Secretary's Report
Apologies are due from the Editor for the lateness of this Branch Newsletter, and are herewith tendered. In defence he shifts the blame on to that Icelandic volcano that chose to erupt on the morning of his departure from Malta at the end of a three week break, which resulted in all flights to UK. being cancelled. Having to suffer a further week or so of easy living and sunshine, in addition to the former three weeks, before anything was available was, of course, a cross he had to bear. Which doesn't mean, though, that setting foot on UK. soil wasn't without a sigh of relief!
On Branch affairs, members who receive the minutes of the March meeting will be aware that following the statement read out by Vice Chairman Wallis at the meeting, our Chairman, Ken Gadsdon, has decided on G.P's. advice, to step down from the post of London Branch Chairman (and similar tasks that he is also involved in). Ken has, for some years, been loyally carrying on the task, and has often expressed the desire for a replacement - but Chairmen are not easily come by, and he has continued for longer than perhaps he might have wished. Ken will be attending the May meeting, when we will have the opportunity to express our thanks for all work he has done on our behalf.
In view of the fact that for the last two or so years no one has been rushing forward to take on the Chairman's job, the Committee decided to take a look at the problem using a different approach. The outcome was as outlined in the Minutes. With a little gentle persuasion Charlie Smorthit agreed to take on the role of Branch Meeting Chair. This will involve chairing the Branch meetings only, when they are held six times a year, without any involvement at all in the general running of the Branch (which Charlie hasn't time for, because of his own business commitments). So many thanks to Charlie - this seemed a heaven sent opportunity - he will now be able to wield the gavel to silence those people who talk a lot during meetings. Hmm!
The other facets of the Chairman's job will be absorbed in the Committee and the Secretary will become Secretary/Acting Chairman for the time being. The merging of posts is already becoming common within Branches. New members (ex C.F. Veterans) joining the London Branch - thanks to the fact that WWW.cfv.org.uk tells them that we exist, cannot, unfortunately assist, because they rarely live within the catchment area.- requests come from as far away as Australia. The real problem is centred around the fact that, in spite of an increasing number of new entrants who have had service in Coastal Forces before during and after WW2, the number of veterans who can actually attend meetings is, inevitably, diminishing. And it will almost certainly be in the hands of the diminishing few to decide the course that the Branch takes, and in the hands of the diminishing few to decide when the time has come to 'turn out the lights'. Then, in accordance with our Branch Constitution, any remaining London Branch cash assets will be donated to the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust, Portsmouth.
But we are glad to say that the time is a long way off, being fortunate in having a strong band of valued Associates who have been with us for more years than we can remember, and who, throughout the years have unfailingly attended meetings, and helped and assisted in the affairs of the Branch. Our thanks go out to them.
Also in the Minutes, changes have taken place in connection with the RN. Coastal Forces web site, previously mentioned. The Webmaster, Ted Else, has found that, as he is a member of the London Branch Committee, and therefore sitting in and contributing to Branch affairs, and at the same time representing the web site (in effect wearing two hats at the same time) inevitably conflicts of interest arise. To overcome the problem he has decided to step down from the Branch Committee and this will allow him to concentrate solely on web site matters, and the improvements that are being made to the site in conjunction with Kevin Costello. The web site will eventually become a separate entity from the London Branch, although close contact will be maintained.
Members and Associates should find accompanying this newsletter an updated Branch Members List. Please check your own entry for accuracy, especially phone numbers and post codes so that errors can be rectified. In the event, notify the Branch Secretary, who will do the necessary. A special effort has been made by John Williamson, our Treasurer, to complete the gathering in of subs without any undue delay this time, which assisted the production of the update. John is quite pleased about this, because he likes gathering in money. Most Treasurers do.
Our Vice Chairman, Wallis, has asked that a reminder be put in this Newsletter about the forthcoming re-union organised by the CFVA. Southern Branch at Bracklesham Bay from Friday, 29th May to Monday,3lst. May.
Many thanks are due to CFVA. Branches that regularly send to London Branch their newsletters and reports. We are currently in receipt of Minutes and Reports from South London Branch and the East Anglian Branch - these are now quite advanced publications, complete with photographs where appropriate and make interesting reading. It is intended to collate the newsletters, as received, into a display folder at our meetings for members to view with ease.
Bill Fenton has received a reply to the application by the London Branch for a Lottery Grant to cover costs (or go some way to cover) a future outing or function. It wasn't a 'No' so there is some hope. They will let us know in 30 days!
Now some important news of a cancellation
Regrettably the Social planned for the 9th May on HMS Belfast has had to be called off. Our use of facilities on the ship is concessionary, and thus we have to withdraw when more official functions need to take precedence over ours. Unfortunately this is one such case. Afresh date will be sought for another function as soon as convenient.
With Best Wishes
E.D.
