RNPS

MINUTES OF THE RNPS AGM HELD IN FORT BLOCKHOUSE 16 SEP 11

Click on this link to see Membership and Website Report in PDF format

Click on this link to see Treasurers Report in PDF format

Item
1.
Intro/Welcome
The Secretary opened the meeting at 20.15 and welcomed everyone to the AGM. Apologies for absence had been received from Dave Maitland, Stewart Bankier, Dave Robinson, Sonia Whitburn, Kate Dalglish, John Haynes, Ia MacDonald and Ron Naden. The Sec stated that, despite his announced intention at the last AGM to stand down as Hon Sec, he was still in post as no successor was yet available - but it was hoped that a volunteer had been found for next Spring.

2. Previous Minutes
The Minutes of the last AGM, held on 16 Jul 10 were reviewed and accepted.

3.
Secretary's Report
The Hon Sec gave a short report. He opened by thanking all his fellow Committee Members for all their hard work and support in the past year. He thanked Campbell de Burgh for all his work as Membership Secretary and for running website which had recently been updated; Ian Kempsell for his work as Treasurer; Paddy Grayell for all that he has done as 'Mr Events', Quartermaster and as the Area Rep in the key Portsmouth area; Bill Gass as Musical Director. He also thanked a number of key Members who were not formally part of the Committee but whose valued contribution enabled the RNPS to continue to function.
The Hon Sec reported another year in the traditional RNPS mould. A number of important events had been held, ranging from small scale to the South Coast Proms in early July. Paddy Grayell, Nathan Colbern, Tom Smith and Gordon Leslie had played at a RM Charity concert in Hambledon in May; we had supported and RN + RM Children's Fund event in October last year, and an event on the Isle of Wight in August this year. A Committee meeting had been held in July to check that all was running as it should be, and a treasure trove of papers had been received from the daughter of Captain David Mellis, a founding member of the RNPS.
Finally, the Hon Sec reported that the RNPS President, Admiral Sir Jock Slater, would be attending the RNVBF the following day, and would be staying for a chat and drink with us after the morning marching band performance.

4.
Treasurer's Report
Copies of the Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement were passed around for members to note. The books had been audited by Cdr Charles Crichton. Some Hire Fees for pipes had not been paid, and these were being chased. A small number of membership fees were also outstanding - and some of these were collected at the meeting. The Treasurer stated that he believed that Society funds could provide some contribution to the costs of Cologne 12, and this was agreed in principle by the meeting. Whilst not hugely wealthy, the Society did have funds available and good ideas for use of funds were encouraged. The Hon Sec re-iterated his thanks to Ian Kempsell for all his hard work as Treasurer. A copy of the financial statement is attached.

5.
Membership
Copies of the Membership Secretary's report were circulated, and a copy is attached. Submission of articles and pictures for the website is encouraged, and the re-vamping of the website software has made this a much easier task. He called for members to submit suitable pictures of RNPS-supported events for the website. The idea of an RNPS Facebook page was suggested, but it felt that this would be difficult to police, and would need to be if officially sanctioned by the RNPS. The Membership Secretary stated that after a number of years in post, and with family commitments that might take him abroad for part of the year, he was ready to stand down. Volunteers were therefore sought for the post of Membership Secretary and/or Webmaster. Bob Eves proposed a vote of thanks to the Committee, and to the Membership Secretary in particular for all his work on behalf of the RNPS.. He encouraged younger members to step forward to take on Committee responsibilities.

6.
Election of Officers
As previously stated, the Hon Sec and Membership Secretary have announced their intention to stand down; a relief is hopefully in place for the Hon Sec (Lt Dave Chisholm). Ian Kempsell is very happy to continue in the role of Treasurer, but equally happy to stand down if there is a volunteer, particularly if a serving Member.

Action: 6.1: Committee/Membership

7.
Society Equipment
Pipes and Drums The QM gave an update on Society kit, including Drummer's Plaid badges, Belt Buckles and new Hackles.. A full audit of kit had been conducted last year . Three D/M's sashes (ex RM) had been obtained, and still needed tidying up and converting for RNPS use. Thanks to Bob Eves and Mark Snell for achieving this. The QM stated that sets of pipes were available for hire.

8.
Society Uniform
No issues raised.

9.
Events
Paddy Grayell gave a short update on plans for the RN VBF on 17 Sep 11. Volunteers were being sought for Cologne 12, and the fancy dress theme for this year would be Cowboys.

10.
RNPS Future Plans
The Secretary re-iterated the points made in his report, that the intention was to continue the RNPS in the 'steady state', and that an effort would be made to increase serving RN membership.

11.
AOB
Campbell de Burgh asked for renewed membership support to ensure the musical standards of the RNPS.
Paddy Grayell sought volunteers for the Falmouth Oyster Festival 15/16 Oct 11.

The meeting was closed at 21.20.

12.
DONM
Jul or Sep 12 dtbc - dependent on RN VBF date.

N P B Morton

N P B MORTON
Cdr RN
Hon Sec RNPS

Distribution:

Full by email
Website

Enclosures:

1. List of those attending the 2010 AGM.
2. Treasurers' Report.
3. Membership Secretary's Report.

RNPS MEMBERSHIP ATTENDANCE AT THE 2011 AGM

Yvette Eves
Bob Eves
Dave Woolmer
Henry Woolmer
David James
Tim Healy
Eddie Campbell
Mike Harper
Adam Herriman
Davie Thompson
Alan Foggie
Tom Smith
M Stainthorpe
M Jackson
Keith Etherington
Lynn Banks
Mac Sabiston
Bob Rayson
Caroline Henton
Kevin Strachan
John Kinnard
Paddy Grayell
Ian Kempsell
Campbell de Burgh
Nigel Morton
Irene Robinson
Nathan Colbern
Gillian Woods