Post by aghart on Jun 7, 2023 10:25:04 GMT
34 people sat down with 22 linked in by Zoom. So a total of 56 people involved with the meeting. Even without the Zoom element, 34 people sat down at the meeting is the highest number ever since I joined the branch nearly 20 years ago. Admittedly a number of wives, partners & guests who were there for the Guest Speaker presentation helped boost the numbers, but at the end of the day it's the number of bums on seats that matters.
Minutes of the May 2023 branch meeting were available to view. The recap of activity included the Stephen Ford Memorial in Poole, US Memorial Day in Weymouth, D Day service in Poole, and the Chris Lock British Empire Medal investiture in Bodmin.
Future events are the Cadets (RTR badged) recruitment day in Weymouth and the Armed Forces day parade, also in Weymouth.
It was agreed to spend £300 on two branch banners which will help advertise the branch and to be used for decorative purposes at events like the Ladies lunch.
Members were informed of a Veterans Breakfast at the Toby Carvery at Longfleet, Poole on Saturday 10th June 2023.
Members were again reminded that the July meeting is being held later in the month, Tuesday 18th July 2023. The guest speakers for July are the local Military enthusiasts who will be bringing along a couple of Willis Jeeps and other "stuff". People were told it would be best to arrive earlier than usual so that they could check out the Jeeps, have their photo's taken in the vehicles (wearing US Steel Helmets) in daylight before the branch meeting begins. Fat Cigars are not being provided, so bring your own!
It was then announced that the July and all subsequent meetings will be held at a new location. The new venue is the Centenary Club on Wimborne Road Poole. It is a better venue than our current location and has the added benefit of being only a 4 minute walk to both Poole bus and train stations. This move is due to the fact that our home of many years, the Ex Serviceman's/ North Road Social Club is closing down on 17th June 2023.
The meeting then closed and the guest speaker was introduced. Lt General David Leakey RTR gave a superb presentation on his time as "Black Rod" at the Palace of Westminster. The talk told of the history of the role, the duties of Black Rod and stories detailing some of the amusing incidents which happend.
Minutes of the May 2023 branch meeting were available to view. The recap of activity included the Stephen Ford Memorial in Poole, US Memorial Day in Weymouth, D Day service in Poole, and the Chris Lock British Empire Medal investiture in Bodmin.
Future events are the Cadets (RTR badged) recruitment day in Weymouth and the Armed Forces day parade, also in Weymouth.
It was agreed to spend £300 on two branch banners which will help advertise the branch and to be used for decorative purposes at events like the Ladies lunch.
Members were informed of a Veterans Breakfast at the Toby Carvery at Longfleet, Poole on Saturday 10th June 2023.
Members were again reminded that the July meeting is being held later in the month, Tuesday 18th July 2023. The guest speakers for July are the local Military enthusiasts who will be bringing along a couple of Willis Jeeps and other "stuff". People were told it would be best to arrive earlier than usual so that they could check out the Jeeps, have their photo's taken in the vehicles (wearing US Steel Helmets) in daylight before the branch meeting begins. Fat Cigars are not being provided, so bring your own!
It was then announced that the July and all subsequent meetings will be held at a new location. The new venue is the Centenary Club on Wimborne Road Poole. It is a better venue than our current location and has the added benefit of being only a 4 minute walk to both Poole bus and train stations. This move is due to the fact that our home of many years, the Ex Serviceman's/ North Road Social Club is closing down on 17th June 2023.
The meeting then closed and the guest speaker was introduced. Lt General David Leakey RTR gave a superb presentation on his time as "Black Rod" at the Palace of Westminster. The talk told of the history of the role, the duties of Black Rod and stories detailing some of the amusing incidents which happend.