INTRODUCTION

1.      Welcome.  The Chairman noted that planning for the Seventieth Reunion was ramping up and there was a need for the Association to make a few fundamental decisions to ensure planning was coordinated with the RV2011 Committee.  There has been a new Chairman appointed to lead the RV2011 Reunion Committee, Major Rob Pitcher.  He has decided to meet on a monthly basis and the Committee had been called to assemble on relatively short notice.   As such, it was necessary for the 415 Squadron Association to meet despite the fact that only a few members would be able to attend on such short notice.  

ACTION

INFO

DISCUSSION

2.     Update on RV2011 Activities:  Members were provided an update on current RV2011 planned program which now includes:

a.      International Day (dependent upon international participants);

b.     Registration Day;

c.      Golf Day;

d.     Meet & Greet;

e.      Main Event (Reunion Day, exhibits, tours, etc);

f.      Dinner & Dance;  and

g.     Sunday Brunch Farwell.

Each one of the programmed activities has a Reunion Unit sponsor.  It was proposed by the President that given the status of 415 Squadron, that the 415 Association should offer to co-sponsor the Registration Day activity with VPI.  It was agreed that the Association would make the offer and that an Association Representative would be identified.

ALL

3.      Squadron Display:  The Main Event will include a tented enclosure in which space will be provided to 404, 405, 413 and 415 Squadrons to present an exhibition.   Each Squadron will be allocated a corner of the enclosure (estimated space 20ft x 30ft). Rick Anscomb agreed to by the Coordinator for the Squadron Display.  This will not be a small enterprise and volunteers are required to assist with the development of the exhibition.  To make this project a success, Alumnus are encouraged to offer their assistance by contacting Rick Anscomb.  The following is a list of ideas stemming from initial brain storming:

a.      Squadron Photo Albums;

b.     Slide show;

c.      Memorial displays and stone;

d.     Squadron Standard;

e.      Calendar Pictures;

f.      Display for three eras (WWII, Summerside, Greenwood);

g.     Sidney display case; and

h.     Small seating area.

There is no doubt that this activity will be continuously shaped over the next eight months and that a significant amount of effort will be required to ensure an inclusive presentation within the space provided.  To ensure success the input of many is required to KEEP THE MEMORIES ALIVE.

Rick Anscomb

All

4.     Invitations: It was agreed that in addition to advertisement of RV2011 on the 415 Squadron Association website formal invitations should be forwarded to former Commanding Officers, Squadron Chiefs and Honourary Colonels.  To date the President has made contact with no less than eleven former Commanding and two of the three former Honourary Colonels.  Efforts continue to acquire contact information for the remaining Commanding Officers and Honourary Colonel. The acquisition of contact information concerning former Chiefs is proving to be slightly more difficult.  Jim Phillips has agreed to assist in acquiring contact information of former Squadron Chiefs.  Invitations are to be forwarded no latter than end Aug 10.

Chris Henneberry

Jim Phillips

5.    Squadron History Project:  Major Chris Larsen provided the final draft of the updated Squadron History on CD.  The publication has been registered with the Library of Canada.  MP&EU has been engaged to assist in transforming the History into a publishing format and to assist in the development of a “Jewel” case for the CD. Copies of the draft were provided to Association Members in attendance.  It is planned to have a final product ready for release by the end of Sept 10.  , which should be available by end June 2010. 

Chris Larsen

6.   Friends of East Moor Memorial:  The 2010 Memorial was held at Sutton-on-the-Forest on Saturday 22 May at 1400.  Details concerning the Memorial are available at www.415Sqn.com  One WWII Swordfish Veteran was present at the Ceremony.  Two Swordfish that are current serving members were present as well as seven personnel from 429 Squadron and one member of 404 Squadron.   The 415 Squadron Memorial display, which will be developed for RV2011 will include the East Moor story. 

Info

7.     Reunion Merchandise:  There was unanimous agreement that there should be some form of Squadron memorabilia available for purchase at the Reunion.  While it was recognized that there is risk involved with such purchases, it was felt that this risk could be minimized by developing an advanced purchase registrar. Examples of merchandise being considered include:

a.      Squadron Coin;

b.     Lapel Pin;

c.      Squadron History CDs;

d.     Squadron Golf Shirt; and

e.      Squadron Ball Cap.

To ensure success in this area and OPI will be required for each piece of memorabilia, which is sanctioned by the Association.  Where necessary the Association will provide seed money to advance the purchase of approved merchandise.

Steps are being taken to acquire a Squadron Coin by the end of September.  Capt Robert Albert has agreed to OPI this purchase.  A design proposal will be provided to the Association at its next meeting.  

All

Rob Albert

8.    Association Charter:  The requirement to update the Association Charter was discussed.  It was decided that an updated Charter would be prepared and presented at an Association General Meeting to be held during RV 2011.  First draft to be presented to the Executive in Sep 2010.

Chairman

9.    Charitable Affiliation:  It was suggested that the 415 Association affiliate itself with a charitable activity.  In this way if excess revenues are realized as a result of Reunion activity there would be a decision taken on where such funds should be directed.  Given Jim Lambie’s association with the IWK Health Centre Auxiliary it was decided to approach him for suggestions concerning this issue. 

Chairman

10.    Advertisement: A volunteer is required to produce an advertisement to attract former Swordfish to the Reunion.  The advert would be distributed to Wing Newspapers, the Legion Magazine, the Air Force magazine, etc.  Major Chris Larson indicated that he would be preparing an advertisement for 404 Squadron and that he was willing to produce a draft for 415 Squadron. 

All

11.    Other:  The following issues will be brought forward to the RV2011 Committee for resolution:

a.      Will Squadrons display their Standards at the Main Event?

b.     Will there be a common ASW display other than that which is offered at the Museum?

c.      Will there be a formal request for dedicated airlift across Canada - from Victoria/Comox to Greenwood return?

d.     Stadacona Band has tentatively reserved Saturday 11 June in support of RV2011.  A formal letter of request is now required.

e.      A desire for a standard fee structure, applicable to all participants. 

f.      A request for a standard entry badge of good quality, which includes both the RV insignia and Squadron affiliation.

ADJOURNMENT

12.           It was proposed to hold the next Association meeting in Greenwood in early September.  The Chairman will promulgate a draft Agenda by the end of August. 

SA Chairman