Post by aghart on Apr 3, 2019 20:51:23 GMT
12 members were present for the April 2019 branch meeting . It is a bit concerning that the average attendence so far this year is lower than in previous years. Two main reasons for this, some of the more "senior" members are now getting frail and either are no longer attending or only attending occasionally. The other reason is that the younger members who are still working cannot get to every meeting due to work commitments. So it could be a positive sign that we have a significant number of people below retirement age, but that does have it's problems.
Minutes of the March 2019 meeting were passed. It was confirmed to branch members that we would be represented, Branch Standard paraded, and wreath laid, at both the ANZAC Day Service at Weymouth, on Thursday 25th April 2019, and the Exercise Tiger Memorial at Slapton Sands (Devon) on Sunday 28th April 2019. The two wreaths were available to view. Members were informed of the RTR Families Day being held at Tidworth on Saturday 11th May 2019. Although I have never noticed any former "Douglas Dakota" aircrew attending branch meetings, the branch was informed that a Berlin Airlift commemoration was being held on 12th May 2019 and I could provide details should a member be a closet "Brylcreem Boy" (RAF for the youngsters that don't understand). If you don't know what Brylcreem is? then I have one word for you! "Google".
There are 4 x RTRA spaces for this years "Not Forgotton Association" Solent Boat Trip. Members were requested to let the Secretary know if they wished to bid for a ticket. Members were informed that I would be needing numbers at the next meeting for those wishing to take part in the Weymouth Armed Forces day in June. It was confirmed that the Branch BBQ wil be held on Saturday 10th August 2019. Sticking to the events theme, the date of the 2020 Ladies Lunch is confirmed as Sunday 12th January.
Barry Fellowes was nominated and elected as the new Vice President of the Branch.
The Chaiman then introduced the guest speakers,
Peter & Margaret Long formed and run the registered charity "Children of Fiji" Fiji a former British Colony and now an independant nation and a member of the Commonwealth is situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of a large number of islands with a total population equal to the city of Birmingham. Like many we though of Fiji as a reasonably prosperous nation, but the area's of prosperity are more than matched the lack of facilities in the more remote area's. The Charity aims to aid those under the age of 18.
I have no need to go into too much detail about their activities, see for yourselves on the link below.
We were shown the Kindergardens they had hepled build, Science equipment they had provided for schools, Braille books for the Blind Children ( made and supplied by prisoners at HM Prison Wakefield) Audible balls so they could take part in sport. Medical Equipment including an EEG Machine. Arranging for specialist medical treatment in the UK, India and Hawaii for Children who could not be helped in Fiji. The had boats built so that the Children can go to School on the neighbouring island without having to "swim there" and risk being attacked by sharks. Bridges have been built to enable Children to go to school without first having to wade or swim across rivers to get there first, and then wade and swim back later. They have persuaded some well known companies to assist them and two shipping firms take the equipment to Fiji for free. After lots of bad press about large charities and the high percentage of donated funds that go on salaries and expenses, this was a breath of fresh air. They are both retired teachers who spend 2 months a year marking exam papers to fund their two trips a year to Fiji. Charity funds are not used to pay for these trips.
The presentation was well received, it had already been agreed to donated 100% of the raffle takings to them, a lot of personal donations went into the pot as well.
The link to the Children of Fiji website is below. It will give you the full picture. On it there is a donation page where you can send donations if you wish. After visiting the website, if you do wish to make a donation of any amount, could you please put "Royal Tank Regiment" as your reference. We are not trying to claim your donation as ours, but it will indicate that they have received the donation as a result of their presentation to us.
Fear Naught.
www.dynamicduo.co.uk
Minutes of the March 2019 meeting were passed. It was confirmed to branch members that we would be represented, Branch Standard paraded, and wreath laid, at both the ANZAC Day Service at Weymouth, on Thursday 25th April 2019, and the Exercise Tiger Memorial at Slapton Sands (Devon) on Sunday 28th April 2019. The two wreaths were available to view. Members were informed of the RTR Families Day being held at Tidworth on Saturday 11th May 2019. Although I have never noticed any former "Douglas Dakota" aircrew attending branch meetings, the branch was informed that a Berlin Airlift commemoration was being held on 12th May 2019 and I could provide details should a member be a closet "Brylcreem Boy" (RAF for the youngsters that don't understand). If you don't know what Brylcreem is? then I have one word for you! "Google".
There are 4 x RTRA spaces for this years "Not Forgotton Association" Solent Boat Trip. Members were requested to let the Secretary know if they wished to bid for a ticket. Members were informed that I would be needing numbers at the next meeting for those wishing to take part in the Weymouth Armed Forces day in June. It was confirmed that the Branch BBQ wil be held on Saturday 10th August 2019. Sticking to the events theme, the date of the 2020 Ladies Lunch is confirmed as Sunday 12th January.
Barry Fellowes was nominated and elected as the new Vice President of the Branch.
The Chaiman then introduced the guest speakers,
Peter & Margaret Long formed and run the registered charity "Children of Fiji" Fiji a former British Colony and now an independant nation and a member of the Commonwealth is situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of a large number of islands with a total population equal to the city of Birmingham. Like many we though of Fiji as a reasonably prosperous nation, but the area's of prosperity are more than matched the lack of facilities in the more remote area's. The Charity aims to aid those under the age of 18.
I have no need to go into too much detail about their activities, see for yourselves on the link below.
We were shown the Kindergardens they had hepled build, Science equipment they had provided for schools, Braille books for the Blind Children ( made and supplied by prisoners at HM Prison Wakefield) Audible balls so they could take part in sport. Medical Equipment including an EEG Machine. Arranging for specialist medical treatment in the UK, India and Hawaii for Children who could not be helped in Fiji. The had boats built so that the Children can go to School on the neighbouring island without having to "swim there" and risk being attacked by sharks. Bridges have been built to enable Children to go to school without first having to wade or swim across rivers to get there first, and then wade and swim back later. They have persuaded some well known companies to assist them and two shipping firms take the equipment to Fiji for free. After lots of bad press about large charities and the high percentage of donated funds that go on salaries and expenses, this was a breath of fresh air. They are both retired teachers who spend 2 months a year marking exam papers to fund their two trips a year to Fiji. Charity funds are not used to pay for these trips.
The presentation was well received, it had already been agreed to donated 100% of the raffle takings to them, a lot of personal donations went into the pot as well.
The link to the Children of Fiji website is below. It will give you the full picture. On it there is a donation page where you can send donations if you wish. After visiting the website, if you do wish to make a donation of any amount, could you please put "Royal Tank Regiment" as your reference. We are not trying to claim your donation as ours, but it will indicate that they have received the donation as a result of their presentation to us.
Fear Naught.
www.dynamicduo.co.uk