Summary of the District Annual General Meeting
Held on Saturdsy 8th March 2008
at Derringham Bank Methodist Church, Hull

Mr Rob Lolley, District President, was in the chair and he welcomed 60 members and guests representing 21 Companies. There were 8 attending the Annual Meeting for the first time.

Mr Darren Barker, President Hull and East Yorkshire Battalion, welcomed the District to Hull and to the home of the 5th Hull Company.

In responding to the welcome, Mr Lolley, thanked Mr Barker for his warm welcome. He also thanked Mr. Paddi McGowan, Captain 5th Hull, for being the local liaison contact and making the necessary arrangements for the day. He extended his welcome to Sir James Hill Bt OBE DL. District Patron for his attendance.

The Devotions were conducted by Revd Mark Street, Chaplain 5th Hull.

21 apologies were received.

The minutes: of the District Annual Meeting, held 10th March 2007 were approved.

District Appeal – The District Secretary reported that a further £1,400.00 had been for the Noddy Appeal through the Charity Concert held at Brigade Council.

Presentation of Reviews

Finance – Mr John Cowie, District Treasurer,

District Executive - Mr Ian Haggas, District Secretary,

England Regional Committee Member – Mr Colin Preston,

Training – Mr. Paddi McGowan, District Training Convenor,

Queen’s Badge – Mr. Derek Robinson,

Activities - Mr. Gary Lemal was not in attendance, no review was available.

Web - In the absence of Dr. Lee Hyland, Webmaster, the District Secretary gave a review of the website that had been prepared by Dr. Hyland,

Battalion Reports – The District President reviewed the work of the Battalions,

Brigade Council 2007 – Mr. Colin Preston gave a final review on the events of Brigade Council 2007 held in Bradford.

Election of Officials:-

District Patron – Sir James Hill Bt, OBE, DL.
District President –Mr Rob Lolley.
Hon Vice Presidents –Mr Roy Barson MBE, Mr Geoff Brookes, Mr Ian G Clarkson, Mrs Helen Dean, Mr J Allan Dyer JP, Revd. G Trevor Holborn, Mr Paul Jagger JP, Mr Derrick Kershaw, Mr Dennis B Kettlewell, Mr W Alex McLelland, Mr Colin Preston and Mr George Wiskin
District Vice Presidents – Mr Chris P Bairstow, Mr Malcolm Binks, Mr Ian Haggas and Mr Ken Haller
Secretary – Mr Ian Haggas
Treasurer – Mr John Cowie
England Regional Committee Member – The District President reminded the meeting that this was only The Districts nomination and that Battalions could nominate differently if they so wished. The District nomination was Mr Colin Preston.
Training Convenor - Paddi McGowan.
Queen’s Badge Convenor – Mr Derek Robinson.
Activities Convenor – Mr Gary Lemal.
Webmaster – The President reminded the meeting that this was a co-opted position onto the District Executive, but felt that the meeting should approve the co-option of Dr. Lee Hyland as Webmaster.
Independent Examiner – Mr Chris Roberts.

District Subscription:-

Mr John Cowie, District Treasurer, on behalf of the District Executive proposed ‘The District subscription for the session 1st September 2008 to 31st August 2009 be £25.00 per Company paid through Battalions. This to be paid by 31st January 2009.’ Mr. Rob Lolley, District President seconded the proposal. The meeting agreed to the proposal. Mr Cowie said that he would issue an invoice to each Battalion Treasurer when the session starts.

District Annual Meeting 2009:-

Mr. Mike Dixon, President Yorkshire County Battalion, extended a warm welcome for the District to hold the next Annual Meeting on 14th March 2009 at Airedale Methodist Church. The meeting accepted the invitation.

Any Other Business:-

Mr. John Johnson asked why the logo for 125 did not show the Anchor in its design. In reply Mr. Colin Preston referred Mr. Johnson to the Captains 125 pack pointing out that within the pack two logos had been provided and again these can be found on the BB website. Most had chosen to use the oblong design; however the circle design did show the Anchor with the logo.

The District President informed the meeting that Doncaster Battalion had now ceased. He invited Mr. Trevor Roberts, former President of Doncaster, to address the meeting. He spoke that the Battalion Colours had been laid up at on 17th February 2008 at Priory Methodist Church, home of 7th Doncaster. The service had included thanks for those who had served the Battalion and many former members were present. Doncaster’s work would continue with the 7th Doncaster which would in due course transfer to Yorkshire County Battalion.

There being no other business the District President thanked people for their attendance. He reminded the meeting that Mr. Steve Dickinson would be address the meeting at the afternoon session. He closed the meeting with a grace for lunch.

Afternoon:-

The District President welcomed Mr. Steve Dickinson, Brigade Secretary and Mr Michael Elliott, chairman of the England committee to the afternoon session. Mr. Dickinson invited discussion on the decline of numbers, not just within the District but Brigade UK. What plans does the District have? What specific role do Battalion Presidents, Secretaries and Officers have? What role is there for the young officer? How can passed members support the District? Having led discussion the meeting broke into groups which gave the following feed back:-

Question 1 - What are the reasons for the decline in the last 10 years?

Question 3 -What plans does the District have to help address these reasons?

Question 4 - What is your specific role?

Question 5 – What are the key Priorities?

Mr. Dickinson introduced the Brigades Development Plan, The Hope Appeal and Palm in Palm. The District President thanked both Mr. Dickinson and Mr. Elliott for a very informative, thought provoking afternoon of discussion.

Closing Devotions:-

The District President on behalf of the District, thanked Hull and East Yorkshire Battalion for inviting the District to Hull and Mr. Paddi McGowan for the days arrangements. He gave a special thanks to Mr. Paul Ulliott who had prepared the powerpoint presentations that had been used throughout the day. Thanks also to Ms. Vicki Brownlee who had assisted Mr. Ulliott with the running of the various productions.

In calling upon Revd. Mark Street to close the meeting the District President thanked him for the thoughts he had shared with meeting.

A complete set of minutes of the meeting are available to be downloaded .