415 SQUADRON ASSOCIATION

 GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

FRIDAY, 10 JUNE 2011

 
1.  The meeting was called to order at 1545.  The President, Chris Henneberry asked for a moment of silence in memory of Ruff Johnson who just recently passed away.

 2.  Chris welcomed everyone to the meeting and received unanimous approval of the agenda.

 INTRODUCTION

 3.  In his introduction Chris touched on the reasons for the formation of the Association and its current status.  He thanked the 14 Wing Museum, Wing Operations, 404 Squadron and 405 Squadron for their assistance in keeping our memory alive.  All were reminded of the importance of staying in touch and the need for Swordfish related stories and/or pictures that could be displayed on the website.

 4.  Al Harvey provided a report on his recent participation at the East Moor Ceremony.  The locals have taken ownership of the memorial cairn and the annual remembrance ceremony and he was happy to report that our Squadron lives on in their hearts and minds.

 REVISED CONSTITUTION

 5.  Chris quickly outlined the proposed changes to the constitution, which has been on the website for all to review, including the proposed charitable affiliation.  It was moved by Jeff McBean and seconded by Yvan Boilard that the revised constitution be accepted.  The motion was carried.

 6.  All were reminded of the need to keep the lines of communication open to ensure the constitution remains relevant.  The maintenance and use of website will be critical in maintaining the link between members as well as providing a showcase of the Squadron’s history and activities of the Association.

 REPORTS

 7.  Membership      Jeff McBean reported that the membership continues to grow.  The names of the alumni are available on the website 415sqn.com.  At the end of the reunion we had risen to over 110 members.

 8.  Treasurer          A written report was submitted showing a balance of 1504.22.  The sale of coins and history CDs has been brisk and it is expected that all expenses will be covered for these items by the end of the reunion.  Bill was thanked for his hard work and diligence in this post.

 9.   Executive Membership        A list of the current executive positions was discussed and Al Harvey volunteered to fill the post of Museum Liaison Officer, and Butch Fleury offering to act as Secretary.  All Executive positions, as outlined in the revised Constitution are now filled.

 STATUS OF SQN CAIRN

 A proposal has been received from the Aviation Society of PEI to relocate the Cairn to the Slemon Air Park in Summerside, PEI.  There was considerable discussion on this item.  Unfortunately no one that was present was prepared to put a motion forward.  As such the Cairn will remain in its current position in the 14 Wing Museum for as long as that is possible.  Should a follow-on proposal be received and a sponsor attends a future Executive Meeting consideration will be made to place the proposal on the website and seek responses from the Alumni. 

 CHARITABLE AFFILIATION

 11.  Earl Goski proposed that the Association resume the charitable affiliation that 415 Squadron had with the Veteran's Wing at Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Middleton, NS.  In the past 415 personnel visited the Veterans and provided small comforts such as a new TV, microwave or other items the staff/veterans requested.  The motion was seconded by Al Harvey.  The motion was unanimously supported.  In follow-on discussion there was some concern that over time the Association would not be able to continue this support.  It was recommended that we maintain this relationship and that donations from members be solicited if required to support this activity.  All were in favour.

 SWORDFISH OF THE YEAR

12.  Chris Henneberry proposed Chris Larson for this honour for his hard work and support related to the updated Squadron History and the Reunion.  All were in favour.  In addition the members thanked Chris Henneberry for his unstinting efforts on behalf of the organisation.

 FALL SOCIAL EVENT

 13.  The next Association meeting will be take place in October/November 2011.  A social event will be added to the Agenda.   Details will be posted on the website in September.

 OPEN DISCUSSION

 14.  There was considerable discussion related to the placement and display of 415 Artefacts at the 14 Wing Museum.  Bert Campbell recommended that the Association join the Museum and appoint a member to the board.  Following additional discussion the membership agreed that the 415 Squadron Association should be represented on the 14 Wing Museum Board.  Al Harvey, our new Museum Liaison has agreed to represent the Association on the Board and Yvan Boilard has offered to pay the related $125.00 cost to join the Museum Board.

15.  Members were encouraged to send in anecdotes and pictures that could be included on both the website and magazines - i.e. Legion, Air Force, etc.  This will help to keep the idea of 415 Squadron alive and in the minds of Canadians.

16.  All were reminded that there were two WWII vets attending the reunion.

 CLOSING REMARKS

 17.  Chris thanked everyone for their support and hard work in preparing for the reunion.  He also thanked the membership for their continued support for our organization and urged all to provide feedback on our artefacts and displays.  We need more data from the '60s to make our albums more complete so send in any related photos and stories.

 18.  The meeting was closed at 1640.