NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2026

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING

held on Friday 18th September 2026

at the Merley Room, Canford Magna Complex

Meeting opened at 14.00 Apologies received from John Carter (Vice President) Arthur Dixon, and John Cambell.

Initial comments will be given by the President Peter Bridle as follows:

Ladies and Gentlemen, good afternoon and thank you all for attending this meeting.

Our aim today, following the resignation of the chairman/secretary, is to appoint a new chairman and secretary. The current committee comprises of Vice Chairman and Treasurer John Cusack. As John is still recovering from his recent illness I will chair this meeting.

Last Saturday at the REA Breakfast we voted to include four of our lady members to become full branch members – they are Sue Procter, Jillian Hurst, Val Cusack and Janet Bridle.

Appointment of a new Chairman.

Only one candidate has come forward -

This is Sue Procter, an all arms member of the REA and a member of our branch. She served as a staff clerk with the WRAC attached to the Chief Royal Engineers Staff BAOR. She is very conversant with REA rules and would prove to be a very valuable asset to the branch.

In accordance with REA rules may I have a show of hands to appoint Sue Procter as our Chair. Vote carried unanimously

Appointment of a new Secretary and creation of a new post of Branch Assistant Secretary

This will enable us to have all meetings covered.

For the post of Secretary - Janet Bridle a family and friends affiliated member of the REA and a member of our branch. She has produced our news letter for at least 10 years, keeping members and ladies informed by post, emails and telephone. She also organises the attendance and menu requirements for our monthly REA lunches.

In accordance with REA rules may I have a show of hands to appoint Janet Bridle as our Secretary.

Vote carried unanimously

Appointment of branch assistant secretary – Val Cusack , a family and friends affiliated member of the REA and a member of our branch, has been our minutes secretary for many years and has supported our members in many ways.

In accordance with REA rules may I have a show of hands to appoint Val Cusack as our assistant Secretary.

Vote carried unanimously.

We now have a full committee.

Now we will vote for John Hurst another all arms member who wishes to become a full member of our branch. His service was with the RASC and then RCT.

In accordance with REA rules may I have a show of hands for John to become a branch member with voting rights.

Vote carried unanimously

A.O.B.

Treasurer John Cusack explained briefly about the new banking rules as laid down by Chatham – there will be a few problems to start with but by the end of the year John feels that he will have got to grips with it.

He also stated that as yet we do not have costs for the Christmas Dinner but it will be held at the Canford Manor Complex as last year 12.30 for 1.00 on Friday 18th December 2026

Nearer the time we will need to help some of our members with transport for the event.