INTRODUCTION

1.     Welcome.  The Chairman noted that this would be the last Executive meeting prior to RV2011.  He thanked everyone for the good turnout and all the work that had had been completed in preparation for the 70^th Anniversary of the Squadron.  He noted that earlier in the day there had been an RV2011 Committee Meeting at which it was reported that approximately 500 persons had registered to attend the Reunion.   Specific details from the meeting are provided below.  He also noted that he had meet with the VPI Representative to the Reunion Committee and that details concerning the welcome and registration process were nearing completion.  Specific details concerning 415’S contribution to this activity are outlined below. Action - Info

2.     The Chairman also noted that he would provide an update on the purchase of banners and coins.  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.  The WWII Banner had been produced and was on display at the meeting.  Everyone in attendance was pleased with the product.  Likewise, Squadron coins which had been ordered by Executive members were distributed prior to the start of the meeting.  Once again everyone was pleased with the quality and artwork of the coins. Action - Info       

DISCUSSION

3.    RV2011 Committee Meeting:  Both Chris Henneberry and Bert Campbell attended the subject meeting also held on 5 May.  While there was a good turnout for this meeting the absence of representatives from the operational Squadrons was a concern to all present.  The Chairman responded to all queries and Committee members were assured that the Squadron venues for the Reunion were all proceeding according to plan.  At this point there was only one concern and that was the low registration rate of current serving members.  The following is a summary of key issues discussed:

·       As of 1 May there were 474 registered participants of which 210 have made payment.  Payments are being accepted at the 404 Sqn OR.  Payments will also be accepted at the Registration Centre commencing 1200 on Thursday 09 June.

·       RV2011 Committee has received over $5000 in corporate donations to help cover costs.

·       There will be a VPI Memorial Service at the Main Entrance to the Wing on Sunday 12 June at 1100.

·       There will be a single “shotgun” golf event commencing at 0800 on Friday 10 June.

·       A  CANAIRGEN on RV2011 will be released on 9 May.  A copy of this message will be placed on the 415 Squadron Association website.

·       The accommodation assignments will be confirmed by mid May.  If there are unused suites they will be re-assigned to units with higher demands at that time (at this point 7 of 20 rooms assigned to 415 have been requested).   Action - Info                                                 
 

4.      415 Squadron History CD:   As previously discussed 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.  Work continues on editing the last two chapters of the text.  It has been decided to “burn” the first 50 CDs on 1 June with the best available product at that point in time. Action - Chris Larson

5.     Squadron Coins:  The Coins were received in late April and notifications have been sent to all those who pre-ordered coins.  As of 5 May, 81 coins were pre-ordered of which 13 have been distributed locally, 13 have been sent to the West Coast and 20 have been mailed out.  The treasurer has been provided the bill for payment.  It is hoped that at the Reunion another 50 to 70 coins will be sold.  A notice that announces the arrival of the coins and the current charge of $12 per coin has been placed on the Association Website.  Total cost for the coins was $21.     Action - Info

6.     Squadron Banners:  As reported above the WW11 Banner has been produced and is ready for display.  The Banner met all expectations and a decision has been made to have the two additional Banners produced by the same company.  The treasurer has been provided the bill for payment.  Total cost for these Banners was $1017.75.  There is a plan to use the WWII Banner at this year’s East Moor Ceremony.  Action - Info

7.     Reunion Merchandise:  It was decided that no additional merchandise would be subsidised by the Association.  At this point in time it can be expected that the Squadron History CD and the Squadron commemorative coins will be available for purchase.  In addition Reid McBride will bring some of the remaining stock from the on-line kit shop including: posters, prints and a few of the remaining History Books.   Action - Reid McBride

8.     Collage of Faces:  Rick Anscomb provided his concept for this portion of the Squadron Display.  He received broad support from the Executive and will proceed with the preparation of approximately forty photos (5’ x7” and 8’ x 10”).  The Collage will focus on faces of registered attendees to the Reunion.     Action - Rick Anscomb

9.     Artefacts:  Earl Goski confirmed that 12 artefacts for display at the Reunion have been identified and are ready to be moved when required.      Action - Earl Goski

10.    General Association Meeting:  The Officers’ Lounge at the Annapolis Mess has been reserved for a General Meeting from 1530 to 1630 on Friday 10 June.  The agenda was discussed and finalized.  It will be placed on the 415 Squadron Association website by 09 May.  There are three key issues that require ratification.  These include: an updated constitution, charitable affiliation, and the disposition of the Squadron Cairn.  In addition the Swordfish of the Year will be announced. 

·       Constitution Review:  An updated Constitution as been reviewed by the Executive and will be placed on the Association website www.415sqn.com  

·       Charitable Affiliation:  The Executive proposes that the 415 Squadron Association renew the former Affiliation that 415 Squadron had with the Veteran’s Wing of Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital in Middleton, NS.

·       Squadron Cairn: The Aviation Society of PEI has forwarded a proposal for the relocation of the 415 Cairn presently housed in the Greenwood Aviation Museum to the P.E.I Air Force Heritage Park.  A copy of this proposal will be placed on the Association website www.415sqn.com

11.      Swordfish of the Year:  The Executive Committee has selected a Swordfish of the Year (name withheld from these minutes).  The recipient will be announced at the General Meeting.  Earl Goski will locate the Squadron Plague and have the name engraved for presentation.      Action - Info

REPORTS

12.      Treasurer:  A detailed review of account activity from 31 Dec 2010 to 29 April 2011 was presented by Bill Brown.  It was noted that 17 new memberships had been received during this period as well as some limited sales from the on line “Kit Shop”.  As of 2 May there was an account balance of $3945.59.  The Treasurer noted that disbursements for the Banners and the Coins would reduce this balance to approximately $800.00.  However, it is expected that over the next two months coin sales with help replenish the account.  A Treasurer Report will be provided at the General Meeting. Action -  Bill Brown Meeting.                                                                                 

13.    Membership Coordinator: An updated Alumni list was provided by the Membership Coordinator, Jeff McBean.  There are currently 77 members of the Alumni.  Contact information is being confirmed by email in preparation for the Reunion.  It is expected, that additional memberships will be received during the Reunion.   Action - Jeff McBean

RV2011 COORDINATION

14.    Reception:  The following outlines the Registration Centre (VPI building) operating hours and the current list of Volunteers to man the 415 Table.                                   

·                           Thursday 9 June

o      1200 – 1800        Henneberry, McBean, Phillips

·                           Friday 10 June

o      1000 – 1300        Anscomb, +2

o      1300 – 1500        Goski, Phillips                                                Action - All Exec Members

15.     General Meeting:  Set up will occur between 1400 – 1500, on Friday 10 June.  President will ensure venue is ready for the meeting.

16.      Main Event:  The Squadron display at the Main Event (Saturday 11 June 1000 – 1600) must be assembled, overseen and disassembled as follows:

·                          Thursday 9 June – Confirm display support material (1500)

·                          Friday 10 June – Assemble display (1400 – 1500)

·                          Saturday 11 June – Oversee display (TBC)

o     1000 – 1200 Henneberry, McBean

o     1200 – 1400 Anscomb, Goski

o     1400 – 1600 Henneberry, Philips

·                          Saturday 11 June – Disassemble display (1600 – 1700)

MEMORIALS

17.    East Moor Ceremony: An additional 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 have been placed on the Association Website www.415sqn.com   It has been confirmed that there will be a contingent of three from 14 Wing led by Maj Al Harvey, a small contingent from Geilenkirchen led by Col Backstrom and a group of six from 429 Squadron Trenton led by LCol Iain Huddleston at the Ceremony.   Once again the 415 Squadron Association will place a floral arrangement during the Ceremony.   Action - Info

ADJOURNMENT

18.     The Executive agreed that preparations for RV2011 were on track as were plans for the General Meeting.  The proposed Agenda for the General Meeting and the proposed update to the Constitution will be placed on the Association website by 10 May.  The next Executive meeting will be held in October 2011.  Specific timings and location to be confirmed.                Action - President