THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS ASSOCIATION
MIDDLESBROUGH & DISTRICT BRANCH
Founded 1931
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held in the Marton
Hotel & Country Club
The
Chairman opened the meeting at12.05 hrs
Present: 22 Members.
President: Major
M Chetwynd Talbot
V/Presidents: M C Finkill.
Members: N Wise (V/Chairman). E Cook (Secretary/A/Treasurer),
A Mercer,
F Gilchrist, P Knox, D Castelow,
D Donaghy, J Fletcher, G
A Weatherburn, C Westerman, F Kidd, H Taylor, V Brownlee, C Sherris & A Skinner.
Apologies: Major
A Barnes OBE, Captain Beattie MBE MSM, Mr J Ferguson, T Harris,
M Winspear, J Roddam, P Hellings.
Minutes
of the previous Annual General Meeting:
The minutes of the previous meeting held on Saturday
8th February 20089were read.
Proposed:
C Sherris
Seconded:
A Mercer.
That
the minutes be accepted as a true record. Carried
Unanimously
Matters
arising from the minutes: Nil.
At
this point V/President M Finkill interrupted the meeting to report that we had
a prospective new member in attendance Mr A Skinner and asked for the members
to give him a tradition welcome.
Correspondence: All correspondences
were read, including a news report in the local paper on
Lt
Colonel A Barnes receiving his OBE, also a newsletter from WOI (RQMS)
J
J Flynn also invites to Sunderland and
Mayor’s
parlour (Thank you to Standards Bearers), Battalion newsletter
Matters
arising fro the Correspondence:
Nil.
Proposed:
C Sherris
Seconded; A Mercer.
Chairman’s
Report: The V/Chairman
Mr N Wise remarked that the branch continues to do well and goes from strength
to strength and that is due to the work of the committee, the Social Functions
are well attended, he also remarked that it was good to see such an attendance
at the meeting.
The
President remarked that it was remarkable how well the branch runs and he thanked
the committee for their excellent work.
Secretaries
Report: The Secretary
reported that he had issued his half yearly newsletters to everyone to keep them
up to date with Branch matters, branch membership is holding steady, the meetings
were well attended, with the Battalion earlier in the year preparing for the now
tour of Afghanistan, visits were limited.
Page 2 of 3
Presentation of the Balance Sheet: The Secretary acting for the Treasurer gave the report because he had done all the paperwork and details were read to the members, he remarked that the accounts book and details were available for members to scrutinise.
He
reported that members F Gilchrist and Mr I Camp had audited the books and found
them to be correct, and signed the audit sheet. The accounts statement was then
signed by the Chairman
J Ferguson for the President and copies sent
to the Regimental Accountants
Proposed:
P
That
the statement of accounts be accepted. Carried
Unanimously.
Copies
of the accounts had been emailed to the President by the Secretary
Welfare: The Secretary reported that he felt he had to mention the rather difficult
negotiations encountered by V/President M Finkill in securing funds for a former
Coldstreamer who had suffered a severe stroke.
M
Finkillt informed the members he was disillusioned regarding problems associated
with welfare administration in the private sector
Mr
I Camp reported that member P Hellings had had his optic nerve level further increased
Honorariums: The Secretary
reported that he was happy with his current amount; the President in reply remarked
that the Secretary always said that, the Secretary replied that he was satisfied.
The
only concern was that of the Standard Bearer travelling costs.
It
was proposed E Cook that his Honorarium be increased to £100. 00.
Seconded: D Donaghy.
Carried
unanimously.
It
was agreed also to review next year.
Election
of Officials: Chairman
and Social Secretary: J
Vice Chairman:
N Wise.
Secretary:
E Cook.
Treasurer:
I Camp
Welfare Officer:
Branch members responding to the Secretary.
Standard
Bearer: Mr G Bell.
It
was agreed that the Secretary carry out the duties as Treasurer until such times
as Mr I Camp was able to continue.
It
was Proposed:
Any
Other Business: V/President M Finkill reported that the web-site was in the top echelon
of Military web-sites, we had four (4) adverts which help with running costs.
He
also reported that he had been contacted by a lady looking for an estate worker
preferably from the Coldstream Guards; he had reported this to RHQ and SAFFA
Member
D Castelow reported that the Old Corps of Drums had received a considerable sum
of money from RHQ to assist with running costs etc.
And
that unfortunately he would not be available to dress the centre table for the
The
Secretary asked for bids for the Troop tickets; names noted. Self
Page 3 of 3
He
also asked for bids for the Remembrance Sunday Parade, at which the wreath will
be laid,
and the Standard Bearer on parade. He remarked that it was
the turn of Guisborough. Accepted and agreed. This will be this year because the
Standard Bearer was on holiday last year
Being
no further business to discuss the Vice Chairman thanked the members for their
attendance and closed the meeting at 12.50hrs.
The
members then enjoyed an excellent buffet.
E
Cook
Hon
Secretary