Newsletter
March 2011
Apologises from Scribes. No newsletter for February due to a glitch on my computer. So this is the first offering for 2011.
The March meeting of the branch was preceded by our AGM. Our President Don Churchill convened the meeting and then a minutes silence was observed for old comrades and members that have passed on.
AGM
Not much change at the top other than the Chairman Phil Prince stood down and Eddie Cowan stepped into his shoes. The committee for the forthcoming year is as follows:
Chairman: Eddie Cowan
Secretary: Pete Wilkins
Treasurer: Jean Freeman
Social Secretary: Bill Nixon & Eric Edwards
Globe & Laurel: Dave Lawton
PR: Bert Moye
The nominated charities for the forthcoming year will be the Royal Marine Charities.
No other business for the AGM
There followed our normal monthly meeting of which 22 Full Members and 17 Associate Members were in attendance with one visitor, Mr Chris Neeson.
Secretary's Report
All information is in the usual place, with the emphasis that more information is coming in on a regular basis from Central Office and therefore a separate file will be established to accommodate this information.
Complete list of functions for the UK on the notice board, but can also be downloaded from the RMA website under the events tab.
Treasurer's report
Statement of accounts has been put on the notice board. A donation was made to Central Office of 188 Pounds Sterling, this being the proceeds of the sponsored walk plus monies collected at the Poco Loco bar.
Welfare
- Jo Churchill recently had an operation and will be returning to hospital in August.
- Diane Whitelaw is receiving ongoing treatment.
- Mick Smallwood is very upbeat about his condition but tired.
- Derek Beer will be returning to hospital for further tests.
- Tam Ramsay making a good recovery from his stroke.
- Ronny Fletcher is looking really well after a recent major operation.
- Marion Millington has now returned to the UK, but prior to her return was looking well and walking unaided after her hip operation.
Social Report
On 4th March Eddie Cowan & Jack Freeman had a birthday party in Del Fino's, Torreta 2. This was an excellent venue and the food and wine flowed - most enjoyable! Sandbags pulled up and lamp swinging!! Great night and even better when Jack & Eddie paid for the lions share of evening!!! Much appreciated by all.
Quiz Nite 15th March RMA v RN: We took a "Hit" on the night. Lost the quiz, albeit by one point, the picture quiz and the cash!!!
At a recent RN meeting the Ex Royal Naval members were giving themselves a pat on the back for the result, when Bill Nixon rose to his feet and apologised to the RN Members present for the result - but Bill will make sure that our "First" string team will play at the next quiz and not our second string!! Nice one Bill.
Future events could include a ten pin bowling evening.
NOTE: The Petanc competition & BBQ at the La Marina Sports Club has been re-scheduled for the 3rd May.
Membership
NOW DUE!! If you need a new card see Maddie or Pete.
Globe & Laurel
Dave mentioned that the web site will change in the near future thanks to Tony in Australia.
Merchandising
Bill has mugs now that have been printed plus other trinkets for sale.
AOB
Rod & Marrion Millington have now left Spain and returned to live in England.
The Chairman at the monthly meeting wished them well and all the best for the future and was presented with a card signed by all the members. Rod in return gave thanks to all - especially the Welfare officer - and wished the entire branch all the success for the future.
Thanks
Dave Lawton acknowledged the achievements and dedication of the outgoing Chairman, Phil Prince, who had performed a number of roles within the Branch since it's inception. Phil has undertaken the post of Standard Bearer, Secretary and Chairman. Thanks also went to Joan Prince who had been a sterling support to Phil in all his duties. The Branch showed their appreciation in the usual way. Well done Phil & Joan.
RBL 90th Anniversary Alicante
Several members including our Chairman Eddie Cowan and Standard Bearer Mac Mackenzie attended the concert in Alicante to mark the 90th Anniversary of the RBL. By all accounts this was an outstanding success, probably due to the major influence from the UK RBL and the effort of many expats here in Spain.
Our President, Don Churchill recently had a spell in hospital. Now fully recovered and looking much better.
EVENTS SPAIN
- 29 April Da Pino's Restaurant, Torreta 2, €10 per head, 7.30pm for 8pm
- 3rd May Petanc competition La Marina Sports Club €6 per head
- JUNE BBQ to be arranged
EVENTS UK
A complete list of events can be found on the RMA Website, however, below are some that the members may be interested in.
- 14-15 May Commando Challenge Woodbury common
- 15 May Graspan Parade
- 26th June Spean Bridge Memorial
- 9th July GD Instructors re-union for those that served at Deal 60,s 70,s 80,s PTI, DL, PW etc Walmer & Kingsdown Golf club
- 10th July Emmetts Hill, Worth Matravers, Dorset
- 24th-26th September CTCRM 65th Annual Re-Union
If you require contact details & application forms on these events see Pete - Hon Sec
Note: Tracy Fox, wife of the Secretary Stourbridge RMA Branch, is putting together a cookery book to raise funds for the RMA. Tracy is looking for recipes that are specialities of the area where the RMA Branch is located. Also required are recipes with an interesting history, or stories about food in the Corps. Info to Tgfoxy@aol.com
Jokes
How do Italian men propose to their girlfriends?
"You're gonna have a what?"
THAT'S IT!!