Minutes for the monthly meeting held in the White Hart Club

on Thursday 14th March 2024

The meeting started at 7.15pm with the Exhortation and Silent Tribute led by the Chairman.

Those present:

David Parratt, Tony Reed Screen, Nigel Whiting, Rupert Follett, Martin Gray

Apologies:    

Dennis Whicker, Rose Pease, John Pease, Steve Moore, Sandra Gold-Wood

Keith Birbeck, Myles Ripley.

Minutes:  

The Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on 11^th January 2024, having been circulated by email, were approved as a true record.

Treasurer’s Report:

The Treasurer reported a balance of £790.94. January’s balance was £946.08 to which was added £44.86 (the cash from the collecting tin at the White Hart) and less a cheque for £250 paid to Lister House leaving a net balance of £790.94.

Branch Community Support:

• David reported that work continues to assist the veteran currently residing in Sedbergh. The new accommodation on the new estate opposite DT Close will be ready in June. BLESMA is arranging white goods and flooring. There is also a carer that cooks and cleans.
• Tony thanked the committee for their contributions to the gift for Sheila Capstick. Sheila has been working hard to assist the veteran mentioned above for the past few years.
• Tony reported that nothing has been received from the RBL HQ with regard to the branch’s request for a case worker. He will chase.
• David reported that Brian Capstick had received planning consent for the veterans’ accommodation pods. Tony confirmed that Brian is working towards achieving CQC approval after which it was hoped to secure County Legacy funding for the project.

Social Events:

• Nigel reported that all of the arrangements are in place for the annual dinner at Sedbergh Golf Club on the 10^th The menu has been finalised, advertisements placed and invitations sent.

Any other business:

• Rupert Follet was welcomed as a new committee member. He reported that the Sedbergh School Pipe and Drum band, numbering around twenty musicians, were available to play should the opportunity arise.
• Myles’ talk given in the St Andrews church on the 13^th March was very well attended. He raised £390 to be divided equally between the Sedbergh RBL branch and the Cumbria Wildlife trust. After costs, this came to £160 each.
• David reported that he had received an email from the Sedbergh Parish Council with regard to road closures for the Remembrance Day parade. It appears the a Traffic Management Order will need to be applied for twelve weeks in advance of the event at a cost of around £1000 payable to Westmoreland and Furness council. It is understood that this charge is in respect of three PCSOs’ time in marshalling the road closures. The cost would need to be met by SPC and was being discussed by them at their meeting on 14th March. We await the outcome of these discussions.
• David reported that Clive Sumpter is to retire with effect from the 27^th March 2024. His replacement is yet to be decided and in the meantime his duties will be shared between the MEOs from Northumbria and Lancashire.
• David reported that the RBL branch at Windermere is set to close. It is understood that this is an age-related issue, with much of the committee wishing to retire. This means that out of an original 31 Cumbrian branches only 16 remain.
• Sedbergh branch welcomed a new member, Mr Garth Steadman. While on the subject of new members, it should be noted that there is a new membership form.
• It was noted that 2024 sees the 80th anniversary of the following actions; D-Day, Kohima and Imphal. 80th anniversary-related activities will take place on the 6th – 8th June. After discussions it was agreed to mark this event on Saturday 8th June at the war memorial at 1100, with wreath laying, the Last Post, prayers and the Sedbergh School Pipe & Drums playing a Lament.

There being no other business, the meeting closed with The Kohima Epitaph at 7.52 pm.

The next meeting will be on Thursday 11^th April 2024 at 7.15 pm. in the White Hart Social Club.