MEETING JULY 11th at 11-15AM

9 MEMBERS WERE PRESENT

The meeting was opened by the chairman, who presented the following:-

OVERVIEW OF THE BRANCH AND A PROPOSED WAY FORWARD

The Branch until present has been supported mainly by post-war Sappers, their wives, widows and friends. This has led to a decline in membership and because of the senior age of those attending, has put off “younger” members from joining. As a result, the aim of the Branch has drifted away from its roots, as a meeting place for serving and ex Sappers and their families. It has become a senior’s monthly lunch club for anyone who wishes to be associated with the Branch.

Moving forward, the Branch is to try and reinvigorate itself by, reverting to its core fundamentals and only welcome Sappers, their families and REA members.

The people who wish to continue, “the monthly lunch club” will now meet at the Hamworthy Social Club organised by Janet Bridle. This is not a Branch meeting and will run purely as a Social Meeting for anyone wishing to join.

THE FUTURE

Exercise “CALL TO ARMS” has been launched to try to increase the Sapper Membership. Sue Procter has been busy launching the Branch into the 21st century. She has put details of the REA Brunch Club on the AFVBC (Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club) site UK also the Global AFVBC site UK. Updated information on the BCP site and joined the Royal Hampshire site. In addition she has set the Branch up on What’s App and Facebook plus producing the “CALL TO ARMS” poster. Well done Sue and many thanks for your hard work.

BRANCH ACTIVITIES THIS LAST MONTH

The Branch Standard was paraded at the Southbourne Veterans Parade accompanied with a small number of Branch members supporting the event.

The Chairman and his wife accepted an invitation to Verwood Breakfast Club. The meeting was on Saturday the 4th July at 9 am, it was most enjoyable. The Club meets 1st Saturday of each month at the Swans pub, Verwood.

20 letters containing “CALL TO ARMS” notices and a survey have been sent out to the “younger” members on the Branch list.

It is hoped that the “CALL TO ARMS” poster will be published in the local free booklet “AROUND” soon.

The Chairman and his wife attended a sales campaign hosted by the Poole Military Tattoo Company. They provided the Branch with a table to display the RE flag to promote the awareness of the Branch

CALL TO ARMS” posters are now being displayed in local public spaces.

FUTURE BRANCH MEETINGS

By combining the Branch Meetings with the All ARMS, Saturday Brunch meeting at the Owls Nest Pub. It is hoped that this will encourage Sappers to join, increase the membership and perhaps eventually allow the Branch to put on more activities. This approach has proven very popular with other Branches, who have recruitment problems and has made the various Branches more interesting to the “younger Sapper” members and hence increased their membership.

OTHER BUSINESS

It is requested that all members, especially Management Team Members, attend regularly and where possible promote the Branch at every opportunity.

Branch subs will remain at £20 for Sappers, REA members can pay if they wish to. Payment to John Cusack.

All members are asked to attend the funeral of our late President Dave Watts. It will take place at Bournemouth Crematorium, 13th July at 2pm. The wake is hosted by his son and wife at 4 Priory Rd, West Moors, BH22 OAY. Our condolences go out to Jean and the family.

John Cusack, Treasurer, informed the Branch that all the Branches capital had been centralised awaiting transfer to the new central REA system.

John proposed that at our Christmas Lunch this year, we provide financial assistance to members who have mobility issues by paying for taxis.

John also spoke about the possibility of inviting guest speakers in the future.

People wishing to attend the Social Lunch please contact Janet Bridle to book your lunch preference.

Two Remembrance Day wreaths have been ordered for Ferndown and West Moors. If anyone wishes to lay a wreath elsewhere please contact the chairman asap.

NEXT BRANCH MEETING 8th AUGUST AT THE OWLS NEST PUB AT 11am.