Executive Meeting

Minute of the Executive Meeting 1st March 2009 at 1st Kilbride Church Halls

1. Welcome & Opening Devotions. The President, Mr. Brian Smyth, occupied the chair, welcomed everyone and conducted our opening devotions.

2. Attendance & Apologies. Present were B.Smyth, S. Lindsay, D. Hoy, C. Bell, K. Hogg, A. McDowell, M.McAdoo, G. Armstrong and F. Picton. Apologies were received from Rev. C. McClure and D. Buchanan.

3. Minute of previous meeting. The Minute of the previous meeting had been circulated with the notice of the meeting and the President asked if all was in order. The Minute was confirmed and signed. The President reported that he had received a note from Billy Fitzell thanking him for a copy of the Battalion handbook.

4. Battalion Presidency. The secretary reported that he had received 3 nominations namely Mr. Brian Lynas, Mr. Drew Buchanan and Mr Ken Hogg. Discussion ensued on the merits of the 3 candidates and it was agreed to take a vote with the lowest candidate to be eliminated. The vote resulted in Brian Lynas being eliminated. Colin Bell then proposed that the names of Drew Buchanan and Ken Hogg be put to the Battalion AGM and that a paper vote be taken. This was unanimously agreed.

5. Battalion Constitution. As this had not been reviewed for many years the secretary had reviewed the constitution in order to bring it up to date. He circulated the proposed changes and following discussion it was agreed that these changes be put to the Battalion AGM as a recommendation from the Battalion Executive.

6. Dates for next Session. Executive agreed to meet on the following dates - Monday 5th October 2009 Joymount Church Halls; Tuesday 2nd February 2010, Raloo Church Halls; Wednesday 14th April, 2010, Holy Trinity Church Halls.

7. Section Matter. ( A ) Anchor Boys It was reported that 2nd Carrick had won the Battalion heat of the Anchor Boy Games and had represented the Battalion at the NID Final in Lisburn. Cameron Elmes, 2nd Carrick had won the P3/4 Colouring Competition with Leighton Moore, 1st Larne, winning the P1/2 competition. ( B ) Junior Section 1st Kilbride had won the Unihoc competition and in the NID Junior Section Musician of the Year we obtained several placings with Matthew Edgar, 8th Carrick coming second, Sam Brodison, 1st Mullahgdubh, coming third and Oliver Watson, 8th Carrick, being highly recommended. ( C ) There were no Company Section matters to report.

8. Company Visitations. B.S./D.B. reported on their visitation to Cairncastle 10CS/13JS/13 AB presently on rolls. Catherine Lynas mainly running the Company. D.H./B.S./D.B. reported on their visit to 2nd Larne where things seem to be going well at present. Other visits still to be arranged.

9. Finances. The Treasurer reported on the finances which seem to be holding up despite the recession.

10. C.E. Exam. The Secretary reported that the number entering the Battalion C.E. Examination had fallen again with only 175 entering compared with 3 years earlier when entry numbers exceeded 300. Everyone agreed that this was cause for concern and that it should be raised at the next Compnay Section Council meeting.

11. Battalion Church parade. The Secretary reported that all was in place for the Parade and Service. He was asked to include a section in the Parade Circular to remind Officers about the correct Fall-Out procedure.

12. Battalion AGM. It was reported that 6th Carrick may have a problem with the proposed date and that they had promised to report back to the secretary as soon as possible if other arrangements were required to be made. It was agrred that the Section Councils would hold their AGMs at 7.30 and the Battalion AGM would commence as soon after 8pm as is possible, Agreed the arrangements for supper and who would bring desserts.

13. Benediction. There being no further business the President conclude the meeting by inviting all to stand and say The Grace together.

Signed _____________________________________________ date__