own travel and accommodation if required.
Standard Bearers Competition
St Michaels Church Hall, Crosby was the venue for this years County Standard
Bearers Competition and we must thank Cyril Goulbourne and the County
Secretary for organising the event.
With the encouraging number of competitors last year it had been decided that the
County should continue to hold training sessions for Standard Bearers so that high
standards of the past remain for the future and for those that attended it was an
enjoyable and helpful number of evenings and we thank Michelle Miller Cyril, Dusty
and Dave and for their assistance.
Once again this year a "joint" competition took place in conjunction with our Women's
Section and Cumbria Women’s Section joined us the be judged. The number of
competitors dropped slightly with 5 men taking part and 1 lady from each of the
Women’s section Counties.
A special thank you must go to our Parade Marshall Mrs Michelle Miller and to the
judges. The competition was closely fought with a joint tie for runner up but
eventually it was again won by Eddie Flaherty from East Liverpool with Lindsay
Taggart of East Liverpool winning the Women's Section..
Warrington Festival of Remembrance
The County partnered with Warrington Male Voice Choir and the Duke of Lancaster’s
Band to hold Festival of Remembrance in Warrington at the Parr Hall. This was a
huge success and a very enjoyable and poignant evening of music and song which
brought the local community together to commemorate and honour all those who had
lost their lives in conflict.
Remembrance Period
We held a number of well attended events over the Remembrance Period. The
Garden of remembrance opening was held on a very wet Friday and had to be
moved into St Georges Hall at short notice. A big thank you for St Georges Hall for
their assistance during the service. Thanks to the Office staff for looking after the
guests when they arrived at the Area Office for a brew.
Remembrance Sunday had the greatest amount of people on parade for many a year
and thousands of people watching. This year the event was televised on a giant
screen to let the many thousands of people see. TRBL got mentioned on on
numerous occasions by Roger Philips the compere.
Armistice Day we held a 2 minute silence at the cenotaph with over 300 people
attended and we were treated to songs from 150 school children from St Margaret
Marys primary school.
West Lancashire County Women's Section
The County Committee would like to thank our Women's Section for their continued
support on our Parades, Poppy Appeal and on the other numerous occasions when
we call on their help.
It is unfortunate that West Lancashire County Women’s Section may be
amalgamated with Lancashire in the coming year but we wish everyone well for the
future.
Congratulations must also go to Ms Lindsay Taggart, Women’s Section Standard
Bearer, East Liverpool Branch, for winning the County Women’s Section competition.
County Awards
The Graeme Bryson Trophy for Branch Efficiency and Progress
Winner
Formby Branch
The Chairman's Cup Poppy Appeal Largest % Increase (3 Yrs)
Winner
Woolston with Martinscroft Branch
Runner up
Ashton in Makerfield Branch
Special Awards Poppy Appeal
Largest Collection
Southport Branch
Largest Cash Increase
City of Liverpool Branch
The Percy Hey Silk Flag for Increased Membership
Winner
Boro of Crosby Branch
Runner up
Culcheth Branch
The Harry Scarisbrick Trophy for Youth Endeavour
Winners
Newton ACF
Runner up
611 Sqn ATC
County Certificate of Appreciation
Mrs M Miller
Formby Branch
Mr B Fearn
Maghull Branch
Mrs J Hughes
Hale Branch
Poppy Appeal Figures 2012
CODE
BRANCH NAME
BR1591
BR1626
BR1627
BR1628
BR1592
BR1629
BR1630
BR1594
BR1596
BR1632
BR1598
BR1599
BR1600
BR1601
BR3541
BR1603
BR1605
BR1639
BR1606
BR1607
BR1625
BR1609
BR1610
BR1611
Aintree RBL
Ashton in Makerfield RBL
Aspull RBL Branch
Atherton RBL Branch
Ball O Ditton RBL
Blackrod RBL Branch
Bolton RBL
Boro Of Crosby RBL
City of Liverpool
Culcheth & Dist RBL
East Liverpool RBL
Fazakerley RBL
Formby RBL
Garston RBL
Hale RBL
Huyton With Roby RBL
Lathom Burscough RBL
Leigh RBL
Litherland RBL
Maghull RBL
Merseyside Branch
Mossley Hill RBL
Netherley RBL
Netherton & Sefton RBL
Newton Le Willows &
Earlestown RBL
Norris Green RBL
Orrell RBL
Penketh & Sankey RBL
Rainford RBL
Rainhill RBL
Skelmersdale RBL
Southport RBL
Speke RBL
Thatto Heath RBL
Westhoughton RBL
Wigan Town RBL
Woolston RBL
Woolton & Halewood RBL
Ormskirk
Hindley
BR1633
BR1612
BR1640
BR1641
BR1615
BR1616
BR1617
BR1618
BR1619
BR1621
BR1643
BR1645
BR1646
BR1624
£0.00
£36,350.89
£4,193.00
£7,401.88
£24,568.00
£1,949.00
£21,269.18
£22,824.56
£48,729.09
£25,654.28
£43,343.69
£7,171.00
£22,892.79
£9,459.48
£7,453.23
£18,875.50
£11,148.28
£18,486.00
£0.00
£11,546.66
£32,741.16
£8,633.11
£15,548.81
£8,233.73
£
Increase
-£25.00
£9,295.37
£824.09
£322.90
£1,163.00
£214.82
£2,117.74
£5,299.90
£11,735.70
-£1,958.83
£3,093.34
-£657.00
£1,712.31
£1,675.42
£749.03
£1,453.26
-£110.05
£2,368.80
-£8,171.00
£1,747.24
-£359.73
-£233.64
£3,800.70
-£13.40
%
Increase
-100.0
34.4
24.5
4.6
5.0
12.4
11.1
30.2
31.7
-7.1
7.7
-8.4
8.1
21.5
11.2
8.3
-1.0
14.7
-100.0
17.8
-1.1
-2.6
32.4
-0.2
£6,716.25
£7,305.87
£589.62
8.8
£8,855.57
£10,385.62
£28,146.94
£2,462.72
£13,740.79
£11,031.18
£48,741.13
£27,809.44
£30,310.75
£9,219.06
£37,257.90
£7,512.79
£24,048.18
£21,447.37
£11,281.40
£11,970.87
£10,980.04
£29,117.90
£2,067.00
£15,019.64
£11,058.99
£51,969.81
£9,052.70
£33,190.29
£10,585.09
£32,490.19
£10,738.35
£21,638.15
£20,525.03
£10,371.29
£3,115.30
£594.42
£970.96
-£395.72
£1,278.85
£27.81
£3,228.68
-£18,756.74
£2,879.54
£1,366.03
-£4,767.71
£3,225.56
-£2,410.03
-£922.34
-£910.11
35.2
5.7
3.4
-16.1
9.3
0.3
6.6
-67.4
9.5
14.8
-12.8
42.9
-10.0
-4.3
-8.1
2012
2013
£25.00
£27,055.52
£3,368.91
£7,078.98
£23,405.00
£1,734.18
£19,151.44
£17,524.66
£36,993.39
£27,613.11
£40,250.35
£7,828.00
£21,180.48
£7,784.06
£6,704.20
£17,422.24
£11,258.33
£16,117.20
£8,171.00
£9,799.42
£33,100.89
£8,866.75
£11,748.11
£8,247.13