The minutes of the 2016 AGM

The Chairman’s Report, 240 FLM AGM 2016
 
This past year has seen much work being carried out by our small working party of enthusiasts, headed up by Colin Farrington, in often adverse weather conditions.
For my part, I would like all those participating in the task to accept my grateful thanks for endurance.
The task was not as first imagined, when the team investigated the many attacks by corrosion to most of the lockers and associated woodwork, plus corrosion attacking the metal work.
The hydraulics gave the team some headaches, firstly the jacks were reluctant to work in unison until removed and dismantled, followed by the hesitation for the elevated ladder to return to horizontal.
The Elevated ladders made a useful landmark in Wicken, standing above the rooftops for 6 weeks. The cure was eventually found after many uncertainties as to a safe manner of working. The gunge in the hydraulic lines was cleared and ladders now go up and down safely.
It was inevitable that the weather would work against the team, with very strong winds in October rendering heavy duty plastic sheets useless in less than two days. Money spent and wasted.
Colin has been showing off his varied skills in engineering and woodworking, plus foundry work with the absent monitor.
He has found three rounds on ladders need replacing, and is struggling to find qualified welder to undertake this essential job.
Next item for Colin is to organize the finishing of ladder paint then refitting to chassis. Plus, he still finds time for his personal leisure pursuits.
 
A man to be thanked for dedication and perseverance.
 
Our master of the inventory, Peter Weight, has been similarly well engaged in his ferreting around for suitable equipment. Items donated are being refurbished and prepared to show, boots polished and axes shined. I am sure Peter will be pleased to regale you with his experiences of visiting donors for bits and scanning EBay for bargains.
Memberships have seemed to have waned a bit, judging by lack of renewals of subscriptions, but Steve Lomas can tell you more about that.
A recent highlight for myself and Julia was to get to the open day at New Cross, taking some photos of the TL’s working parties and components being removed, to put on show.  They were well received and displayed, dominating the LFBs contribution.  A tunic, helmet and boots with black leggings were loaned for the day, drawing comments from many attending, both “old boys” and visitors.   I knew no one present, but many seemed to know of me. No idea why. Had good look at the Leyland Metz on show, from Mick Cotton’s collection. Great looker and works well. Better than the ALP on show from Forest Hill which had jacks stick when making up.  We adjourned to a local Chinese Restaurant with 6 others for lamp swinging and eats. Good day out.
 
 
The minutes of the AGM:
AGM Minutes for 2016, 240 FLM Group.
 
Opened at 1100 hrs, with following member present.
Peter Russell, Chairman
Julia Russell  Caterer
Steve Houston and Sue.
Martin Ormes
Peter Cowland,
Paul Wiing
Steve Lomas, Treasurer
Colin Farrington, Workshop Manager
Mike West
Trevor Barnwell
Graham Pearce
Roger Davey
 
Apologies for absence given from Barry Pilkington and Ted Temple.
Meeting opened by Chairman, and requested all to stand to observe a minute’s solemn reminiscence
For Passing of President, Bill Butler.
Minutes of previous AGM circulated and read.
Matters arising;
Item 5    Chairman explained that DVLA were unwilling to undertake registration of 240 FLM in the Group’s name, unless forming a Company.  This was considered as being open to further correspondence with DVLA and other Govmt. Departments, drawing attention unnecessarily , so left in abeyance. Martin Ormes pointed out that the name on log book is that of Registered Keeper and satisfies requirements.  It does not indicate the owner, who, according to Constitution, is the Group.
That proved acceptable and passed.
Item 6.
Treasurer, Steve Loams pointed out that not as many had subscribed as anticipated, so income down. A revision of original proposal for subs to be amended to collecting £5 per month.  
Some debate followed as to what to do.  Communications seemed to be deficient in contacting those not renewing, due to many having failed to be on internet and mailings unanswered.
Item to be followed up by Chairman.
Issue of PLI arose, and Colin Farrington, through his close association with the Fire Brigades Preservation Society, indicated that it could cost the group as much as £350 p.a. but by being Affiliated with the Society, would come down to £30 per event, so long as a bona fide named member is present.
We are getting applications for membership from many unworthy individuals, and are mainly disposed of by Treasurer and Secretary.  It was suggested that a pro-forma application may be needed to sort out those illogical applications, with details appertaining to the Fire Brigade type of experience held by individuals,  Some are from outside LFB, or any Brigade. But worthy persons have been allowed to be accepted, subject to a vetting procedure.  An acceptable procedure agreed to.
It had been minuted last year, that in order to vet members, a photo ID should accompany their Facebook entry.  The task is now to draw members into the exchange of information of relevance.
Suggested that Garry make approaches to those still registered, and remind those in arrears that they forfeit the voting rights, and need their ID photos.
 
Chairmans report followed  (sent separately)
 
Gen Sec had sent in apologies at last minute, and no report to offer at that time.
 
Treasurer’s Report.   Steve Lomas continued with his comments on absent subscriptions, mentioning that some eminent members were in arrears.  
Expenses being met from current account, which he had much difficulty in establishing with Lloyds Bank.
There is a balance of £2,496.06p currently.
The Chairman undertook to pursue those absent subscribers with view to establishing their future involvement.
Workshop Manager report.
Colin made strong plea for more people on working parties, especially as we approach the time when muscle power will be need for ladder reinstatement on chassis. Dates were given for attendances.
July 16/17th is Date to mark in diaries, and when the hi-lift will be in attendance to reassemble.
Colin and Trevor let us know how work was progressing, with the rubber round sleeves to be fitted when welder had dealt with three rounds affected by rust damage, and new front mudguards obtained from AEC suppliers.  More timber locker construction being done and new mudguards from AEC to make it roadworthy for impending move. Colin is negotiating with Norfolk Fire Museum for space.
The Chairman announced that a contact had been given for parking at Laconbury, but only outside hard standing, subject to elements, for £20 per week.  Decided not good enough.
Quartermaster Report.
Peter Weight not present, but Colin gave resume of his situation.   Many items have been donated and were in Peter’s care for renovation, A good relationship with an Ex Policeman’s collection found donations of good items being given. It Is reckoned a full complement of TL equipment is now held, apart from pair of 220 volt rubber gloves.
Elections of Officers.
It was proposed by Martin Ormes that all stand for re-election, Seconded by Mike West.
Vote in favour unanimous.
Going around those present, matters arising.  Martin Ormes raised the point about Committee members and absences, in conjunction with need for drivers in future.
Chairman pointed out that only three drivers on insurance policy, Cold Farrington, Barry Pilkington and Frankie Ward.    Barry has been unwell, but still interested.  Frankie has not been in touch, so will make contact.  When relevant information to hand, will let Committee know of outcome, perhaps co-opting ne Committee members.
Colin let it be known he has elicited up to date information of type of licence needed to drive TL.  The minimum is Category C HGV required, perhaps incurring need for medical.
Mike West asked about date anticipated to realistically get TL back on road.
Colin replied, with anticipated finish of essential work to make it presentable, of Sept/Oct.
Date of next AGM for Group determined as being May 13th.
Chairman thanked members for their time attending and participating, and meeting called to close, with Roger Davey asking for vote of thanks to be recorded for members and Committee tasks undertaken.
Closed at 1315 hrs.