Below is an extract from the latest Newark Nimrod written by our Chairman Allan Hildage.
Well it’s been a busy time again and seemingly that’s the ‘normal’ on the RAFA ‘treadmill’?
It’s certainly been a different time for us all following the loss of our Patron HM The Queen that impacted us all in one way or another. Thanks to Elsbeth White who opened the Branch for coffee during the Queen’s televised funeral service allowing members who wished, to share in the mourning.
We necessary had to curtail our general Wings Appeal collection effort during the period of National Mourning which also saw the cancellation of Battle of Britain commemorations both locally and Nationally. However, our Hon Vice-President, Dennis Atkins single-handedly manned a Wings’ stand at Boyes after and is to be congratulated for raising nearly £300!
I am delighted to advise that our additional two committee volunteers have been formally appointed as Trustees of the Branch. Jerry Flint, has taken over as Branch Vice-Chairman and will stand-in for me as Chairman during my forthcoming trip to the Antipodes. Sarah Rowe has taken over as Branch Treasurer and along with Gaz Cresswell are all most welcome members of the Branch Committee.
I would like to take this opportunity thank George Campbell for serving out what be a record for the longest notice period!
You will be pleased to learn that Paul Watson is recovering well following his long -awaited knee operation and we’re delighted to see him back in ‘circulation’.
During Paul’s enforced absence our RAFALO, James Scott, has been standing in as our Standard Bearer as well as in his role as Wings Appeal Organiser. Sadly for us, James is being posted away next month on promotion and I know you’ll join me in offering our congratulations and thanking him for all his efforts in supporting the Branch so well.
Our regular Coffee mornings on Wednesdays and Saturdays are seemingly becoming more popular as a valued service and amenity to our members and the wider community as a whole. However, we have to face the reality of increasing costs in the current economic climate and fear we maybe forced to raise price for Tea/Coffee from £1.50 to £2.00. This would be the first increase for a number of years and with a free biscuit with every serving, we believe that are offerings still provides excellent value for money? This still very much in consideration and nothing will happen until after the next AGM in 2023. In the interim, we would welcome your thoughts and views.
In addition to our normal activities, ‘the way ahead’ has been the focus for much attion and a necessary distraction to ensure that we do what is right for the Branch overall and continue its on-going viability for our successors and hopefully for the RAFA generations yet to come.
Jason Parker, our Club Chairman, fully explains below the rationale and background for the calling of the Special General Meeting to be held on Thursday 13th October at 1915 hours. Whilst this is primarily a Club issue, it does affect all members. I will not pre-empt Jason’s statement only to reiterate that there is absolutely NO intention to close the Branch. Indeed we believe that the measures proposed will ensure its survival and thus both committees fully support the proposals.
