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Annual Reunion 2011 - Northampton
The Annual Reunion 2011 and Association AGM were held at the Northampton Marriott Hotel. Pictures and Minutes of the AGM will be posted on this page.
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MINUTES OF THE 14TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE ADMINISTRATIVE APPRENTICE ASSOCIATION HELD ON SATURDAY 18TH JUNE 2011 AT THE MARRIOTT HOTEL
NORTHAMPTON
Committee Name Entry Post
Present: W JWilcox 5th Chairman
B Schofield 33rd Vice Chairman
G Hoyland 330th Treasurer
K Cameron 4th Newsletter Editor
M Heritage 11th Regional Focal Point Rep & Archivist
A Burchell 38th Membership Secretary
T McKnight 318th Almoner
A Bell 29th Web Site Manager
R B Danes 33rd Publicity Officer
S Sanders 307th Golf Secretary
P J Ralph 46th Acting Secretary
Absent: BWise 4th Secretary
B Hoare 307th Social Secretary
Members Present (in Entry order):
1st: J Green, J Robinson, K Roost. 2nd: S Robathan. 4th: D Kirby. 5th: D Burlingham, B Huggins. 11th: D Gibson. 13th: J White. 14th: J Dodd, J Gent, B McEwen, T Richards. 15th: T Moore. 16th: B Mabbott, G
Singlehurst. 17th: B Blundell, B Bullivant, R Holman, B Moss, B Newman, G Wright. 18th: A Key.19th: D Hobden, T Parsons. 20th: P Follett. 22nd: D Wood. 23rd: M Benn, P Bullock, D Marshall, J Reynolds, B
Shepherd. 24th: D Bulleid. 25th: H Jones. 27th: A Martin. 28th: B Kent. 29th: R Burrow, B Croucher, G Masson, R Pipe, H Trumbell. 30th: B Philpott. P Reed, P Williamson. 33rd: G Goddard. 34th: K Hendry, C
Morgan, M Needham, R Orr. 35th: R Dickinson. 36th: B DeVeccis, P Osborne. 38th: M Day, P Dyer, M Gunning, D Linney, J Nash, B Wass. 40th: P Charnell, D Dean, N Pringle. 41st: D Jones. 45th: I Hunter.
46th: S Foley. 301st: B Beedie. 304th: D Ainsworth. 305th: T Hammonds. 311th: M Gosling. Aff: R Drinkwater
ITEM 1 – Opening of the Meeting by the Association Chairman
The Chairman opened the meeting at 14.08 and welcomed members to the 14th AGM of the Association, especially those who had travelled long distances – including Ray Burrow from Cyprus, Brian
Newman from Spain, our Website Manager Alan Bell from France and, also from across the water but not quite so far away, Tony Hammond from the Isle of Wight and George Goddard from the Isle of
Man – and those members attending for the first time. He hoped that everyone would enjoy the weekend and (health and finances permitting) would be seen at future reunions. Members were then
asked to be upstanding in silence to remember those members who have died since the last AGM: Cecil Carter (1st), Jack Lambert (2nd), Jack Rowell (3rd), Colin Willett (10th), Bob Finlay (14th), Bill
Bailey (15th), Roy Thomson (23rd), Tony Spacey (23rd), Chris Stock (42nd) and Bob Warmington (60th Ruislip). Members were also asked to spare a thought for members and family members who are
ill or are in hospital, some of whom have been prevented from attending this reunion. The Chairman informed the meeting that Brian Hoare was not able to be present and that Bryan Schofield would
cover his matters. Also, as Bob Wise had been taken ill and rushed to hospital the previous evening, Peter Ralph had been press-ganged into taking the minutes! (Note by A/Sec: Thankfully, Bob
Wise was released from hospital in time to attend the Association Reunion Dinner)
ITEM 2 – Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from the following members (in Entry Order): 1st: P Evans, M M Jeffrey, R Shingler.4th: P Bullick, B Dixon, J Young. 5th: P Pendlebury. 7th: J F Higgs. 9th: J Williamson. 11th: J D D
Sutton.15th: P Doggett, T Gunby. 17th: B Moss, B Stott, C Woodin. 20th: M Roper. 23rd: D Gould. 24th: M Griffiths, N Yates. 29th: J Lanigan. 30th: W Laverick. 32nd: D Brown, MWilkinson. 35th: D Balfour, D
G Hill. 36th: L Porter, K Rossiter. 38th: D Jenking, A Smith. 40th: R Harden. 41st: P Hirst. 42nd: R Churchward, K Green. 306th: A Thomson. 311th: K Caswell.
ITEM 3 – Minutes of the 13th AGM
The Chairman stated that the minutes of the 13th AGM, held at the Swindon Marriott on 12th June 2010, had been circulated with the August 2010 Newsletter and are therefore taken as read. Minor
amendments not affecting content had been made by the Secretary – the only one of note being the inclusion of J Lawrence (305th) at Item 2 (Apologies). Proposed Rick Dickinson (35th) seconded John
Nash (38th) that the minutes be accepted as a true record. Carried. ITEM 4 – Matters Arising from the Minutes of the 13th AGM RAF Tangmere Museum Project. The Chairman stated that this project
appeared to have died a death as far as the Association was concerned; hence no
further action is envisaged.
ITEM 5 – Association Accounts for FY ending 31st March 2011
The Treasurer stated that copies of the audited Income and Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet had been distributed to members attending: these accounts had been audited by John Waltham with
no formal comment from the auditor. The excess of income over expenditure has decreased from £2,108.32 to £669.73. However, the grant of £1,500 for the Hendon Museum Project has been reserved
in this year’s account – therefore the excess of income over expenditure, before the reserve, is slightly up from last year to £2,169.73. There were two Committee meetings during the FY: however,
expenses paid out actually covered 14 months. Newsletter printing/distribution cost has fallen again by nearly £800.00. There were no major changes on the income side: bank interest has increased
due to a change in deposit accounts but it is a minimal amount. Overall, the Association remains on a sound financial footing. With regard to Annual Fees, there were again a number of late payers
resulting in 33 needing one reminder to pay and 24 needing two reminders – resulting in the loss of 13 members either who resigned or whose membership has now lapsed. Garry emphasised that
there was no problem with members paying for more than one year at a time. In addition, he had standing order mandates if anyone wanted one. General discussion ensued and it was agreed informally
that members should be encouraged to pay their annual fees by standing order. Proposed George Goddard (33rd) seconded Dave Marshall (23rd) that the accounts are accepted as presented. Carried.
ITEM 6 – Annual Membership Fees for 2012
The Treasurer stated that, considering the report at Item 5 above, he considered it unnecessary to alter the Annual Membership Fee and so proposed. The proposal was seconded by Bob Mabbott
(16th). Carried.
ITEM 7 – Reports for Period 1st June 2010 to 31st May 2011 from Committee Members
Chairman. Jim Wilcox stated that he was standing down as Chairman after over 13 years in post. He expressed his thanks to all Committee members, past and present, who had supported him so well
during his time in office. Jim also extended his grateful thanks to everyone who assisted him in his efforts to trace ex-Admin Apps and encourage them to join the Association: this is a task that he will
continue to fulfil for the foreseeable future. Jim estimated that, since the formation of the Association, just over 3,000 of the 6,075 Admin Apps have been traced. He has sent out over 2,000 letters of
invitation to join the Association, to which he has received 912 replies but not all of these wished to join. Jim stated that our potential for growth remains good and that he looked forward to continuing
his efforts to trace and recruit many more members. Finally, Jim thanked the members present at the last AGM for deciding that he was worthy enough to become the first Association President, an
appointment that he was deeply honoured to accept and one that he would endeavour to carry out with diligence and due humility.
Membership Secretary. Tony Burchell stated that his report was, as usual, short and did not contain particularly good news. It has not been a good year: only 26 new members have been recruited in the
last 12 months. In the same period, there have been 9 deaths, 11 resignations and 16 lapsed memberships, leaving a deficit of 10 members from the same time last year. Tony said that, with the
increasing age and ill health of many of the members, it was probably only to be expected. However, the Committee (and Jim Wilcox in particular|) were always on the lookout for potential new
members and would do their best to increase the membership. Tony acknowledged that there were many ex-Apps out there who are not current members and would take some persuading to join.
Current Association membership stands at 616, which includes 24 Honorary members, three Affiliated members and one Friend of the Association.
Newsletter Editor. Ken Cameron made his annual appeal for more input from members to the Newsletter. He said that, for example, he had heard many stories being told informally during the Reunion
weekend – why could not these be forwarded to him for inclusion in the Newsletter, hence sharing the stories with everyone. Ken stated that, as reported by the Treasurer, sending the Newsletter by
email has produced significant savings – and more funds could be saved. He urged members who have an email address but still get the Newsletter by ‘Snail’ mail please let him know. Ken said that his
trial of attaching the two financial reports, in addition to the Newsletter, had not gone down well with some ISPs and a number of members had not received Newsletter 85, although Ken had no
indication that they were not received. He intends to send a second tranche with only the Newsletter, hoping that this time they would all get through. Lastly, Ken said that, although he hated to admit it,
he was getting older and really needed a volunteer to understudy him in order to ensure that there would be no interruption in the issue of Newsletters.
Social Secretary. On behalf of Brian Hoare (absent through illness), Bryan Schofield reported that the Swindon Reunion had been popular with members
and he hoped that this Reunion weekend would also be a resounding success.
Regional Focal Point Representatives Coordinator. Mike Heritage stated that, once again, his report was rather disappointing as there had been very little advancement in the number of new get-
togethers. The “old faithfuls” were continuing with their meetings and Cyprus and Spain had joined company. Gloucester – despite problems – eventually went ahead and of course, the South West
Herts Group continued their quarterly meetings with good attendances. Mike said that his meeting this year had to be postponed but that he hoped to go ahead with it once he gets out of the hands of the
medics. Entry Reunions continued (although the 42nd/43rd/44th Reunion in May meant the loss of members at this function) and there were other important Reunions scheduled for the 29th
(September), 40th (12/14 December), 41st (May) and 330th (September 2012). A 45th/46th 50th Reunion, also in 2012, is in planning. Mike asked that members responsible for any meetings let him know
by any means available. Once again, he requested local coordinators to make a real effort to get even two or three members together for a chat, meal or just a couple of pints. Mike said that he was
aware how difficult it was and that he was always amazed at the lack of common courtesy when one sent out invitations and no reply was received, even though it was so simple to do
these days. Mike finished with the message “Keep trying and Members – please support!”
Publicity Officer. Bob Danes said that he had little to say. He had continued advertising in journals such as RAF News, Air Mail and the Legion Magazine and was attempting publicity with other veterans
associations. He would continue to do his best to keep the Association, as far as possible, in the public eye.
Almoner. Tom McKnight stated that, in addition to the deaths of members since the last Reunion advised by the Chairman, Tom had recently been advised of the death of David Taylor (17th Entry) on 13th
June 2011. A condolence card and letter had been sent to his widow, Jean. In addition to remembering those members who had passed away, it was also the duty of the Almoner to recognise the
deaths of members’ wives: the following members had lost their wives since the last Reunion: Shaun Barbour (6th), Charles (Jimmy) James (22nd/24th), David Jocelyn (40th) and Roy Higgins (8th). “Get
well” cards had been forwarded to 16 members and one member, Bob Wise – the Association Secretary – had a particularly difficult year owing to ill health and had been sent 3 cards. Six “Thinking of
You” cards had been sent to members suffering particularly difficult times in their lives as recognition that they are not alone and their fellow Association members would remember them in their
thoughts. Cards had been sent to our members in Australia during the recent floods in that country. Offers of Honorary membership had been sent to the widows of those members who had passed
away during the year and three – Sheila Willett, Betty Carter and Sally Stock – had accepted the offer. Peter Follett (20th) had emailed the Almoner suggesting that a member’s death or ill health
should be notified to all Association members by email to enable any member who wished to attend the funeral – or send a card - to do so. This suggestion was discussed in Committee but considered
impractical owing to many members not having email and the sheer number of members involved if post were to be used. While not a perfect solution to the issue, it was agreed that when a member
dies, notification of the death would be entered on the Association Website. This would also have the added benefit of encouraging members to visit the Website on a regular basis to keep up to date
with Association news and events.
Golf Secretary. Steve Sanders pointed out those members of the Association Golf Society were getting older and that the numbers were decreasing: hence, the Society needed an influx of new
members. For example, the Society was short of players for the Elworthy Shield match against the Aircraft Apprentices to be played on Wednesday 13th July. Steve then presented the prizes for the
tournament played the day before viz: The Burnett Shield to Harry Trumbell and the Ladies’ Shield to Madge Madden-Colenso. Steve finished by stating that the Reunion match at Preston next year will
not be at the same course as last year (some really steep climbs) and that he hoped for a better attendance than this year.
Archivist. Mike Heritage said that he continued to receive the odd mail containing items for the records. Most are accompanied by a note saying, “having moved, I found the enclosed in my
loft/garage/garden shed!” He asked that members keep the items coming and he would forward those that could go on the website or place them in the entry folders. The folders were on the table at the
rear of the room for scrutiny if required. If reunions were being held and the folders were required, please let Mike know and he will forward them.
Web Site Manager. The Chairman stated that Alan Bell would make his report and a presentation at a later stage of the meeting (see Item 13 below).
ITEM 8 – Hendon Museum Project Progress Report
Hendon. Bryan Schofield stated that he had contacted the Head of Design at the RAF Museum and that he had reiterated that they were still extremely busy with ongoing exhibitions and design work and
that our project is high on their “to do” list and that he would contact Bryan when he is ready to commence the design of our toblerone. Albums. Bryan said that he had been in communication with
DCOS Cranwell and was advised that, due to staffing problems and the size of our request, they do not have the resources or the opportunity to assist with our requirements now. However, there is a
possibility that they may be able to commence work – with Bryan’s assistance – in late September or early October. In the meantime, Bryan has obtained the details of approximately 1,100 former Admin
Apps and has included them in the proposed revised album pages. Bryan made an appeal for information in the February Newsletter – and on the Website - and has received responses from members
of the 29th and 30th Entries, for which he is grateful. Any information that members can provide would be very helpful. Bryan stated that copies of the proposed album entry sheets for the 59* numbers
of the 1st to 46th Entries were on the table at the rear of the room and if anyone could help fill in the gaps or would like a copy of the sheet for their Entry, to please let Bryan know.
ITEM 9 – Admin App Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) – Progress Report and Means of Funding
Bryan Schofield stated that he had attended a meeting of the NMA on 13th April 2011. The NMA Curator, the Stonemason and Bryan discussed the procedures to be followed to manufacture and install a
memorial at the NMA that met the wishes of the members of the Association. A memorial 900x600x900 mm with a sloping front from 750 mm high, manufactured in light grey granite with a black
polished insert on the sloping face incorporating the School badge and inscription and an insert on the front face incorporating the Apprentice Wheel was considered appropriate to reflect the AATS and
meet the requirements of the Trustees of the NMA. (Bryan drew attention to a “Blue Peter” model, constructed by him [he should have been a Gen Tech!] of what the proposed memorial would look like.)
The cost of the manufacture and installation of this memorial would be approximately £4,000. In addition, the NMA require a non-refundable administration fee of £1,200. This covers the NMA costs and
also permanent inclusion of a 250-word entry in the NMA Handbook and the inclusion of the memorial on their Website. Furthermore, there would be the one-off cost of £72 for the ground taken up by
the memorial and also insurance and maintenance costs. A summary of the total cost was:
Manufacture and Installation - £4,000
NMA Administration Fee - £1,200
Ground Fee - £72
Insurance (5% of value) - £200
Maintenance - £50 A Total of £5,522
However, the quotation for the memorial was only valid for three months as the costs of material, fuel and importing stone will increase. Bryan asked if the Association, in common with all the other
Apprentice and Boy Entrant Associations, wished to place an Administrative Apprentice memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum. If so, ways of raising the necessary funds would need to be found.
Bryan stated that, with the help of Tom McKnight, an approach would be made to a Company, local to the NMA, who have in the past provided grants to similar projects. However, this is only
providing that the Association can prove that we are in some way eco-friendly. However, this is not guaranteed. Bryan and Tom are also looking for other organisations that may be prepared to make us
a grant – including the Lottery Fund. However, we have to assume that we will not be successful. Bryan asked, “Therefore, what can we do?” To ask the membership to pay an additional levy of £10 per
member for one year would raise the necessary funds but because of the high number of members who pay their membership fee by standing order (SO), this is not a practical answer. It would be an
administrative nightmare for the Treasurer requiring all SO payers to amend their order with their bank on at least two occasions. Bryan stated that, with the meeting’s agreement, he would publish a
photograph of the model in the next Newsletter and invite members to make contributions – but would this raise enough? We do have a very small income from the UtilityWarehouse Scheme that Brian
Hoare invited members to join at the Preston Reunion. A proposal was made to the Committee that we invite members to join a scheme to purchase computer software through an internet company
and we receive a commission on all sales. This was not considered feasible because of the “pyramid selling” style sales requirement and the fact that only about 30% of our membership appear to use
computers (32% of our members receive the Newsletter by email). Bryan concluded by saying that he would welcome any suggestions to help us raise the required funds.
After discussion, the following courses of action were agreed:
· That the Association proceed with the placing of an Administrative Apprentice memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.
· That Bryan and Tom proceed to investigate ways of raising the necessary funds from organisations such as, inter alia, the Lottery Fund.
· That members be invited to contribute by means of the Newsletter and Website (including a photograph of the model).
· That members present be invited to contribute cash.
(Note by A/Sec: Steve Sanders organised a collection and informed members present after the
meeting that a total of £830 had been raised – bravo!)
Proposed Mel Gosling (311th) seconded Steve Sanders (307th). Carried.
ITEM 10 – Resolutions
A. To discuss the proposal that a new category of membership, Associate Member, be added to Article 2 of the Articles of Association
The Chairman stated that the Secretary had intended to present this resolution but, owing to his absence, the Chairman would do his best! He said that the precise wording for the proposed new
membership category (c. Associate Member) would be “Any person who trained as an Apprentice other than Administrative Apprentice or Boy Entrant”. This introduction was intended to cater, in the
main, for craft apprentices trained at RAF Hereford. In addition, it was proposed that the word “Full” be deleted from the primary category (a. Full Member). In addition, the Secretary wished to make
minor cosmetic amendments, all involving punctuation etc, none of which affected the content of the Articles. The categories of membership of the Association in Article 2 would now read:
a. Member – All personnel who trained as Administrative Apprentices or Ruislip Apprentice Clerks.
b. Affiliated Member – Staff of Administrative Apprentice training establishments (other than above).
c. Associate Member – Any person trained as an Apprentice other than Administrative Apprentice or Boy Entrant.
d. Friend of the Association Member – Persons who actively support the Association but who do not qualify for membership under a, b or c
above.
e. Honorary Member – Membership offered to widows of full members of the Association and which may be offered to other persons at the
discretion of the Committee.
Proposed Dave Marshall (23rd) seconded Ben Croucher (29th) that the amendments above be implemented. Carried.
B. To discuss the proposal that payment of the Annual Subscription by Standing Order (SO) be made mandatory
The Chairman stated that the subject proposal had been received by the Committee from Brian Philpott (30th). The Committee was of the opinion that, although in itself a great idea, unfortunately it could
not be implemented. An opportunity was given to all new members to pay by SO at the time of joining. In addition, late payers are urged to pay by SO by the Treasurer, who also offers mandate
opportunity at any time during the financial year. Jim said that he would take a vote if the meeting thought it was absolutely necessary. The meeting did not appear to think so and the matter was
dropped.
ITEM 11 – Election of Association Committee 2011/2012
The Chairman said that, upon his retirement from the post (see Para 12 above), he proposed the following:
Chairman Bryan Schofield
Vice Chairman Bob Wise Until 2013
Treasurer Garry Hoyland Until 2013
Regional Focal Point Representative Mike Heritage
Archivist Mike Heritage
Membership Secretary Tony Burchell
Social Secretary
Publicity Officer
Brian Hoare
Bob Danes
Golf Secretary Steve Sanders
Newsletter Editor Ken Cameron
Almoner Tom McKnight
Committee Member Peter Ralph
Secretary Bob Wise Until 2013 (but to hand over to Peter Ralph at mutual convenience)
No formal vote was taken - carried by acclamation!
ITEM 12 – Any Other Business
No formal business.
ITEM 13 – Website Manager’s Report and Pictorial Presentation
Alan Bell reported that theWebsite continues to attract a large number of visitors each week – averaging over 200. He thanked again everyone who actively supports the site by contributing photos,
articles and advice. He was particularly grateful to Bryan Schofield and Bob Danes for their moral support, to Rick Short (44th) for his technical advice, to Dixie Dean (40th) for his many contributions and
to those who spare the time to tell him how much they have enjoyed visiting the site. He then gave examples of emails he had received thanking him and demonstrating how the site still manages from
time to time to bring people together. Alan said that the site, by modern standards is by no means perfect but does contain a huge amount of historical information that gives it a bit of an edge over many
other Apprentice and Boy Entrant sites. He has been working on modernising the site somewhat and, to explain what is happening, has prepared a short visual presentation. Alan stated that he had
again been giving some thought to the future of the site once the Association is obliged to close down and had contacted the internet archive team at Wayback Machine. (The Wayback Machine is an
initiative of the Internet Archive, a non-profit organisation building a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artefacts in digital form.) He was pleased to report that five snapshots of our site are
now permanently shown on this site taken in January 2008. He was not able to say when or even if further snapshots will be taken but at least
our site will be preserved in some form for posterity. The afore mentioned visual presentation containing, inter alia, a presentation of the updated website and also a short film of the 29th Entry Reunion
at Hereford in 1987, was shown to the meeting.
ITEM 14 – Date and Venue of next AGM
The 2012 AGM and Reunion will be held at the Marriott Hotel, Preston over the weekend of 15th/16th/17th June 2012.
The Chairman closed the 14th Annual General Meeting of the Royal Air Force Administrative Apprentice Association at 16.08.