19 March 2011

 

RECORD OF DISCUSSION

SWORDFISH ASSOCIATION MEETING

HELD AT THE 14 WING MUSEUM CONFERENCE ROOM

1430 ON 16 March 2011

 

Chairperson:  Col C.J. Henneberry

Attendees:

Ret’d Jim Phillips

Maj Chris Larsen

Ret’d MWO Butch Fluery

Ret’d Maj Bert Campbell

 

 

INTRODUCTION

1.     Welcome.  The Chairman noted that this meeting had been called to provide an update on the Association activities associated with the preparations for the 70th Anniversary Reunion.  Unfortunately the Chairman did not attend the last RV2011 Committee Meeting nor has he been able to meet with the VPI Representative to the Reunion Committee to coordinate Arrival/Registration details.  He also noted that to date there had been only limited contact with VPI concerning this assigned activity.  As a result, the Chairman was not able to provide a list of requirements for this aspect of the Reunion.  It is however clear that some level of 415 manpower will be required at the Reception area on 9 and 10 June.

 

2.     The Chairman also noted that he would be seeking approval to purchase three banners.  Over the past months a considerable amount of time and effort have been expended to develop these banners that reflect the history of the three eras of the Squadron’s existence. 

 

3.     It was also noted that the Association had been fortunate to have a number of 2Lts volunteer their time to assist during the three work periods focused on refurbishing the Squadron Photo Albums.  As a direct result of their assistance, considerable progress has been made in preparing for the Reunion.  These 2Lts have been identified in update articles on the Association Website and have received thanks and notes of appreciation from the Association Executive.

ACTION

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DISCUSSION

4.    415 Assoc Collar Pins:  Distribution of the Pins has commenced.  Collar Pins will be provided to all members of the Association Alumni at no charge.  It was agreed that a charge of $5.00 would be levied to replace a lost Pin.  It was also agreed that the President of the Association was the sole individual who could present Pins to non-alumnus to provide special recognition or as a means to thank individuals for assistance rendered to the Association.

 

5.      415 Squadron History CD:   The official release of the CD will occur at the Reunion.  It has been decided to charge $10.00/CD to help defray the costs associated with research and production.  At this point in time there is still some minor work required on the text of the last two chapters.  Also as a result of the scanning of the Squadron Photo Albums, there will be a significant increase in the number of Squadron related photos included with the CD.

 

6.     Squadron Coins:  The Coins are expected to arrive in Canada prior to the end of March.  As of 16 March, 81 coins had been reserved.  The goal had been to sell 100 coins prior to the Reunion and it now seems that this number will be surpassed.  It has been decided to increase the price of the coin from $10 to $12 effective 01 May 2011.   A notice that announces the price change will be placed on the Association Website when the Coins have been received and are ready for distribution.

 

7.     Status of Squadron Banners:  The art work for two of the three Banners has been completed and the third should be ready by the end of March.  Two production bids were reviewed and a unanimous decision was taken to expend up to $1100 to purchase three portable roll up display units with graphic panels installed and associated carry bags.  It is expected that the final product will be delivered to the Association by the end of April.

 

8.     Reunion Merchandise:  It was decided that no additional merchandise would be subsidised by the Association.  It was agreed to have 1 x Golf Shirt produced with a logo similar to that used for the 60th Anniversary.  The Golf shirt will be used as a model and it is hoped that all members of the Association Executive will purchase one in advance of the Reunion.  The model will be available for show at the next Executive Meeting.

 

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9.     General Association Meeting:  It was agreed to take advantage of having a crowd at the Reunion to conduct a General Meeting.  The RV2011 Committee will be asked to reserve a time slot from 1530 to 1630 on Friday 10 June for the 415 Squadron Association General Meeting.  An Agenda will be placed on the Association website a minimum of 30 days prior to the meeting.

 

10.    Constitution Review:  An updated Constitution will be presented at the next General Meeting.  It is requested that all members review the current Constitution, which is located on the Association website www.415sqn.com   Proposed changes are most welcome and should be forwarded to the President prior to 01 May 2011.  As a minimum there will be recommended changes related to Honourary Membership and Charitable Affiliation.

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11.    Memorial Stone – 1997:  The memorial stone that is currently housed as part of the 415 display at the Greenwood Museum must ultimately be moved.  As there is currently a 415 memorial stone in the Remembrance Garden at 14 Wing, it has been proposed to offer this stone to the new P.E.I. Air Force Heritage Park located at Summerside PEI.  Given the connection with 415 Squadron it is the opinion of many that this would be a logical placement.  The opinions of members of the Alumni are requested concerning this proposal.  It can be expected that this issue will be placed on the Agenda of the Annual Meeting. 

Chairman

12.   The Association has accepted the offer of Ret’d Maj Jeff McBean to assume the duties of Membership Coordinator.  Jeff completed two tours on 415 Squadron and has been a volunteer assisting in preparations for the Reunion.  The Association welcomes his participation on the Executive.

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13.   Social Event:  It was agreed that an annual social event should be sponsored by the Association.  This event would be combined with an Annual Association Meeting.  After consultation with the Executive, the Chairman will select a date for 2012.  This date will be announced at the Annual Meeting scheduled during the Reunion.

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14.     Memorials:  An update was provided on the 2011 East Moor Memorial Ceremony.  The event will be held at Sutton-on-the-Forest on Saturday 21 May at 1400.  Specific details concerning the Ceremony will be placed on the website.  It has been confirmed that there will be a small contingent from 14 Wing led by LCol Chouinard, a small contingent from Geilenkirchen led by Col Backstrom and a group from 429 Squadron Trenton, who will be present at the Ceremony.   Once again the 415 Squadron Association will place a floral arrangement during the Ceremony.

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ADJOURNMENT

15.     The Executive agreed to meet once a month in the run-up to the Reunion.  The proposed Agenda for the Annual Association meeting will be reviewed in April.  Proposed changes to the Constitution which are received by 01 May will be reviewed in May.  Specific details for the April and May meetings will be promulgated in due course.   

 

Chairman

 

 

 

 

OSB

Chris Henneberry

Swordfish Association President

902-444-4089