ITEM

SUBJECT

ACTION

1.       

OPENING REMARKS

·        The Council Meeting started after a very exciting presentation made by Lt Sam Branston and Rifleman Reading, from 1 Rifles, about their recent Operational Tour in Afghanistan.  All members, especially those with sons in The Rifles, were gripped by the stories and details of the operations. Col Stephen Oxlade thanked them both and asked the Secretary to write to the Commanding Officers to thank him for arranging the presentation. (After note: action completed)

·        The Chairman welcomed everyone to the Meeting & thanked all for making the effort to attend. Thanks were passed to Maurice Dix for arranging the venue.

·        He passed on apologies from those listed above.    

2.       

CHAIRMAN’S POINTS

·        The Chairman explained the aim of the Council Meetings was to highlight issues raised by the Executive Committee and for the attention of the AGM.

·        He reported that it has been a busy year and especially for the Battalions who faced operational tours.

·        He mentioned the success of the DERR 50^th Anniversary celebrations on the Isle of Wight which was attended by the Duke of Edinburgh who seemed to enjoy the event. 400 Members attended the various functions and thanks were passed to John Venus and his team all the planning which had worked so well.

·        He hoped the Executive Committee will be able arrange a visit to a Rifles Battalion at some stage next year.

·        He briefed on the plans for the Cyprus Memorial events which will be attended by General Sir John Waters. It was suggested if members, who planned to attend, let Lesley at Gloucester know she will inform all so that you all are aware of who is attending.

·        He asked all members to support the website and use it to advertise events. He thanked Phil Miller as Webmaster and this was endorsed by all present.

·        He reminded members that 2010 will be celebrated as the 150^th Anniversary of the Cadets and it will be known as “Cadet 150”. You will hear about arrangements in the Counties as plans develop and we will fully support them.

·        He expressed his support for those members and standard bearers who regularly attended repatriations at Wootton Bassett. The Association can feel proud of the efforts made to pay our final respects to those from our Regiment who have made the final sacrifice. The Secretary stated that he had written to the Mayor of Wootton Bassett expressing our support for what the town’s people were doing and he had received a reply of thanks and appreciation.

·        Finally he passed on his thanks to the Chairman of Branches for their efforts in supporting the Association.

3.       

SECRETARY’S POINTS

·        JD reminded all that the Garden of Remembrance event will take place on the lawns by Westminster Abbey starting at 10am on Thursday 5^th November. The RGBW Plot will be in line with those from the antecedent and former Regiments of The Rifles. It is a wonderful and social event and members are encouraged to attend. You can book in for a Curry Lunch at The Rifles Club in Davies Street. Lesley will pass on details if required.

·        He then explained that The RGBW Association will march for the second time at the Cenotaph. We have 24 places and there are a few left. JD will send out instructions and security passes well before the end of the Month. Members will need to arrive at Horse Guards Parade Ground by about 0930 hrs on Sunday 8^th November.

·        He reminded all that we plan to send out the Newsletter before Xmas and that Branch entries should be with Lesley by 1 November although she will accept and additional paragraphs after Remembrance should Branches wish to add that to their reports.

·        He asked all to consider the location and requirements of reunions with the aim of passing on views to Branches and the Executive Committee for consideration and action.

·        The Secretary will thank Lesley (Gloucester) and Sue (Salisbury) for all their hard work and the sterling support they give to the Association.

4.       

BRANCHES

·        Phil Miller explained about the website and asked members to use it and get information from Branches on to it for the use of all members.

·        JD was asked about the availability of Rifles Standards. He agreed to take an action to find out the current position. It was planned for each County Office to have a standard which could be “loaned out” as required.

Action 16/1: JD agreed to find out what the plans are for Rifles Standards.

5.       

SUMMARY

·        The meeting asked the Secretary to thank 29 Regiment for their hospitality.

·        The Chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting, and encouraged the members to keep up their hard work and efforts and at 3:30pm closed the meeting.

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SERIAL

ITEM

ACTION

1

REPORT FROM THE ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN

• The Chairman explained that as all had been present at the Council Meeting, immediately prior to this meeting, he would not add to his reports.

2

MINUTES OF THE 14^TH AGM & MATTERS ARISING 

• The Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted with the correction of spelling (Ray Povey) on the last page.
• There were no actions outstanding.

3

REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS & INCOME & EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR 1 APR 08 – 31 MAR 09 

• The Secretary explained that we no longer had the “one day  pay scheme” as part of the Charity which is now covered, more generously, by The Rifles Benevolence Funds. 
• The accounts will be reviewed by the Trustees on 27^th November and displayed in the Newsletter and to Branches and the Executive Committee in the normal way.

4

CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION AND RULES 

• The Secretary explained that we planned to update the constitution last year but had been reminded that 56 Days Notice was required for such action.
• The Executive Committee, in March, suggested amendments which were passed to all Branches and placed on the website during the summer.
• At the September 2009 Meeting the Executive Committee approved the changes and unanimously agreed to recommend them to the AGM for acceptance in October 2009.
• Mr Ray Povey proposed that the AGM accept the changes but asked for agreement to change the term “Council” for “AGM” in paragraph 39.

Proposed: Mr Ray Povey

Seconded: Mr Gary Hopkins

Unanimously approved by the AGM

·      Having agreed this change Mr Ray Povey proposed that the AGM accept the changes to the Constitution, which will now become the 3^rd Edition.

Proposed: Mr Ray Povey

Seconded: Mr Gary Hopkins

Unanimously approved by the AGM

·     The Secretary will have the 3^rd Edition reprinted and circulated.

4

NOMINATIONS FOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

• The Secretary then explained that there were no nominations for the Executive Committee and that all current members were up to date.

5

REUNIONS 2010 

The following are planned for 2010: 

• Gloucester/Bristol               20/21 Mar
   
• Devizes                                  6 June  Revised now 23rd May     
   
• Salisbury                               10 July        
   
• Reading                                 24/25 July

6

RGBW ASSOCIATION WEBSITE. 

• The Chairman asked Phil Miller to update the meeting on the RGBW Website.
• He then asked the Secretary to record the thanks of the Association for the work carried out by Phil Miller.

7

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Ray Povey raised the question of reunions which created a discussion on future plans and it was agreed we should use the opportunity to review current programmes and discuss other ideas. After further discussion it was agreed that we should feed any thoughts from the Branches to the Executive Committee.  The Committee will then consider all aspects and report back to the Council and AGM.
• During a debate on a memorial at the National Arboretum Phil Miller asked that we should consider the procurement of a seat in the RGBW Area. He had paid a recent visit and thought older visitors might appreciate being able to sit for a while. JD reminded all that the Trustees had directed a sub group to suggest a design for a Memorial. Once agreed plans will be passed to members. The option of a seat will be re-directed to the Trustees and sub group.
• The Chairman asked the Secretary to pass on our thanks to the Commanding Officer of 29 Regiment for the use of the facilities and helpfulness of the staff.

• Being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 4pm.