| Association Annual General Meeting And Reunion Swindon 2010 |
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Present: Committee
W JWilcox 5th. 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
B Schofield 33rd. Social Secretary
S Sanders 307th. Golf Secretary
B Hoare 307th. Social Secretary designate
RWise 4th. Secretary & Vice Chairman
Members Present (In entry order)
J Green 1st, J Robinson 1st, K Roost 1st, S Robathan 2nd, B Dixon 4th, D Kirby 4th, R Turner 4th, D Burlingham 5th, B Bradley 10th, M Watts
10th, D Gibson 11th, B Palmer 12th, J Fox 12th, J White 13th, J Dodd 14th, B Finlay 14th, J Gent 14th, J Leach 14th, T Richards 14th, P
Doggett 15th, T Moore 15th, B Mabbott 16th, G Singlehurst 16th, B Blundell 17th, B Bullivant 17th, B Moss 17th, D Valentine 17th, G Wright
17th, A Key 18th, J Summers 18th, J Evans 19th, D Hobden 19th, T Parsons 19th, F Craig 20th, P Follett 20th, D Roper 20th, B Yostt 22nd, M
Benn 23rd, P Bullock 23rd, D Marshall 23rd, J Reynolds 23rd, B Shepherd 23rd, R Thomson 23rd, D Bulleid 24th, D Smedley 24th, A Martin
27th, P Capie 27th, R Anders 29th, R Burrow 29th, B Croucher 29th, G Masson 29th, R Pipe 29th, H Trumbell 29th, B Philpott 30th, P Reed
30th, P Williamson 30th, P Boor 31st, D Brown 32nd, M Wilkinson 32nd, A Du Feu 33rd, G Goddard 33rd, K Hendry 34th, C Morgan 34th, M
Needham 34th, R Orr 34th, D Balfour 35th, R Dickinson 35th, M Sillence 35th, B DeVecchis 36th, P Osborne 36th, L Porter 36th, M Day 38th,
P Dyer 38th, D Linney 38th, J Nash 38th, K Williams 38th, P Charnell 40th, D Dean 40th, H Gilbert 42nd, R Hedinburgh 42nd, B Hoggarth
42nd, B Hodgkinson 42nd, B Morrison 44th, J Bennett 45th, S Foley 46th, P Ralph 46th, D Menzies 301st, B Beedie 301st, A Campbell 301st,
T Hammonds 305th, M Gosling 311th, D Boyer 330th, B Cooper 330th, R Drinkwater Aff. (Total attendance 106)
ITEM 1.Welcome by Chairman
The Chairman welcomed members to the 13th AGM of the RAF Admin Apps Assn, especially those who had travelled long distances,
including Ron Turner from the USA, Ray Burrow from Cyprus, Alan Bell from France, George Goddard from Isle of Man and Tony
Hammond from Isle of Wight. Also those members attending for the first time. He hoped all would enjoy the weekend and future
reunions health, finances and distance permitting.
Members were then asked to be upstanding for a few moments to remember those members who had passed on since the last AGM, in
particular Les Cave 1st, Rod Craycraft 42nd, John Evans 44th, Gerry Ions 19th, John Mackie 301st, Norman Norman 14th, Ron Purkis 7th,
Dave Stewart 301st and Alex Taylor 314th. And to also spare a thought for those members who are in hospital or are in poor health.
The Chairman then introduced the Committee Members.
ITEM 2 Apologies
Apologies were received from the following members (In entry order). S Mold 1st, R Shingler 1st, M Jeffery 1st, P Bullick 4th, J Young 4th, I
Dunn 8th, J Taylor 8th, JWilliamson 9th, J Sutton 11th, J Fraser 12th, B Bailey 15th, P Baker 16th, R Boggust 16th, R Holman 17th, C Woodin
17th, B Hilton 19th, T D Smith 20th, A Ross 21st, D R Wood 22nd M Griffiths 24th, N Yates 24th, K Seaby 24th, D Payton 25th, P Homden
25th, P Cowper 27th, K Winstanley 27th, K Vivash 34th, D Hill 35th, J Palmer 35th, J Greaves 36th, C Oliver 37th, A Clark 38th, D Jenking
38th, R Muggleton 38th, A R Smith 38th, I Richie 40th, I Field 41st, G Ash 42nd, I Hunter 45th, C Whitbread 301st, N Williams 304th, K C
Finter 305th, K Caswell 311th and A Forry 330th,
ITEM 3 Minutes of the AGM held on 20 June 2009.
The minutes of the 2009 AGM were circulated with the August 2009 Association newsletter and are therefore taken as read. There were
no amendments to the minutes. It was proposed by Ray Hedinburgh 42nd and seconded by Bruce Hodgkinson 42nd, that the minutes be
accepted as a true record. Accepted.
ITEM 4. Matters arising from the minutes of the 2009 AGM (excluding items on today's agenda)
There were no matters arising from the minutes of the 2009 AGM.
ITEM 5. Presentation, review and acceptance of the Assn Accts for F/Y ended 31 March 2010
The Treasurer introduced himself as Garry Hoyland 330th Entry – motto: The Last but unsurpassed.
Copies of the un-audited Income and Expenditure Account and the Balance Sheet were circulated with the June newsletter. The
Accounts have now been audited and there were no formal comments from the Auditor. The excess Income over Expenditure has
increased from £158.68 to £2,108.32. The number of Committee meetings being reduced from 3 to 2 per year (travel expenses down by
almost £500) and the significant saving by sending newsletters by e-mail (nearly £1000.00) achieved this. Moves are in place to transfer
funds to an account that earns a higher rate of interest. The Treasurer reported that the Association remains on a sound financial
footing. There was the usual problem of late payers of subscription; Treasurer stated there was no problem with members paying more
than one year’s subscription at a time. He also had Standing Order Mandates if any member wanted one. It was Proposed by Ron
Anders 29th, seconded by John Goddard 33rd that the accounts be accepted as presented. Carried.
ITEM 6 Annual Subscription for 2011
The Treasurer reported that The Association remains on a sound footing and there is no reason to increase the current level of
subscription. The Members voted to retain the £10.00 per year with £5.00 applying to the last six months of the year.
ITEM 7 Association Reports for the period 1st June 2009 to 31st May 2010
The Annual reports were presented at the AGM by the post incumbents, the following is a brief resume of each report:
Chairman:
Jim Wilcox opened his report by thanking the members of the Association committee for their hard work and support over the past 12
months. He also thanked those members who had helped, and still are helping, to trace ex Admin Apps and invite them to attend entry
reunions and/or join the Association. He stated that the membership had peaked at 635 but was down to 621, it was therefore
imperative that we continue to trace ex AA's and encourage them to join us.
Membership Secretary.
Tony Burchell reported the following statistics: 35 new members (10 via the web site), 11 deceased members, 14 resignations and 5
lapsed. Membership now 595 Full members. 22 Honorary, 3 Affiliated and one friend. He is continuing to try and identify ex apps who
are not members and has had some small success.
Newsletter Editor.
Ken Cameron has had, but is still looking for, interesting articles. The move to sending newsletters by email has been quite successful,
saving around £1000,00 over the year. More members doing so will save even more for the Association. He is keeping the newsletter to
four pages if reasonably possible.
Social Secretary.
Bryan Schofield in his final report as Social Secretary stated he had received a number of laudatory letters and emails from members
regarding last year's AGM at Preston Marriott Hotel, for which he thank the members concerned. The hotel had also written to the
Association thanking us for the business particularly the Friday night bar profits, they also expressed their gratitude for the courtesy and
thoughtfulness of our members throughout the weekend. He reiterated the necessity for members to take out insurance cover to protect
themselves against cancellation or amendment to the Reunion hotel booking. He thanked members for their help and understanding
over the last five years a Social Secretary. He apologised for the clash of the reunion dinner with the England world cup match.
A vote of thanks to Bryan for all his work over the last five years was proposed by Brian Moss 17th, seconded by Bernard Bullivant 17th.
The applause confirmed the approval.
Regional/Focal Point representatives co-ordinator.
Mike Heritage reported a slightly disappointing year as only six of the eighteen regional representatives have managed to get members
together, although there is hope for the coming year. The Reps put in a lot of time letting members know of their plan but most cannot be
bothered to reply, even a short No would be appreciated. The old faithful continue to hold their meetings and it is nice to read the reports
in the newsletter. Even Cyprus has made a start and now a volunteer has come forward in Spain. He urged Reps to keep on trying and
asked members to support the Reps.
Reg Drinkwater (Aff Member) wished to thank Mike Day, Gloucester Rep, for the reunion he held at Birdlip.
Publicity Officer.
Bob Danes stated that he still used newspapers and magazines whenever he felt they are worthwhile. He hoped that the Reunion would
appear in The Daily Telegraph on the Monday following the Reunion. Most of his report related to the Hendon Museum Project and will
appear under Item 8.
Almoner.
Tom McKnight introduced himself to the meeting, telling of his background and that of his family also relating that his Mother-in-law often
said, “When I was in the war”; she was a FS Clerk. He also told of his current work, which helps him with the post of Almoner. He said
the role of Almoner can be sad but is important in ensuring that members who pass on are remembered and, perhaps more importantly,
that their partners are not forgotten. He asked that members who hear of a death of an association member to pass the information to
him, or any other committee member, as quickly as possible.
Golf Secretary.
Steve Sanders had all the golf trophies on display at the meeting and presented the trophies that had been won at Swindon there had
been two matches. Some members had joined the Aircraft Apprentice Golf Society. There was to be a match on 16 July and 10
members had put their names forward.
He spoke of the 2080 (The Ruislip Apprentice list) and stated that Bryan Schofield now had a copy on his computer, which he could print
off, if anybody wished a copy.
Archivist.
Mike Heritage reported that he had visited Alan Bell in France and had taken all the archives so that Alan could make certain everything
was recorded on the website and to extract the best for use in the RAF Museums. Unfortunately not a lot of good material in the early
years, not many had cameras. He asked members to go through their lofts etc. to see if they could find old records (not the musical
kind). If members find anything please forward to him or Alan, either as a donation or so it can be copied and returned to you.
Website Manager.
Alan Bell gave a fairly lengthy report but briefly he stated that, he thanked members for their contribution – quoting some good ones.
The site had received around 80,000 visitors in 2009/10, not all ex Admin Apps, it does show that there are other people interested. He
monitors and updates as often as he can. Latest posts are listed on the home page together with links where appropriate to other pages.
Notice Board continues to be the focus for latest news. Please don't forget to inform Alan as well as newsletter of reunions etc., if you
have photos let him have copies for the website. Ray Burrow 29th has formed the Cyprus Group, new page on the website for them.
Alan continued, the Membership Application Form and Find A Friend pages have continued to attract a number of requests. He has
discontinued publishing large extracts from the newsletter, but will continue to publish new members, deaths and obituaries. He has
prepared an updated disk containing all the archival images on the website. This disk could be made available to members, for a
modest fee.
RAF Tangmere Project Liaison Officer
Mike Heritage reported that there had been no further contact with the Tangmere Museum since we sent in our items.
ITEM 8 Hendon Museum Project progress report.
Before receiving the progress reports on the Hendon Museum project, the Chairman wished to thank those members who had made a
donation to the project and any further donations would be welcomed.
Both Bob Danes and Alan Bell gave lengthy reports (4 foolscap pages) on the progress of the project so this report will be a brief
resume: A formal visit to Hendon was made and some technical problems were resolved. To be a good representation of the Apprentice
scheme good quality photos are required; most already held are poor quality or photocopies. Members are requested to search for any
photos depicting their time as Apprentices, as this will fill one side of the Toblerone. The “history” side of the Toblerone will also be
mainly photo, documents etc. Is there any member who knows of the “history of the Apprentice Wheel”, let us know. When the display is
complete it will also be on show at RAF Museum Cosford, as well as Hendon. It is anticipated that the Design Staff at the Museum will
start the design work late autumn or early next year.
ITEM 9 Resolution: To discuss the feasibility and desirability of a permanent memorial to the RAF Ruislip Clerks and RAF Administrative
Apprentices at the National Memorial Arboretum.
The Chairman reported that this subject had been discussed in the past at Committee meetings but it has always been considered to be
too expensive a project. However, we do think that it is a worthwhile project even though it may take time to raise the finances. The
Secretary reported that the RAF Locking Apprentice Association is going to create a memorial at a cost of between £2000 and £2500.
One of our members, Brian Philpott 30th, had made some enquiries and it appears that we would need to go for a solid stone, granite,
Portland Stone or sandstone plinth. A sandstone plinth of 600 x 600 x 600mm and 72 letters would cost £1770. After further discussion It
was proposed by Roy Pipe 29th, seconded by Ray Hedinburgh 42nd, that the Association goes ahead with the project. Unanimous.
ITEM 10 Election of Association Committee for 2010/11
The Chairman announced that all committee posts were up for election this year, Three years for Secretary and Treasurer and one year
for all other posts. He then asked for volunteers. There were none forthcoming.
Bryan Schofield took the Chair and asked for nominations for Chairman, there was a unanimous vote for Jim Wilcox unopposed. Jim
then reiterated that this would be the last year that he would be Chairman.
Alan Bell 29th proposed Bryan Schofield as Vice Chairman and Bob Wise 4th, seconded. Unanimous.
As all other committee members had agreed to stay in post, it was proposed by R Pipe 29th and Seconded by G Goddard 33rd that the
committee be elected on bulk. Unanimous.
The new Committee for the RAF Administrative Apprentice Association for the year 2010/2011 is:
Chairman Jim Wilcox
Vice Chairman Bryan Schofield
Secretary (3 years 2010/13) Bob Wise
Treasurer (3 years 2010/13) Garry Hoyland
Membership Secretary Tony Burchell
Newsletter Editor Ken Cameron
Social Secretary Bryan Hoare
Publicity Officer Bob Danes
Almoner Tom Mcknight
Regional/Focal point co-ordinator Mike Heritage
Archivist Mike Heritage
Golf Secretary Steve Sanders
Website Manager Alan Bell
ITEM 11 Any other business.
1. Reg Drinkwater (affiliated member) wished it recorded that his happiest days had been those spent with the Apprentices.
2. Bryan Schofield drew attention to the fact that Jim Wilcox had been our only Chairman (13 years) and had been instrumental
in getting the Association started and continued to strive to increase our membership. Do we just throw him out at the end of the year?
Bryan proposed that we elect Jim as President of the Association and to make him an honorary Life Member. This was unanimously
approved.
3. The Secretary drew attention to the fact that the Articles of the Association did not include a post of President, did the meeting
wish the Articles to be amended and for what period should the President serve. After a short discussion it was agreed to include a
President who should fill the post for life.
4. Roy Pipe asked if members’ wife/partners names could be included on the membership list. This will be looked into.
ITEM 12 Date and venue for next AGM/Reunion.
Bryan Schofield reported that his search for a Hotel in the Midlands had been easy by the Marriott Group, their central sales office
offered their Northampton Marriott, which is a 4-star hotel. The rates will be:
£63 per person per night for bed, breakfast and evening meal
£17 per person per night single supplement
£25 per person attending the Reunion dinner only
No charge for the room hire for the AGM
The reunion will be held over the weekend of 17/18/19 June 2011.
The Hotel and dates were unanimously agreed by the meeting.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 15.40 hours.
W JWilcox 5th. 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
B Schofield 33rd. Social Secretary
S Sanders 307th. Golf Secretary
B Hoare 307th. Social Secretary designate
RWise 4th. Secretary & Vice Chairman
Members Present (In entry order)
J Green 1st, J Robinson 1st, K Roost 1st, S Robathan 2nd, B Dixon 4th, D Kirby 4th, R Turner 4th, D Burlingham 5th, B Bradley 10th, M Watts
10th, D Gibson 11th, B Palmer 12th, J Fox 12th, J White 13th, J Dodd 14th, B Finlay 14th, J Gent 14th, J Leach 14th, T Richards 14th, P
Doggett 15th, T Moore 15th, B Mabbott 16th, G Singlehurst 16th, B Blundell 17th, B Bullivant 17th, B Moss 17th, D Valentine 17th, G Wright
17th, A Key 18th, J Summers 18th, J Evans 19th, D Hobden 19th, T Parsons 19th, F Craig 20th, P Follett 20th, D Roper 20th, B Yostt 22nd, M
Benn 23rd, P Bullock 23rd, D Marshall 23rd, J Reynolds 23rd, B Shepherd 23rd, R Thomson 23rd, D Bulleid 24th, D Smedley 24th, A Martin
27th, P Capie 27th, R Anders 29th, R Burrow 29th, B Croucher 29th, G Masson 29th, R Pipe 29th, H Trumbell 29th, B Philpott 30th, P Reed
30th, P Williamson 30th, P Boor 31st, D Brown 32nd, M Wilkinson 32nd, A Du Feu 33rd, G Goddard 33rd, K Hendry 34th, C Morgan 34th, M
Needham 34th, R Orr 34th, D Balfour 35th, R Dickinson 35th, M Sillence 35th, B DeVecchis 36th, P Osborne 36th, L Porter 36th, M Day 38th,
P Dyer 38th, D Linney 38th, J Nash 38th, K Williams 38th, P Charnell 40th, D Dean 40th, H Gilbert 42nd, R Hedinburgh 42nd, B Hoggarth
42nd, B Hodgkinson 42nd, B Morrison 44th, J Bennett 45th, S Foley 46th, P Ralph 46th, D Menzies 301st, B Beedie 301st, A Campbell 301st,
T Hammonds 305th, M Gosling 311th, D Boyer 330th, B Cooper 330th, R Drinkwater Aff. (Total attendance 106)
ITEM 1.Welcome by Chairman
The Chairman welcomed members to the 13th AGM of the RAF Admin Apps Assn, especially those who had travelled long distances,
including Ron Turner from the USA, Ray Burrow from Cyprus, Alan Bell from France, George Goddard from Isle of Man and Tony
Hammond from Isle of Wight. Also those members attending for the first time. He hoped all would enjoy the weekend and future
reunions health, finances and distance permitting.
Members were then asked to be upstanding for a few moments to remember those members who had passed on since the last AGM, in
particular Les Cave 1st, Rod Craycraft 42nd, John Evans 44th, Gerry Ions 19th, John Mackie 301st, Norman Norman 14th, Ron Purkis 7th,
Dave Stewart 301st and Alex Taylor 314th. And to also spare a thought for those members who are in hospital or are in poor health.
The Chairman then introduced the Committee Members.
ITEM 2 Apologies
Apologies were received from the following members (In entry order). S Mold 1st, R Shingler 1st, M Jeffery 1st, P Bullick 4th, J Young 4th, I
Dunn 8th, J Taylor 8th, JWilliamson 9th, J Sutton 11th, J Fraser 12th, B Bailey 15th, P Baker 16th, R Boggust 16th, R Holman 17th, C Woodin
17th, B Hilton 19th, T D Smith 20th, A Ross 21st, D R Wood 22nd M Griffiths 24th, N Yates 24th, K Seaby 24th, D Payton 25th, P Homden
25th, P Cowper 27th, K Winstanley 27th, K Vivash 34th, D Hill 35th, J Palmer 35th, J Greaves 36th, C Oliver 37th, A Clark 38th, D Jenking
38th, R Muggleton 38th, A R Smith 38th, I Richie 40th, I Field 41st, G Ash 42nd, I Hunter 45th, C Whitbread 301st, N Williams 304th, K C
Finter 305th, K Caswell 311th and A Forry 330th,
ITEM 3 Minutes of the AGM held on 20 June 2009.
The minutes of the 2009 AGM were circulated with the August 2009 Association newsletter and are therefore taken as read. There were
no amendments to the minutes. It was proposed by Ray Hedinburgh 42nd and seconded by Bruce Hodgkinson 42nd, that the minutes be
accepted as a true record. Accepted.
ITEM 4. Matters arising from the minutes of the 2009 AGM (excluding items on today's agenda)
There were no matters arising from the minutes of the 2009 AGM.
ITEM 5. Presentation, review and acceptance of the Assn Accts for F/Y ended 31 March 2010
The Treasurer introduced himself as Garry Hoyland 330th Entry – motto: The Last but unsurpassed.
Copies of the un-audited Income and Expenditure Account and the Balance Sheet were circulated with the June newsletter. The
Accounts have now been audited and there were no formal comments from the Auditor. The excess Income over Expenditure has
increased from £158.68 to £2,108.32. The number of Committee meetings being reduced from 3 to 2 per year (travel expenses down by
almost £500) and the significant saving by sending newsletters by e-mail (nearly £1000.00) achieved this. Moves are in place to transfer
funds to an account that earns a higher rate of interest. The Treasurer reported that the Association remains on a sound financial
footing. There was the usual problem of late payers of subscription; Treasurer stated there was no problem with members paying more
than one year’s subscription at a time. He also had Standing Order Mandates if any member wanted one. It was Proposed by Ron
Anders 29th, seconded by John Goddard 33rd that the accounts be accepted as presented. Carried.
ITEM 6 Annual Subscription for 2011
The Treasurer reported that The Association remains on a sound footing and there is no reason to increase the current level of
subscription. The Members voted to retain the £10.00 per year with £5.00 applying to the last six months of the year.
ITEM 7 Association Reports for the period 1st June 2009 to 31st May 2010
The Annual reports were presented at the AGM by the post incumbents, the following is a brief resume of each report:
Chairman:
Jim Wilcox opened his report by thanking the members of the Association committee for their hard work and support over the past 12
months. He also thanked those members who had helped, and still are helping, to trace ex Admin Apps and invite them to attend entry
reunions and/or join the Association. He stated that the membership had peaked at 635 but was down to 621, it was therefore
imperative that we continue to trace ex AA's and encourage them to join us.
Membership Secretary.
Tony Burchell reported the following statistics: 35 new members (10 via the web site), 11 deceased members, 14 resignations and 5
lapsed. Membership now 595 Full members. 22 Honorary, 3 Affiliated and one friend. He is continuing to try and identify ex apps who
are not members and has had some small success.
Newsletter Editor.
Ken Cameron has had, but is still looking for, interesting articles. The move to sending newsletters by email has been quite successful,
saving around £1000,00 over the year. More members doing so will save even more for the Association. He is keeping the newsletter to
four pages if reasonably possible.
Social Secretary.
Bryan Schofield in his final report as Social Secretary stated he had received a number of laudatory letters and emails from members
regarding last year's AGM at Preston Marriott Hotel, for which he thank the members concerned. The hotel had also written to the
Association thanking us for the business particularly the Friday night bar profits, they also expressed their gratitude for the courtesy and
thoughtfulness of our members throughout the weekend. He reiterated the necessity for members to take out insurance cover to protect
themselves against cancellation or amendment to the Reunion hotel booking. He thanked members for their help and understanding
over the last five years a Social Secretary. He apologised for the clash of the reunion dinner with the England world cup match.
A vote of thanks to Bryan for all his work over the last five years was proposed by Brian Moss 17th, seconded by Bernard Bullivant 17th.
The applause confirmed the approval.
Regional/Focal Point representatives co-ordinator.
Mike Heritage reported a slightly disappointing year as only six of the eighteen regional representatives have managed to get members
together, although there is hope for the coming year. The Reps put in a lot of time letting members know of their plan but most cannot be
bothered to reply, even a short No would be appreciated. The old faithful continue to hold their meetings and it is nice to read the reports
in the newsletter. Even Cyprus has made a start and now a volunteer has come forward in Spain. He urged Reps to keep on trying and
asked members to support the Reps.
Reg Drinkwater (Aff Member) wished to thank Mike Day, Gloucester Rep, for the reunion he held at Birdlip.
Publicity Officer.
Bob Danes stated that he still used newspapers and magazines whenever he felt they are worthwhile. He hoped that the Reunion would
appear in The Daily Telegraph on the Monday following the Reunion. Most of his report related to the Hendon Museum Project and will
appear under Item 8.
Almoner.
Tom McKnight introduced himself to the meeting, telling of his background and that of his family also relating that his Mother-in-law often
said, “When I was in the war”; she was a FS Clerk. He also told of his current work, which helps him with the post of Almoner. He said
the role of Almoner can be sad but is important in ensuring that members who pass on are remembered and, perhaps more importantly,
that their partners are not forgotten. He asked that members who hear of a death of an association member to pass the information to
him, or any other committee member, as quickly as possible.
Golf Secretary.
Steve Sanders had all the golf trophies on display at the meeting and presented the trophies that had been won at Swindon there had
been two matches. Some members had joined the Aircraft Apprentice Golf Society. There was to be a match on 16 July and 10
members had put their names forward.
He spoke of the 2080 (The Ruislip Apprentice list) and stated that Bryan Schofield now had a copy on his computer, which he could print
off, if anybody wished a copy.
Archivist.
Mike Heritage reported that he had visited Alan Bell in France and had taken all the archives so that Alan could make certain everything
was recorded on the website and to extract the best for use in the RAF Museums. Unfortunately not a lot of good material in the early
years, not many had cameras. He asked members to go through their lofts etc. to see if they could find old records (not the musical
kind). If members find anything please forward to him or Alan, either as a donation or so it can be copied and returned to you.
Website Manager.
Alan Bell gave a fairly lengthy report but briefly he stated that, he thanked members for their contribution – quoting some good ones.
The site had received around 80,000 visitors in 2009/10, not all ex Admin Apps, it does show that there are other people interested. He
monitors and updates as often as he can. Latest posts are listed on the home page together with links where appropriate to other pages.
Notice Board continues to be the focus for latest news. Please don't forget to inform Alan as well as newsletter of reunions etc., if you
have photos let him have copies for the website. Ray Burrow 29th has formed the Cyprus Group, new page on the website for them.
Alan continued, the Membership Application Form and Find A Friend pages have continued to attract a number of requests. He has
discontinued publishing large extracts from the newsletter, but will continue to publish new members, deaths and obituaries. He has
prepared an updated disk containing all the archival images on the website. This disk could be made available to members, for a
modest fee.
RAF Tangmere Project Liaison Officer
Mike Heritage reported that there had been no further contact with the Tangmere Museum since we sent in our items.
ITEM 8 Hendon Museum Project progress report.
Before receiving the progress reports on the Hendon Museum project, the Chairman wished to thank those members who had made a
donation to the project and any further donations would be welcomed.
Both Bob Danes and Alan Bell gave lengthy reports (4 foolscap pages) on the progress of the project so this report will be a brief
resume: A formal visit to Hendon was made and some technical problems were resolved. To be a good representation of the Apprentice
scheme good quality photos are required; most already held are poor quality or photocopies. Members are requested to search for any
photos depicting their time as Apprentices, as this will fill one side of the Toblerone. The “history” side of the Toblerone will also be
mainly photo, documents etc. Is there any member who knows of the “history of the Apprentice Wheel”, let us know. When the display is
complete it will also be on show at RAF Museum Cosford, as well as Hendon. It is anticipated that the Design Staff at the Museum will
start the design work late autumn or early next year.
ITEM 9 Resolution: To discuss the feasibility and desirability of a permanent memorial to the RAF Ruislip Clerks and RAF Administrative
Apprentices at the National Memorial Arboretum.
The Chairman reported that this subject had been discussed in the past at Committee meetings but it has always been considered to be
too expensive a project. However, we do think that it is a worthwhile project even though it may take time to raise the finances. The
Secretary reported that the RAF Locking Apprentice Association is going to create a memorial at a cost of between £2000 and £2500.
One of our members, Brian Philpott 30th, had made some enquiries and it appears that we would need to go for a solid stone, granite,
Portland Stone or sandstone plinth. A sandstone plinth of 600 x 600 x 600mm and 72 letters would cost £1770. After further discussion It
was proposed by Roy Pipe 29th, seconded by Ray Hedinburgh 42nd, that the Association goes ahead with the project. Unanimous.
ITEM 10 Election of Association Committee for 2010/11
The Chairman announced that all committee posts were up for election this year, Three years for Secretary and Treasurer and one year
for all other posts. He then asked for volunteers. There were none forthcoming.
Bryan Schofield took the Chair and asked for nominations for Chairman, there was a unanimous vote for Jim Wilcox unopposed. Jim
then reiterated that this would be the last year that he would be Chairman.
Alan Bell 29th proposed Bryan Schofield as Vice Chairman and Bob Wise 4th, seconded. Unanimous.
As all other committee members had agreed to stay in post, it was proposed by R Pipe 29th and Seconded by G Goddard 33rd that the
committee be elected on bulk. Unanimous.
The new Committee for the RAF Administrative Apprentice Association for the year 2010/2011 is:
Chairman Jim Wilcox
Vice Chairman Bryan Schofield
Secretary (3 years 2010/13) Bob Wise
Treasurer (3 years 2010/13) Garry Hoyland
Membership Secretary Tony Burchell
Newsletter Editor Ken Cameron
Social Secretary Bryan Hoare
Publicity Officer Bob Danes
Almoner Tom Mcknight
Regional/Focal point co-ordinator Mike Heritage
Archivist Mike Heritage
Golf Secretary Steve Sanders
Website Manager Alan Bell
ITEM 11 Any other business.
1. Reg Drinkwater (affiliated member) wished it recorded that his happiest days had been those spent with the Apprentices.
2. Bryan Schofield drew attention to the fact that Jim Wilcox had been our only Chairman (13 years) and had been instrumental
in getting the Association started and continued to strive to increase our membership. Do we just throw him out at the end of the year?
Bryan proposed that we elect Jim as President of the Association and to make him an honorary Life Member. This was unanimously
approved.
3. The Secretary drew attention to the fact that the Articles of the Association did not include a post of President, did the meeting
wish the Articles to be amended and for what period should the President serve. After a short discussion it was agreed to include a
President who should fill the post for life.
4. Roy Pipe asked if members’ wife/partners names could be included on the membership list. This will be looked into.
ITEM 12 Date and venue for next AGM/Reunion.
Bryan Schofield reported that his search for a Hotel in the Midlands had been easy by the Marriott Group, their central sales office
offered their Northampton Marriott, which is a 4-star hotel. The rates will be:
£63 per person per night for bed, breakfast and evening meal
£17 per person per night single supplement
£25 per person attending the Reunion dinner only
No charge for the room hire for the AGM
The reunion will be held over the weekend of 17/18/19 June 2011.
The Hotel and dates were unanimously agreed by the meeting.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 15.40 hours.
| MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2010 |