CHAIRMANS REPORTS.

Area Meeting held at Mexborough 12th December 2009

Shipmate President,Shipmates good afternoon.

Having recently looked at the year book I have noticed there are a number of mistakes,all branch secretaries are requested to look at their branch entries and to notify me as soon as possoble by either email (preferred)or by letter.In order that I can bring it to the attention of HQ.

The system whereby all Area Chairmen receive the minutes of the National Council meeting is now well in place and area Secretaries are also receiving notices of decisions taken.

Branch Secretaries are reminded of ammendment to Branch Byelaw B12 by the addition of a new sub clause

B12(b) A special meeting of the branch must be convened at the request of the National Council or on receipt of a written request from not less than one fifth or 12 in number of the branch members,whichever is the least.Such a meeting shall be held not more than 14 days after the request has been received. At least 7 days notice shall be given by the branch secretary to each member,together with an indication of the nature of the business for which the meeting has been convened.

I regret to announce that the Deputy General Secretary Frank Ward has retired due to ill health. The post of General Secretary will be advertised in January,Interveiws in February and the new Gen Sec will understudy Paddy McClurg from April until completion of the National Conferance in June.

Lt Cdr Charles Wood MBE RN is staying post however with a new title Deputy Royal Naval Regional Liaison Officer.

In the October Circular para 29 there is mention of the Haslar Royal Naval Hospital site being converted to a Haslar Veterans Village,all branches should read this item and forward comments to the Gen Sec by the end of December.

Shipmate Liz Lewarne (Spennymoor) has volunteered to try the post of Minute Secretary as from the AGM in March.At present para 2B Area Byelaws needs to be amended to read 'The Area may appoint a Minute Secretary from Full and Life members within the Area'.The new rule should be amended to read 'The Area may appoint a Minute Secretary from Full,Life and Associate members within the Area'.

AREA SECRETARY NOTE THIS IS AN AGENDA ITEM FOR AREA AGM.

Finally my wife whilst on holiday in South Africa in September met up with members of the Cape Town Branch of the RNA and had a most enjoyable and entertaining lunch with them in Simons Town.They have even asked if we will call again when we go back in February.

Thank you shipmates.