6th Sept 2007 in 1st Kilbride Church Halls

1. Welcome The President Mr. Brian Smyth occupied the chair, welcomed all to the meeting especially our new members. He invited our new Battalion Chaplain to conduct our opening devotions.

2. Attendance. Also in attendance were Rev. C. McClure, G. Armstrong, K. Hogg, D. Hoy, M. McAdoo, A. Miles, D. Buchanan and F. Picton. Apologies were received from A. McDowell and A. Hamilton.

3. Minute. The minute of the previous meeting which had already been circulated was confirmed and signed by the chairman.

4. Matters Arising

(a) Memorial Minute - During the summer a long standing former member of the Executive passed away. The President read a Memorial Minute for Frank Dennis 3rd Larne Company which was unanimously accepted. The Executive stood in silence as a mark of respect and the Battalion Chaplain gave thanks for Frank's life and prayed for the members of his family.

(b) Handbook. The President thanked Drew for the production of the handbook which thanks to the advertising obtained by Drew almost had paid for itself and the postage to the officers in the Battalion. Drew had asked Company Captains to check the information contained in the handbook and confirm or amend the insertions regarding their Company. This could form a part of the visitation to each Company.

5. Section Matters

[1] Company Section The Secretary reported that he had received no acknowledgement or apology from 3rd Carrickfergus as requested by the National Director following a meeting of the NID Executive.

[2] Junior Section No Junior Section matters

[3] Anchor Boys No Anchor Boy matters.

6. Company Visitations.

The following programme of visitations was agreed

1st Larne - D. Hoy and A. Miles

2nd Larne - M.McAdoo and B. Smyth

3rd Larne - F. Picton and A. Hamilton

2nd Carrick - B. Smyth and D. Buchanan

4th Carrick - K. Hogg and G. Armstrong

7. Reserve of Officers

As previously reported Mr. J. Cathcart had resigned as Captain of 2nd Carrickfergus and would wish to be placed on the Battalion Reserve of Officers. This was proposed by F. Picton, seconded by K. Hogg and unanimously agreed.

8. Training Committee

The convenor sent a text to the Secretary. Note that there is a CS Activities course at Rathmore on 8th September. He is still making arrangements for the Leadership Stage 3 Courses. Secretary reported that he has conducted 2 courses for the Captain's Element when 6 Acting / Prospective Captains from this Battalion attended with one from the Antrim Battalion also in attendance. The names had been passed down to the NID Training Officer.

9. 40th Anniversary Celebrations

Dedication Service - 23rd September in 8th Carrick. The Battalion Chaplain would preach, the host company Chaplain would conduct the service and the President would read a lesion. The Praise Group was organised. The retiring offering would be in aid of our Romania Project. There would be tea afterwards. The Executive was requested to be present by 6.40 pm so that a photo could be taken for the newspapers.

Outreach 9th November in Ballyclare Leisure Centre. Hall, P.A. and staging were all booked, still waiting confirmation of a speaker. Treasurer had allocated about £2K for necessary expenses. Now it needs to be sold to the Boys.

Area Events - Carrick on 16th November at Christmas Tree Service; Ballyclare at the May Fair in late May; Larne still to be confirmed. £100 allocated to each area regarding expenses.

Junior Section/Anchor Boy Fun Day. Costs for hire at Carnfunnock Country Park far exceeded estimates. Reps looking for alternate venue.

Church Parade

13th April in Carrickfergus. Colin McClure to sound out 1st Larne Old Boys Band and Drew Buchanan to contact associate regarding another band. Secretary had obtained services of Jordan Memorial Accordian Band. Any members who were present at the Battalion Inauguration Events could be invited to this Service.

Officers Dinner

23rd May in Ballylinney. Numbers limited to 100. We would have a Square Dance after the meal.

10. Finance

A donation in lieu of flowers to be sent in memory of Frank Dennis.

Secretary reported Susan Featherston, an Officer in 2nd Ballyclare was going to India as part of the B.B. team from N. Ireland. It was agreed that a £100 gift from the Sandford Bequest be sent as a token of our support.

Secretary reported that Winston Frew, NID Training Officer, would be retiring in December and iy was agreed that a donation of £25 towards his retirement present be sent to Rathmore.

11. Any Other Business

(a) K. Hogg reported that the Electoral Commission was keen to get young people onto the Electoral Roll at 17. Requested permission for Mrs Marty Blair a former officer in 2nd Carrick to address the next combined Council meeting. This was agreed.

12. Next Meeting The next meeting of the Executive would be held in 8th Carrickfergus on Wednesday 24th October.

13. Benediction There being no further business the Battalion Chaplain closed the meeting in prayer.

Signed ________________________________ Date _________________________