Welcome to the 2006 AGM.

First of all let me pass on our appreciation to Bridget and Syd Wilson and also to Lyn and Dave Aldous for all their hard work during the past year in putting this our 10^th anniversary reunion together.  The venue and organisation has been superb.  THANK YOU.

 Whilst on the subject of  the reunion:- If you the membership feel you would like to see anything done differently; then your views and opinions would be most welcome.

 Throughout the year the subject of personnel from the 70s joining our set-up continues to raise its head! First of all let me make it perfectly clear that any of our existing members from the 70s are very much part of us and I hope they will continue to be so. However I must remindall members that on 2 separate occasions; one at our last Germany reunion and also last year at Loughborough at our AGMs the membership have voted unanimously against opening our club up to 70s personnel. The reasons are not because we wish to be selective or difficult, but put quite simply:-Look at this reunion, see how many we have attending, alongside this number look at the number who unfortunately have been unable to attend; add this number together with the number we could almost certainly recruit from the 70s. And then go out and find a venue to accommodate us! Having said all that you are at liberty AS ALWAYS to raise the matter under A.O.B. at this meeting and once again a democratic vote on the subject will be taken.

Another matter that also must be brought up is that of members who book in for the reunion; and then have to cancel for whatever reason. Please realise it is our own responsibility to deal with the hotel hosting our reunion in an attempt to get refunds etc; and not the responsibility of our organiser too obtain such! The organiser; believe me has sufficient work to do without the aggro that this presents. Possible suggestion Holiday Insurance! Of course should a window of opportunity arise whereas an individual on the waiting list is able to fill a vacated booking due to someone pulling out, then of course this would be conducted by the organiser.

 Sadly I have to report the sad passing of one of our members, Dave Bracey, his funeral was held on the 16^th of  June 2006. Dave and his wife Shelia had intended to attend our reunion at Loughborough last year but due to his illness had to pull out. Shelia bravely attended this weekend and it was wonderful to see her.

Terri Crowe continues her fight following her horrific accident and up to July of the year had undergone 6 operations in 6 months.

Chris Abbott continues with his recovery from the stroke he suffered earlier this year and also both Ann and John Hodkin have been through a great deal health-wise this year but fantastic to see all three of them here this weekend.

Trevor Davies continues his fight against cancer and Jim Brooks on coming over from Germany to spend sometime with Trev suffered a stroke on Monday and was admitted to Kilmarnock hospital.

  During the year I asked for a volunteer over the web-site to communicate with the Wire magazine and Audrey Grainge immediately took up the challenge and has already given us a mention. She also produced a badge for our club which all members will receive (if they haven't already done so ) Lorrie our membership secretary now sends out a membership pack to new members and amonth it's contents is the badge ;no doubt Lorri will be explaining he other contents during the meeting. I also have to report the org's now beautifully designed T shirt courtesy of the well known fashion guru's the WILSONIO'S, better known as Bridget and Syd. And would you beleive it comes in 2 colours, navy blue and light blue. The said items can be ordered through Bridget and Syd.

During the past 2 years as chairman along with the committee several changes have taken place:-Ted Theis has taken over the publication of the Mercury from Taff Powell. Ted Hebden is now running the Website having taken over from Ken O'Hagan.

Through the efforts of Noreen, Lorri and Ken we now have an exact listing of paid up members, this enables us to know exactly who to mail out to and who should receive a copy of the Mercury etc;

Our paid up members now number 132 (possibly more at this stage).Please note that membership is to be paid annually and not just on attending a reunion. It is also the responsibility of individuals to ensure their membership is paid as reminders are not sent out.

We now have rolls/duties of what is expected of committee members:- These were put in place following our reunion in Loughborough, this we believe will be of assistance for personnel taking up the positions.

 As you are probably aware I am to stand down as chairman at this AGM. The support I have received from the committee, both old and new has been immense. They, together have ensured we have taken the club forward along the same lines as our predecessors. I also believe that the individuals you have got working for you will not let the organisation down. I must at this stage and finally give a special mention to Sue (my wife) who has been a tremendous help to me sharing the work load! And not forgetting one person who throughout the 2 years has bullied, cajoled and organised me and has been in regular contact with me over the telephone and that is Marlene O'Hagan.

 Thank You.

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