Proposed Agendum – Branch meeting 7

Minutes– The Royal British Legion Sub Branch BR3625

Branch General Meeting

19^th January 2011 – The Olde Bell, Loi Kroh Rd.

Present: Trevor Dobson, Chm; Kari Sirelius V Chm; Rex Baggaley, Sec; Gill Dobson, Treasurer; Charles Gross, Mem Sec; Pedr Fawkes, Soc Sec; Derek Higgs; Tony Archer; Victor Hayes; Bob Elkins; John Burnett; Bob Machin; Sally Ward; Bernie Houlden; Alan Hall; Gary Newitt.

Act of Remembrance – John Burnett gave a fine reading of the Exhoration and the Kohima Epitaph.

Chairman's Opening Remarks – The meeting opened at 7.35. The Chm thanked everyone for their attendance and remarked that although our membership fell away during the early months of last year we have now recovered our position and a target of 50 members during 2011 was achievable. The meeting would follow the usual format, but with more officers now making reports he reminded everyone that questions were welcomed, but should be saved until each officer’s report was concluded.

Apologies – were received from David Hardcastle and David Watts.

Introduction of new members – one new member was present, the Mem Sec introduced Tony Archer who was welcomed and applauded by the meeting.

Minutes of Previous Meeting – the minutes having been circulated and, with no additions or amendments proposed, were taken as read and approved.

Matters arising from previous meeting.

6.1 Golf Tournament. This was a considerable success and gives rise to the hopes that this year a country-wide competition, involving tournaments in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi & Korat.

6.2 Visits by Branch President. Graham Mcdonald made two visits to the branch which we found very friendly and helpful; he sends best wishes to the members and thanks them for their friendly reception.

6.3 Poppy Appeal & Remembrance. We more than doubled the value of our contribution to the appeal this year, the Golf tournament contributing significantly. The Remembrance Service attracted some 120 people, we hope to see more Legion members in attendance this coming November.

6.4 Queen’s Birthday Celebrations. Several members of the Legion were invited to attend, illustrating the growing importance of the Legion in expat social life. It was great evening and it is hoped that this will become an annual event

6.5 RBL 90^th Anniversary Celebrations. A wide range of events has been planned, particularly in UK, but with branches world-wide celebrating. As the years pass and veteran’s age it is more important than ever that our ex-service people are remembered and taken care of. As the number of charities supporting military personnel increase we must maintain TRBL’s high profile so that the important projects that are undertaken receive adequate funding. (see agendum12)

Update by Chairman - With membership once again rising and a strengthened committee and sound plans made for the future social, welfare & fund raising activities of the branch our position is now at its most secure since the branch was formed. However it’s not just the committee that are working to support the branch, we have members actively involved in branch IT & communications, PR, Welfare and Planning. To those members we all owe thanks.

Report from Secretary – There have been two changes to your committee. We were fortune to be able to co-opt Kari Sirelius to join us as Vice Chairman. Kari had already proved his worth with his invaluable help in organising the Golf Day and has continued to do so in Committee, indeed he took the chair at the last committee meeting in the absence of the Chm abroad. This good news is offset by Rob Kelly’s decision to stand down from the committee. His new business venture occupies so much of his time that he feels he cannot adequately act as Welfare Representative. We thank Rob for his keen interest in the re-establishment of the branch and his work as Treasure and in Welfare. We now have an adequate stock of literature and posters to promote the Legion. This will first be used at the 90^th Anniversary Celebration Tea Party and afterwards members Alan Hall will arrange for this to be made available at the next meeting of the Expat Club. TRBL UK Training Dept are now actively considering sending a trainer to Thailand, they will offer a Welfare course for Caseworkers, a course in Branch Management and another for Branch Treasurer. Should anyone be interested please let the Sec know. We continue to receive enquiries seeking contact with old comrades and some of these have been successful. One gentleman we located for his family is now back in Chiang Mai and has sent his grateful thanks to the Legion for all we did to help. There has been a report that some of our newer members have not yet received their membership cards. We ask all members to expect a 2-3 month delay before their cards arrive, however if any members feels their card is overdue will you please advise the Sec.

Report & Financial Statement from Treasurer – We now have updated all records and with the exception of some small outstanding expenses we are up to date. We will now maintain a 5000baht float here and all surplus cash will be forwarded to Chonburi for the General & Welfare Funds. We have also to forward Affiliation fees for our 3 newest members, we hope to arrange this next week when we also intend to update the bank records to reflect the departure of Rob Kelly.

Report from Welfare Representative – following the withdrawal of Rob Kelly the Sec is acting as Welfare representative, ably assisted by John Burnett & Bob Machin. There are no new cases to report, however there are two gentlemen who may benefit from social contact with the Legion, one of whom also needs help with pension paperwork. Bob Elkins has indicated that there are two similar cases known to him and these will be followed up.

Report from Membership Secretary inc. review of ‘In Confidence’ form – at the July BGM we had 43 members, over the annual renewal period 7 members transferred to Chonburi and 13 people did not renew. We have successfully recruited 16 more members, giving a current total of 39. The committee have again reviewed TRBL Thailand Emergency Information Form. This document would be held in confidence and only accessed in case of your demise or incapacity in hospital. It was resolved that the Sec be instructed to attach a copy of TRBLTEF to these minutes and include a more detailed explanation of the operation of the scheme for those members who may wish to participate. Member Alan Hall pointed out that a similar scheme was offered by the SOS Company, he & the Sec to consider if these plans could be operated in conjunction.

Report from Social Secretary – a calendar was provided to the meeting, covering the next 3 months in detail and outlining plans until the end of June. Relevant dates are: - Weds 2nd Feb – Social Evening save 100 baht on the price of any Olde Bell Meal. Weds 16^th Feb – Cheese Evening Members 100 baht Guests 300 baht. Weds 2^nd Mar – Curry Night Members 80 baht Guests 150 baht. Weds 16^th Mar – Branch Missionary Work We visit Mad Dogs Pub AND The Half Moon Bar. Weds 6^th Apr – Chiang Mai Sixes Pig Picking Evening We join the teams at Gymkhana Club for a Pig Roast.

Weds 20^th Apr – Branch General meeting Free Beer to follow as usual.

Weds 4^th May – Social Evening Weds 18^th May – TBA Weds 1^st June – Social Evening Weds 15^th June - TBA Full details of each event, giving credit for sponsorship etc. will be circulated as usual.

Those members who plan to bring along prospective members should remind their candidates that if they sign up on the night they would be eligible for that promotion.

Report from Events Organiser – The Chm introduced Sally Ward, a recent member of TRBL, who is well known locally as a charitable fund raiser, her appointment as Events Organiser was greeted with applause.

The first major fund raiser, all proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal, is an English Afternoon Tea Party, to be held on 6^th Feb in the Citylife garden, Tea being provided by the Chedi & wines by Italasia, with beers & soft drinks from the RBL booth. Incidentally, volunteers to man this booth would be welcome, please contact Trevor or Sally.

There will be nonstop musical entertainment from 1pm until 5, other activities are being planned to go alongside the famous 200Ticket Lotto.

The 200Ticket Lotto costs 500 baht to enter, your ‘ticket’ is a number from 1-200 which will be entered in 6 draws to be held at events throughout the year, giving you 6 chances to win 10,000 baht.

Sally says – You Have To Be In It To Win It – select your number now!

Other events planned are: -

April – 10 pin Bowling Evening & 2^nd Lotto Draw

June – Summer Sun Splash & 3^rd Lotto Draw

August – Guest Speaker & Wine Tasting & 4^th Lotto Draw

Oct – Farang Food Evening & 5th Lotto Draw

Nov – Golf Tournament, Dinner & Fireworks

Also - Car Boot Sale at JJ Hobby Market & 6^th Lotto Draw

Dec – Extended Christmas Dinner

Sally’s hope’s to make RBLCNX a major contributor to RBL worldwide.

Points for the Next Meeting – Victor Hayes, the Webmaster, suggested adding a Paypal facility to the website as a way of increasing donations to the Poppy Appeal, this will be reported on at the next meeting.

Date of Next Branch General Meeting – Wednesday 20^th April.

Rex Baggaley, Secretary. 23^rd Jan 2011