MARGATE  RNA

Last Update:
17th December 2008:

Minutes of the December 2008 Branch Meeting.

12th December 2008 Mount Batten Lounge R.B.L. Margate. S/M H. Allen in the Chair

There were 27 Members present and 8 apologies.

Chairman’s Welcome.
S/M H.Allen welcomed 2 new members to our meeting fill blue Graham Miller and light blue James Nesbitt, also a guest member Mr Peter Bu ttel accompanied by his daughter Betty.

Opening.
The meeting opened at 2000 with a silent tribute for those shipmates that had crossed the bar.

Minutes.
The minutes of the November meeting were read: - These were accepted and proposed by S/M Dennis Whitehead and seconded by S/M. Berni Butten.
There were no other maters arising and they were signed as a true copy.

Correspondence
Christmas Cards received from The E.K. Vindicatrix assoc, Chris and Ron, Sid & Jessie, Maidstone RNA, E.K. Submariners Assoc., Maureen & Tony Sayer, Edna & Dennis, Roger & Suzy Gale.
A copy of Warship magazine.
The Monthly headquarters circular with president’s address, and a second copy of the publication “Club together” which has several good articles on pensions and benefits, and long stay holidays.
Letter from S/M Mick Withington is conference past its sell buy date?
RNBT annual report, with diary for the raffle.
Thanks from Birchington Silver Band.
Phone call from Margate Ambulance, thanks for the donation.
Letter from T/S Jamaica re new Standard ans dedication in New Year, Area 2 vacancies and elections.
The Fleet at anchor off Deal in June 1908 over 150 ships historic Cutting.
The Correspondence was proposed by S/M Reg Baker and seconded by S/M Berni Taft.

Treasurer’s Report.
S/M Francis Empson gave the report total branch assets of £1244-23. S/M Empson then thanked the branch for the standards and side party who attended his father’s funeral and then produced a bottle of “Pussers” to be drunk in Bills memory. The financial report was proposed by S/M John Bell and seconded by S/M Tony Sayer.

Welfare Report.
S/M Taft reported on S/M. Reg Baker who has been given the all clear from his recent cancer, and that the secretary’s wife was now out of hospital after her operation.

Social Report
S/M Taft stated that the Swan was booked for next years Trafalgar Night Dinner, he had investigated the North Foreland golf club as a possible AGM buffet venue, and he had also visited the Odd fellow’s hall Margate and felt this was a non-starter.


Standard Bearers Report.
The chairman said the branch should thank S/M Taft for the amount of times that he has carried the standard this year. (Round of applause) S/M Taft then reported that he had paraded the standard on Remembrance Day and at the grave of the unknown sailor on the 11th,also for the funeral of S/M Bert Harris. S/M Richard Hiller carried the standard at the funeral of S/M Bill Empson.

T/S Jamaica Sea Cadets.
The chairman stated that the CO of the unit had been dismissed and that CPO Neil Is the officer in Charge? He then corrected a few mistakes around the SCC standard

AOB.
Mrs Peto wife of late shipmate Harry offered an embroidered shirt to any shipmate who may like it.
S/M Barry Harris spoke of a local photographer 121pics.com who has taken photos at Trafalgar Day, and Remembrance Sunday and has allowed us to use these copyright free. They are on our website and the National RNA website to browse.

Close.
The meeting closed @ 20:45 with prayers and singing of the branch song.

Up Spirits
In remembrance of shipmate Bill Empson, a cheque for £50 would also be sent to the Pilgrims Hospice.



Press release for December 2008.
There were 27 members at our December meeting in the chair was shipmate Harry Allen who welcomed two new members and a guest. Member voted to attend the Veterans Day in the historic dockyard at Chatham again next year and to hold an AGM buffet at the North Foreland Golf club. Later a tot was drunk to remember our late shipmate Bill Empson before enjoying “Big eats” from the buffet. A reminder that subs are due to be paid in January .Our next meeting is Friday 2nd at 20:00. We invite any serving and former Royal Naval, WRNS, Royal Marines, QARNNS, and Fleet auxiliary personnel to join us. Our meeting are held in the Mountbatten lounge of the Royal British Legion Club Margate. Visit our website at www.mrna.csubmarines.org