211 OLD  COMRADES  CLUB ANNUAL  MESS  MEETING SAT  5^TH MAY 2012

OPENING ADDRESS

BF opened the meeting by reflecting on the passage of the club’s 20 year existence following the original “get together” in Ripon and remarked how appropriate it was that we were today sharing dinner in the spiritual home of REME.

The weekend had been the brainchild of John Haley, who sadly, could not attend, as a consequence of his current treatment regime. The membership wished to convey their very best wishes to John for a speedy and complete recovery, looking forward to his attendance at next years event.

BF went on to thank Albert Johnson and Andrew Porat for their valued efforts in putting the weekend together, also the two members who had very kindly funded our coach transfer to and from Arborfield.

BF concluded with very special thanks to our Hon Secretary, John Hughes, who had not enjoyed a very good year, but who nevertheless worked tirelessly in the interests of the club and it’s membership.

 

HON  SECRETATRY’S  REPORT

JH confirmed that the club remained in a healthy financial state and that annual subscriptions would remain at £5.     Deposits for 2013 would be £30 per head .

John expressed the desire to continue in role and this was warmly accepted by the membership.

Following discussion, it was agreed that £3 from each members subscription would be utilised to fund the purchase of commemorative “dog tags” which would be sourced through Geoff White.

Reflecting on our memorial plaque, John suggested that the names of other nominated former members of 211, who had sadly died prior to the formation of the OCC, should be added to the plaque ( people like Bob garner & Chris De Suza ) this was agreed.

JH also reflected on the rigorous approach adopted by BF in collecting outstanding payments from members throughout the year and presented him with his own personal Thompson SMG,

to assist in future efforts. ( Potential offenders take note – I do know  where you live !!! )

 

2013 REUNION

Given our traditional rotation approach to reunion venues, BF suggested that we should again plan on returning North.  Tom Start believed that Blackpool offered the best solution, given the fact that it was flat ( unlike Scarborough ).

This was accepted by the meeting and BF & Ken Pepper agreed to undertake the planning.

 

                            

OTHER BUSINESS

* Letters & Cards of thanks were read from Sandra Squirell, Margaret Wood and John Haley.

 

Continued Over

 

 

* A collection was taken for the REME Benevolent Fund, in the joint memory of Dave Wood

 and Tony Squirell.

 

* A second collection was taken and passed to the Mess staff who had looked after us so well during the evening.

 

* BF reiterated his plea for members to respond ( without the need for chasing ) to requests for commitment or payments for future reunions, in respect for the efforts of those organising the weekends.

 

* JH requested feedback from members, in regard to any known contact detail for other former members of 211, in order that they may be approached regarding potential membership.

We could also look at the possibility of placing “recruitment adverts” in the Soldier and Craftsman magazines.

 

* BF agreed to compile the PXR for this years event.

 

* It was agreed that maintenance and upkeep of the 211 OCC Website would be returned to Albert Johnson.

 

* BF closed the meeting by again thanking members for their support of the weekend and looked forward to seeing everyone again next year.

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