A timely Reminder to all Members to attend the AGM which will be held at the Royal British Legion Club, 25 Ravensmere, Beccles at 19.30 hrs.

All committee Nominations and Resolutions should be notified in writing to the Hon. Secretary by Monday, 8th March 2010. This is your Branch so we need your support to continue to keep the Branch alive. Please make every effort to attend the AGM to cast your vote for any new Committee Members and any Resolutions. All the existing Committee Members have indicated that they are prepared to remain in office for this coming year (2010). It is up to you to vote.

Branch Officers

There is currently one unfilled vacancy for an Events Officer. The Chairman is at present filling in.

Following the AGM, there will be time for a chat and refreshments.

Mrs Mary Day
Hon. Secretary
[email protected]. uk
01502 714900
17 Ringsfield Road
Beccles NR34 9PQ

 

This past year has gone by at an alarming rate with much activity by the Branch Committee Members and other Members who gave their time so generously. They all know who I mean and I give a Big Thanks to all of them. I have done my very best to resurrect the Branch and make it lively and worthy of your support. I am committed to providing the leadership and transparency that you deserve; in return I seek constructive contribution and patience while I try and deliver a worthwhile Branch.

The Committee and Branch members attended many Events in your name, but we were suffering from insufficient numbers of Members at most Events. It is not mandatory to attend Branch meetings or the planned Events and we do not expect the more Elderly or Infirm to turn out, especially in Winter weather, but better attendance and support would certainly help the Branch Members who do make the effort to turn out.

Having said all that, our Battle of Britain Service and Parade was a Great Success and we received a message from Air Cdre Nick Carter who took the Salute, in his words, “My congratulations to you and your branch members for such a splendid parade and service”. Our thanks must also go to our Branch Padre Rev. Dom Antony Sutch MA(Oxon) for his role in conducting the Service and providing the facilities of the Minster and Church Hall. Both Squadrons of the Air Cadets turned out and were on top form. The splendid Catering provided and organised by our Hon Treasurer Margaret, assisted by Husband Mick Atkins, is also worthy of mention.

Other notable Events were the RAFA Quizz night at RAF Honington and the RAF Regiment Passing out Parade, also at RAF Honington which was a well organised and pleasant day. We were ably looked after by our RAFALO, W/O Doc Holliday who also deserves a mention for his unstinting efforts to assist the Branch throughout the year, giving us much of his time and effort to ensure the success of the Branch. We rounded the year off with a very pleasant lunch at the Kings Head Hotel, Beccles.

As we go to press, I have received a letter from our Area Director Mr. Ken Clarke stating that we have been awarded a Certificate of Merit for “The Small Branch with Greatest Increase in Membership”, for this year (2009). A Small branch is identified of having up to 150 members. Our Membership stands at 80 Members at present. I shall be accepting this Certificate on behalf of the Branch at the Annual Area Conference in Eastbourne where Jean and I will be the Delegates Representing the Branch next month. My intent is that this year (2010) will include a drive for more Members.

Brian Vousden
Branch Chairman

 

I am now back “In Post” after having some recent health problems and I wish to thank all those members who wished me well. I am pleased to note that all the Annual Subscriptions from members have been paid up, with the exception of a very small number. Our Membership continues to rise and please tell your friends about our Branch and encourage them to come along to one of our meetings and make themselves known, or make contact by telephone.

Please do not forget that this coming Saturday 6th March is the RAFA Band Show in Beccles. Air Cdre Nick Carter and Mrs Carter will be there to support us. If you cannot get to the Show, how about making a small Donation to the Branch Funds, a £5.00 note in an envelope would be much appreciated!

Don’t forget the AGM on 18th March. This is your chance to have your say.

Mary
Hon. Secretary

 

During the course of the year, the Branch received monies from various activities and we have ended the financial year with a small surplus. The accounts Balance Sheet will be on display for Members to view at the AGM and ask questions if they wish. We have now put in place a Welfare Account for the benefit of Members. A sincere thanks go to all those dedicated Members who were out there in 2009, supporting “Wings Appeal”, the Branch and RAFA.

Margaret
Hon. Treasurer

Welfare Officer’s Report

We have heard that Member Paul Conlon has had his operation at Papworth and is currently making a good recovery. Hopefully we will see him back in harness again in the near future. Best Wishes have been sent on behalf of Members.

Hail and Farewell. During the year at the request of the Families, Committee Members and Mick Atkins our Standard Bearer with our Standard, attended six funerals of retired Ex-RAF Personnel who have sadly died. We Will Remember Them. Both of our Welfare Officers have been monitoring the vulnerable Members during the recent cold weather.

Margaret and Peter
Hon. Welfare Officers