Branch AGM February 15th 2011

The AGM was held on Tuesday 15th February 2011 at the Los
Carteros Restaurant, Cuidad de los Comunicaciones.
After the dedication which was read by the branch's outgoing
Chaplain Philip Haward MBE.
The Chairman gave his address to the members
present. Firstly he thanked the committee members who had
supported him since the last AGM. Their help had been
essential in ensuring the success of the Branch and he
particularly wished to thank Noel Cork who had steered him
through his early days as Chairman. He continued by
appraising the activities in which the Branch had been involved
with during the year. The San Cristobel celebrations were
supported by members both at Torrevieja and at Orihuela,
despite the inclement weather, although he commented that
he would have liked to have seen more members at this event
as it was a great opportunity to integrate with the Spanish traditions as was the Patronal Festival and Carols in the Square when some members generously donated food for the needy. On the social side he commented on how the luncheon club continued to flourish and how successful the concert at the Virgen del
Carmen theatre, in Torrevieja, had been thanks to the hard work of Brian Bourdon
and the courtesy of the Torrevieja Town hall who allowed the use of the theatre for
free. Thevisit to the maritime museum was very interesting and the trip to the Galicia
region of Spain was a huge success thanks to the organisational skills of Ken Booth.
It was well worth the long journey.
Apart from the social activities the Wings Appeal activities raised inexcess of €8000
thanks in part to the continuing generosity of members but also in a large due to the
week long collections at the Icelandstores located in Torrevieja, San Javier and
La Marina where the public donated so generously. He commented that had the
Branch beenable to fully man the shifts throughout the week.especially at San Javier,
the superb collection would no doubt have been more. He therefore asked members
to bear in mind this years collection andvolunteer some time this worthy cause.
The most significant time of last year was the Battle of Britain Commemoration
Service held at la Siesta Church where the branch, with members of the other
ex-service organisations made their personal thanks to those who gave their lives for
our freedom. This service was of particular note for the Chaplain, Philip Haward, as it
was his last act as the Branch Chaplain. In this respect the Chairman gave special thanks
to Philip who had been chaplain since the formation of the Branch back in 2004. He also
thanked Philip's wife Brenda for all her to Philip during his tenure as Chaplain
The Chairman conclude by wishing those who had left the Branch during the year the
very best and welcoming new members. He hoped that over the next year the Branch
would continue to flourish.
At this point the Treasurer gave his report on the Branch finances which remain quite
healthy and had received a glowing auditors report.
Then followed the presentation of the 'Presidents Trophy' by the President which he
had decided would go to Pat and Graham Distin for their unstinting work and dedication
to the Branch.
This was followed the presentation of the 'Wings Trophy? which this year was awarded
to LoisRogerson for her contribution to Wings over the year which included her stalwart
effort to make the Iceland collection at San Javier a success.
At the formal part of the AGM the membership voted in the Officers and Committee
                                                                    Chairman    Brian Todd
                                                                    Vice Chairman   Terry Joy
                                                                      Secretary   Pat Distin
                                                                      Treasurer   Graham Distin
                                                                      Vice President   Colin Broad
                                                                      Membership Sec   Ken Booth
                                                                      Functions Manager   Brian Bourdon
                                                                      Wings Organiser   Dougie Lynn
                                                                      Welfare Officer   Eleanor Morris
                                                                      Publicity Bruce Heath

It was agreed that local subs would be reduced to € 5 and
that guests would have the opportunity to become purely
social members at a fee of €5. The Standard beareres
would remain as Colin Broad, Terry Joy and Dougie Lynn,
with Terry Watson and Brian Todd as standby. Ken Booth
was appointed as the Branch delegate at the next national
Conference and the Branch would send a formal letter to
the Reverend Chris Scargill inviting him to be our next
Chaplain.
At any other Business Bruce Heath announced that
reluctantly because of other commitment he would be
standing down as Vuelos Editor after the March edition
of the Vuelos had been produced.

The meeting then closed.