MINUTES OF THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION
Royal Naval Association Torrevieja Branch
Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 1st February at La Rustika
In Attendance:
President: Robin Hargrave
Chairman: Mike Wright
Vice-Chairman & Membership Secretary: Danny Kay
Secretary : Margaret Forshaw
Treasurer: John Forshaw
Social Committee: A. Aldridge, D. Conway, J. Williams and C. Ramscar.
P R O: Baz Winwood
Jack Dusty: Terry Watson
Attendance: 31 Full Members, 29 Associate Members and 4 Visitors.
Apologies received from: Pam & Vic Cluney, Helen & Frank Goodman, Brian Snell, Colin
Holloway, A & E Jones, E&M Holland, Glenn & Toni Rapley, Gillian Burden, Ron Hughes, Tor
Stangeland, Ian & Jean Craven, Alan Collington and E. McCallum.
The Chairman opened the meeting at 1730 and welcomed S/Mates and visitors.
Members stood for the Shipmate’s prayer and a period of silence was observed in remembrance of
those who had fallen since our last meeting.
Acceptance of the minutes of the previous months meeting was proposed by Terry Watson and
seconded by Sally Conway. They were unanimously approved.
There were no matters arising.
Chairman’s Report:
Members were reminded that our A G M is next month and copies of the agenda have been sent by E-Mail to all members. Additionally, ‘hard copies’ will be available on the evening. The minutes of the last AGM will soon be issued and ‘hard copies’ of these will also be available on the night. The Chairman reminded members that the AGM will start at 1700 promptly, and will be immediately followed by a normal monthly meeting.
The Chairman informed members that the issue of Associate Members voting rights on money matters had arisen (again)! It was thought by some members that a local ruling had been made some years ago, but no record of this can be found in branch papers. Mike told members he had sent an E-Mail to the General Secretary at H Q requesting that under Rule B20 we be allowed to adopt a Local Branch rule allowing Associate Members equal voting rights. The General Secretary replied saying that though he has every sympathy with our Associate Members, he could not grant our request. He stressed that this would require a change to National Rules and these can only be changed by the National Council at their annual conference. He advised the branch to send in a motion for this, and Mike has a form which has been completed and he will get ‘seconded’ by another branch, then sent to HQ for submission to the Annual Conference. Our President Robin offered to second the request, but Mike said as we are doing this as a branch we need to have it ‘seconded’ by another branch. A 2/3 majority of Branch members are required before any such request can be made, and a vote was taken by show of hands. The vote proved substantially in favour.
The Chairman then said as it is H M the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June he felt we should be doing something to celebrate the occasion and he asked members if they had any ideas to forward them to him asap. Mike has had meetings with other organisations but according to Graham Knight no ex- pats in Torrevieja have so far have anything arranged.
President’s Report:
Robin had not a lot to report this month but he did have a list of upcoming re-unions to be held in the U K. Anyone interested should see him at stand easy.
Vice Chairman’s Report:
Danny gave congratulations to the quiz team. He now has the 2012 membership slips available for
those members who have paid, and those who haven’t he will take their money at stand easy.
Secretary’s Report:
Nothing this month. No circulars received from H Q and nothing on their web site.
Treasurer’s Report:
John gave members a summary of our financial position, which is healthy. As always any member
wanting to see the figures in detail should see John. John also told members we have up to €800
available to give to sea cadet units /charities of our choice, but he pointed out the more we pick the less
each gets.
Welfare Officer’s Report:
Pamela sent apologies for her absence and she has nothing to report.
Social Committee’s Report:
Tony thanked everyone who attended the lunch in los Montesenos. Response has been slow for our St
Valentine night ladies night. He had been told some members were not keen on black tie he said smart
dress would be fine. To date only 50 names were down. He said that this is not financially viable for the
branch and he urged members to support us if they can.
Tony gave details of a proposed trip to Benidorm on March 31st price €110pp. This includes transport,
dinner and a show at the Benidorm palace. Accommodation is in a 4 star hotel, and includes breakfast
and lunch next day in the hotel. The trip needs a minimum of 40 people and the money has to be paid at
our March meeting. A show of hands showed very little interest, but Tony said anyone interested should
see him at stand easy.
A fun and games night is planned at Clarks Bar Playa Flamenca. Again it depends on numbers of
people interested.
Tony told members the Torrevieja town hall was holding a tree planting in aid of world tree day. This
Takes place on February 4th to which all members were invited (bring your own shovel)!
At this point Mike said any member not getting E-Mails or minutes to please check that either he or
Danny have their correct E-Mail address.
P R O’s Report:
Baz did not have much to report only those members who were in the lottery syndicate the €60 won on
El Nino was re-invested on euro millions. No return!!
Prostate Marksmen. ~ Last year the branch had voted to sponsor four ex Royal Marines who are rowing
across the Atlantic to raise money and awareness of prostate illness. They are being sponsored by Marks
& Spencer, and for every donation received, M&S will double it. The Branch has sponsored them to the
value of €100. Mr Tony Witham, who is the father of one of these fine men, stressed that they are not part
of the Atlantic challenge, and that they receive no support of any sort. They have their own website which
is (www.prostatemarksmen.com) and anyone wishing to see their progress or leave a message can do so
via that website. Tony Witham gave the Chairman two pairs of R N cufflinks supplied by M & S which
will be either auctioned or raffled at a later date.
Mike reminded members that our ‘Jack Dusty’ Terry had his stall set out, and Terry said he had 2
RNA diaries for sale at only €2 each.
Mike then invited any member with a birthday this month and members of the quiz team to come and
have a tot.
Any Other Business:
The Orihuela Costa branch of the R B L is having a fun day at La Zenia on May 26th. Standard Bearers to
muster at Consum car park at 1200.
The Chairman asked members to consider starting our meetings at 1700 on a permanent basis, as we
have to vacate the hall due to it being used immediately after our meeting(s) we are sometimes rushed.
The members voted in favour of this.
Mike again reminded members our A G M next month starts at 1700, monthly (March) meeting to follow.
Eddie Edwards asked if we could decide about starting earlier, after a show of hands it was unanimously
decided to start our meetings at 1700 in future. Baz said he would inform papers, but our branch web site
already had us starting at 1700.
The Chairman then closed the meeting at 1830 and said that he hoped to see everyone next month,
7th March at 1700.
Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 1st February at La Rustika
In Attendance:
President: Robin Hargrave
Chairman: Mike Wright
Vice-Chairman & Membership Secretary: Danny Kay
Secretary : Margaret Forshaw
Treasurer: John Forshaw
Social Committee: A. Aldridge, D. Conway, J. Williams and C. Ramscar.
P R O: Baz Winwood
Jack Dusty: Terry Watson
Attendance: 31 Full Members, 29 Associate Members and 4 Visitors.
Apologies received from: Pam & Vic Cluney, Helen & Frank Goodman, Brian Snell, Colin
Holloway, A & E Jones, E&M Holland, Glenn & Toni Rapley, Gillian Burden, Ron Hughes, Tor
Stangeland, Ian & Jean Craven, Alan Collington and E. McCallum.
The Chairman opened the meeting at 1730 and welcomed S/Mates and visitors.
Members stood for the Shipmate’s prayer and a period of silence was observed in remembrance of
those who had fallen since our last meeting.
Acceptance of the minutes of the previous months meeting was proposed by Terry Watson and
seconded by Sally Conway. They were unanimously approved.
There were no matters arising.
Chairman’s Report:
Members were reminded that our A G M is next month and copies of the agenda have been sent by E-Mail to all members. Additionally, ‘hard copies’ will be available on the evening. The minutes of the last AGM will soon be issued and ‘hard copies’ of these will also be available on the night. The Chairman reminded members that the AGM will start at 1700 promptly, and will be immediately followed by a normal monthly meeting.
The Chairman informed members that the issue of Associate Members voting rights on money matters had arisen (again)! It was thought by some members that a local ruling had been made some years ago, but no record of this can be found in branch papers. Mike told members he had sent an E-Mail to the General Secretary at H Q requesting that under Rule B20 we be allowed to adopt a Local Branch rule allowing Associate Members equal voting rights. The General Secretary replied saying that though he has every sympathy with our Associate Members, he could not grant our request. He stressed that this would require a change to National Rules and these can only be changed by the National Council at their annual conference. He advised the branch to send in a motion for this, and Mike has a form which has been completed and he will get ‘seconded’ by another branch, then sent to HQ for submission to the Annual Conference. Our President Robin offered to second the request, but Mike said as we are doing this as a branch we need to have it ‘seconded’ by another branch. A 2/3 majority of Branch members are required before any such request can be made, and a vote was taken by show of hands. The vote proved substantially in favour.
The Chairman then said as it is H M the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June he felt we should be doing something to celebrate the occasion and he asked members if they had any ideas to forward them to him asap. Mike has had meetings with other organisations but according to Graham Knight no ex- pats in Torrevieja have so far have anything arranged.
President’s Report:
Robin had not a lot to report this month but he did have a list of upcoming re-unions to be held in the U K. Anyone interested should see him at stand easy.
Vice Chairman’s Report:
Danny gave congratulations to the quiz team. He now has the 2012 membership slips available for
those members who have paid, and those who haven’t he will take their money at stand easy.
Secretary’s Report:
Nothing this month. No circulars received from H Q and nothing on their web site.
Treasurer’s Report:
John gave members a summary of our financial position, which is healthy. As always any member
wanting to see the figures in detail should see John. John also told members we have up to €800
available to give to sea cadet units /charities of our choice, but he pointed out the more we pick the less
each gets.
Welfare Officer’s Report:
Pamela sent apologies for her absence and she has nothing to report.
Social Committee’s Report:
Tony thanked everyone who attended the lunch in los Montesenos. Response has been slow for our St
Valentine night ladies night. He had been told some members were not keen on black tie he said smart
dress would be fine. To date only 50 names were down. He said that this is not financially viable for the
branch and he urged members to support us if they can.
Tony gave details of a proposed trip to Benidorm on March 31st price €110pp. This includes transport,
dinner and a show at the Benidorm palace. Accommodation is in a 4 star hotel, and includes breakfast
and lunch next day in the hotel. The trip needs a minimum of 40 people and the money has to be paid at
our March meeting. A show of hands showed very little interest, but Tony said anyone interested should
see him at stand easy.
A fun and games night is planned at Clarks Bar Playa Flamenca. Again it depends on numbers of
people interested.
Tony told members the Torrevieja town hall was holding a tree planting in aid of world tree day. This
Takes place on February 4th to which all members were invited (bring your own shovel)!
At this point Mike said any member not getting E-Mails or minutes to please check that either he or
Danny have their correct E-Mail address.
P R O’s Report:
Baz did not have much to report only those members who were in the lottery syndicate the €60 won on
El Nino was re-invested on euro millions. No return!!
Prostate Marksmen. ~ Last year the branch had voted to sponsor four ex Royal Marines who are rowing
across the Atlantic to raise money and awareness of prostate illness. They are being sponsored by Marks
& Spencer, and for every donation received, M&S will double it. The Branch has sponsored them to the
value of €100. Mr Tony Witham, who is the father of one of these fine men, stressed that they are not part
of the Atlantic challenge, and that they receive no support of any sort. They have their own website which
is (www.prostatemarksmen.com) and anyone wishing to see their progress or leave a message can do so
via that website. Tony Witham gave the Chairman two pairs of R N cufflinks supplied by M & S which
will be either auctioned or raffled at a later date.
Mike reminded members that our ‘Jack Dusty’ Terry had his stall set out, and Terry said he had 2
RNA diaries for sale at only €2 each.
Mike then invited any member with a birthday this month and members of the quiz team to come and
have a tot.
Any Other Business:
The Orihuela Costa branch of the R B L is having a fun day at La Zenia on May 26th. Standard Bearers to
muster at Consum car park at 1200.
The Chairman asked members to consider starting our meetings at 1700 on a permanent basis, as we
have to vacate the hall due to it being used immediately after our meeting(s) we are sometimes rushed.
The members voted in favour of this.
Mike again reminded members our A G M next month starts at 1700, monthly (March) meeting to follow.
Eddie Edwards asked if we could decide about starting earlier, after a show of hands it was unanimously
decided to start our meetings at 1700 in future. Baz said he would inform papers, but our branch web site
already had us starting at 1700.
The Chairman then closed the meeting at 1830 and said that he hoped to see everyone next month,
7th March at 1700.