1.1 Apologies were received from:

Bob & Shirley Pope, Laurie Moore, Gwen & Ted Theis, Carol & Bill Birch, John Deas, Noreen & John Dixon Liz Gibb.

1.2 The Chairman welcomed Margaret Shaw to her first Reunion.

1.3 Sadly Pat Coles, Frank Webber and Tom Thornton had passed away during the year. A minutes silence was held in memory of them.

2.1 The minutes of the 2008 AGM were summarized and accepted as a true record of that meeting.

3.1 There were no matters arising from the previous meeting.

4.1 Bill White reported on his activities and many visits, including meeting the CO of 16 Signal Regt, a recce to Blackpool, a mini Reunion in Torquay, the RSA AGM in London and the RSA Reunion Weekend at Blandford.

4.2 Thanks were passed to all members of the Committee for their support and hard work and to all those who helped to make the 2009 Reunion such a successful occasion.

4.3 The Chairman also commented that volunteers were needed as Secretary and Treasurer. Ted Theis is willing to continue as editor of the Mercury. It was agreed that the Mercury is an excellent publication and Ted must be supported by all with items of interest for inclusion.

5.1 Martin Boizot reported that the bank balance at the beginning of the year was £1,383 and as of 25^th September 2009 stood at £1,706 although a number of Reunion expenses had yet to be deducted.

5.2 The Treasurer reported the problem of members needing to pay their subs regularly and not just now and again as they attended reunions. Bob Cooke suggested payment by Standing Order. General approval for doing this was given and it will be investigated for the future.

6.1 Josephine Teague reported that for various reasons, including health and family issues, it had not been possible to pursue the duties of Secretary as well as she and Tony would have liked. Thanks were given for the condolence card received. There have been various requests from non members to contact some of our membership. When this has occurred, the member has been sent the details of the possible contact to allow them to choose whether to instigate contact or maintain their privacy. This was done in order to comply with the Data Protection Act and maintain member’s choice of action.

6.2 Photos of the 2008 Reunion and contact details were sent to the Wire and The Lioness with a request for inclusion.

6.3 It was stated that the Secretary would not be standing for re-election.

7.1 Dave Aldous commented that the entertainment at the 2009 Reunion had been paid for by the hotel, as had complimentary wine placed on the tables on both Saturday and Sunday nights.

7.2 A concern was the lack of in-house entertainment in the form of skits etc, which if anyone has any ideas or wishes, they would be welcome.

8.1 Ted Hebden reported that the security of the web site and the cosmetic appearance have been worked upon.

8.2 The members were asked to put their own photographs of the Reunion and personal events on Facebook etc which will save space on the 16ers site and this will reduce costs.

8.3 Polling and voting software has been tested and could be used in the future if required, although there is a risk that it could be open to abuse.

8.4 Syd Wilson volunteered to continue to maintain the photo albums as members enjoyed browsing through them at reunions.

9.1 Gordon Harper reported on behalf of Ted Theis that at present no items had been received for inclusion in the next edition. Ted would welcome any input either past or present.

9.2 Sheila Bracey informed the meeting that she would submit a report on the 2009 Reunion.

10.1 Bill White reported that the RSA Reunion weekend at Blandford for future years would be held on the third weekend in June so as not to compete with the national Armed Forces Day which would be held on the last weekend in June.

10.2 The move of Trade Training to St Athan from Blandford has been delayed due to lack of funds.

10.3 The Corps Memorial at The National Arboretum at Alrewas has suffered from frost damage but remedial action to repair it is in hand.

10.4 The Regimental Secretary, Carl Conlan is retiring shortly and he will be replaced by Terry Canham.

10.5 Peter Cuckow, RSA Membership Secretary, is keen to hear of all members’ posting details so that he may put old comrades from the same period/same unit in touch with each other.

11.1 Sheila Bracey volunteered and was unanimously elected as Secretary.

11.2 Peter Crane volunteered and was unanimously elected as Treasurer.

12.1 Spain was proposed by Chris Abbott – flights would be approx £150 per person, UK to Malaga. Hotels near Malaga would be approx 70 – 99 Euros per room per day depending on size and view. Transfers from the Airport to Malaga Hotel would be 10 Euros per person. Transport from hotels to Malaga could be arranged.

12.2 Bill suggested that this could be a mini reunion and the feeling of the meeting was that the main reunion each year should be UK based.

12.3 Jim Brooks suggested going back to Germany and possibly using 16 Sig’s Transit accommodation and a pay as you dine system in the restaurant. There are 101 beds.

12.4 Bill is seeing the new CO later this year and is reluctant to support this in the current military climate. It may be more feasible in a few years, particularly once the Regiment has returned to Stafford in the UK.

12.5 Josephine Teague suggested the Park Inn Hotel, West Bromwich, near Birmingham over the weekend 15^th – 18^th October 2010. The expected prices will be £135 per person sharing a twin or double room, i.e. £270 per couple. For single occupancy of a room the cost will be £195 per person. Prices include lunch on Saturday and Sunday as well as private dining for the Gala Dinner on Saturday.

12.6 The hotel has recently been refurbished and has a Swimming pool, small gym, Sauna and Steam Room (Afternote: Details are available on their website at www.residorparkinn.com).

12.7 No other UK venues were proposed so the meeting voted in favour of the Park Inn for the 2010 Reunion.

12.8 Wayne and Brenda Edwards suggested Las Vegas for a possible mini reunion. They directed people to www.lasvegas.com for details. Members who are interested in this for September 2010 are invited to give their names and details to Wayne and Brenda. They also offered the option of a mini reunion in Victoria, Canada if anyone is interested.

13.1 Bill White informed the meeting on behalf of Jackie Carvill about a petition to pressure the government to keep disabled servicemen in suitable posts. Persons wishing to see details and sign the petition can do so at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/HelptheHeroes.

13.2 Bill informed the meeting that he proposed to present the hotel with an engraved Regimental plaque in thanks for all their service over the weekend.

13.3 Iain Haldane explained that he would put the photographs he had taken on his website which would be linked to ours.

13.4 Peter Crane asked members to send their photographs to him and he will make a CD of all photos taken. Those wanting a copy should leave their addresses with him.

13.5 Dave Aldous asked if we are happy to carry on as we are. He believed that we need to move forward and stop sniping and backbiting. If anyone has a problem with the way things are organised, then they should inform a member of the Committee.

13.6 Rae White suggested that the minutes of the AGM should be published in the Mercury. (Afternote: Ted Theis has agreed to this and it should happen in the next edition).

13.7 Jeff Barden suggested we should wear name tags. Bill will try to get some via the RSA.

13.8 The meeting was asked, and voted unanimously, that we continue with the format we currently have for Reunions.

13.9 The meeting closed at 1138 hrs and was followed by a presentation on the current and future plans of 16 Signal Regiment given by WOII (RQMS) S Wedge.