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Dispatches
Pre-AGM Newsletter - October 2006
Dear fellow Commandos, families and friends,
I am sending out this extra newsletter to ensure that each and every member of the CVA are fully aware of where we stand as an Association, what will be on the agenda for the AGM next month, and also to invite some feedback for the next official Dispatches, due out in Jan 07.
Committee For those who may be unaware, our 'work-horse' Secretary/Treasurer Vic Ralph has not been very well of late and has had to hang up a few pairs of his gloves. He is on the road to recovery but is unable to work at the same rate of knots as that in the past. I have therefore taken the reins from him and all will be sorted at the AGM in November (Vic is planning to be there).
Postal Vote I have included a Postal Vote form detailing the current agenda that will be discussed and voted on at the AGM. If you are unable to attend the AGM, then please find time to complete and return the Postal Vote as it is very important that we get your views and it also lets us know that you remain active as a member. If you are attending the AGM then please read the Postal Vote form and come prepared with your decisions and any feedback you may have for the Committee. Please call me for clarification on any points where necessary.
Association Constitution and Rules The Association Constitution and Rules have been updated. A copy will be on display at the AGM where it will be proposed that they are passed as read and adopted. Copies are also available from the Secretary on request (please send SAE).
Membership and Subscriptions for 2007 If any members have friends or acquaintances that were members of the Commando Association (CA) could you please ensure that they are aware of the CVA (and insist that they join). Please be aware that subscriptions for 2007 are due on 1 Jan 07; no problem if you want to send them early. New members who joined after 31 Oct 06 are paid up. Any member in need of a new membership card please send 3 x 1st class stamps and 1 x SAE.
Fort William Weekend (8th to 11th Nov 06)
In order to ensure that all runs smoothly, I have listed an outline of the week's events as follows:
Thursday 9th - 10OOhrs - Visit to Ice Factor - Ice climbing etc.
- 1200hrs - Lunch (location TBC)
- 1400hrs - Leisure Centre for 10-Pin Bowling
Friday 10th - Shopping morning in Fort William
- 1345hrs - Visit Lochaber High School - Present certificates/Concert
Saturday 11th - 1000hrs - Transport from Alexandra to Spean Bridge for quiet visit to memorial (11th hour/11th day/11th month)
- Lunch TBC
- 1300hrs - Leisure centre for Reunion, present certificates to Cadets and Prize
Draw, good luck!
- 1600hrs - CVA AGM in Alexandra Hotel
- 2000hrs - After dinner entertainment - live band TBC
Sunday 12th - 1015hrs - Form up in car-park for Fort William Memorial Service
- 1400hrs onwards - Transport from Alexandra to Spean Bridge
- 15OOhrs - Service at the Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge
- 1600hrs - Commando Bar and Museum/return to Alexandra
Branches We are actively seeking members to act as Branch representatives in their local areas. We have now established a Branch in Southampton, with John L'Anson getting everyone together every last Friday of the month at the Royal British Legion, Eastgate Street, Southampton. Also, Al Carruthers has now formed a Branch in Plymouth which meets on the first Friday of the month at the Fisherman's Arms in Plymouth. Well done lads, this is absolutely fantastic news with a potential doubling of our membership when the 29 Cdo RA lads start to join in force. More news on these Branches (and hopefully more) at the AGM.
Dispatches Previous editions of Dispatches have been produced by our fellow member and friend David Cotton and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him on behalf of Vic and the entire Association for his efforts. Thanks David! In agreement with David, who leads a very busy life, future publications of Dispatches will be produced by the Secretary, hopefully with the assistance of you our members. It is absolutely imperative that members use Dispatches as their Newsletter, and send in material for inclusion; whether it is informative, historical, personal, humorous, an advert, anything suitable to share with the Association. It is very difficult to produce an informative and interesting Newsletter without input from our membership. Branches are also invited to give an update on how they are progressing and advertise their own diary of events. The lads in Afghanistan are currently preparing periodic updates for us, the first of which will be in the January Dispatches. Incorporated into the next edition will be a Committee update (incl. updates on current issues such as the Arboretum memorial), a CVA Diary of Events, an Information page (links, other events, small adverts etc) a History section, a Chairman's Word, a Welcome section for new members and an Obituary section. If you have any further ideas please give me a call.
The Future The work that Vic, Scotty and many others have put in over the last few years is now paying off. We are now fairly well established and have a growing membership, a lot of who are now of the younger generation. We still however have so much more to achieve. Within a few years I see the Association being well alongside the likes of the RMA in terms of membership, and well ahead in terms of the quality of interaction with, and support to, our members. We have the Founder veteran members in place to pass on their history, their anecdotes and their advice, and we now have the younger Veteran members to take hold of the baton and carry forward the history and the Spirit of the Commandos. I am confident that we can work together and enjoy a 'first class' Association.
'United We Conquer'
Assistant Secretary
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