INTRODUCTION

1.    Welcome.  The Chairman noted that he would be attending the next Seventieth Reunion Coordination Meeting scheduled for the afternoon of 9 December – summary of key points included below.  He also noted that to date there had been only limited contact with VPI concerning plans for the Arrival Welcome/Registration. The Association still requires a volunteer to coordinate this activity.  Specific details on the Reunion are available on the RV2011 Website.

2.    The Chairman was pleased to note that there had been considerable progress made to further a number of 415 Sqn Association projects.  He stated that the focus of this meeting would be to secure approval and funding for a number of these projects.  Details concerning these projects are outlined below and in due course will be highlighted in separate announcements via the Association Website.

ACTION

INFO

DISCUSSION

3.   Squadron Banner Status: Progress in developing three Banners to showcase the Squadron History has been made.  A common approach has been adopted for all three banners: Banner #1 – WWII; Banner #2 – Summerside; and Banner #3 – Greenwood.  Preliminary discussions have taken place to determine the artistic approach to be adopted.  The OPI for Banner #1, Chris Larsen, shared his thoughts concerning the content of this Banner.  The OPI for Banner #2 has agreed to take a similar approach.  It was agreed that a draft for Banner #1 would be presented at the next Assoc Mtg.  The plan is to have the layouts for each banner completed by mid-January.

4.       Collage of Faces:  It is recommended that several hundred photos be reviewed prior to the next Assoc Mtg and that a short list be developed for this project.  Association members are encouraged to forward photos with captions for consideration.  Once selection has taken place work will commence to prepare/mount photos for the Sqn Reunion Display.

5.     Art Selection:  A complete list of art works held by the Association will be prepared for the next Assoc Mtg.  The intent will be to select 12 pieces that will be put on display as part of the Sqn Reunion Display.  It is recommended that one of the piece by a framed Sqn Crest (as presented during WWII).

Chris Larsen

Chris Henneberry

Rick

Anscomb

Earl Goski

6.     Reunion Merchandise:  Approval was given to proceed with expenditures related to three Association projects.  Funding was approved to purchase:

a.      250 x Squadron Coin (250) not to exceed $2000 ca;

b.     200 x 415 Sqn Assoc Lapel Pin not to exceed $500 ca;  and

c.      100 x 415 Sqn History CDs not to exceed $200 ca.

7.   Squadron Coin:  The project OPI, Capt Rob Albert, forwarded a design proposal, which was accepted with minor modifications.  He has been directed to proceed with the acquisition of 250 coins pending acceptance of the “proof” coin.  Once the “proof” has been accepted an advertisement for the coin will be placed on the Assoc Website.  Coins will be number and an advanced intend to purchase list will be held by the Chairman.  Interestingly as of 20 Dec there are already advanced requests to purchase more than 50 coins. 

8.    415 Assoc Collar Pin:  The project OPI, Chris Henneberry, forwarded a design proposal, which was accepted as presented.  He has received approval to acquire 200 pins pending acceptance of the “proof” pin.  Once the “proof” has been accepted an announcement of the acquisition will be placed on the Assoc Website.  In due course, Collar Pins will be provided to all members of the Association Alumni at no charge.  

9.      415 Sqn History CD:   In coordination with the Project OPI, Chris Larsen, Chris Henneberry forwarded a design proposal for the “Jewel Case” and CD, which was accepted as presented.  Approval was given to fund the initial production of 100 CDs.  It can be expected that by mid January 2011 the text, including an updated photo list, will be finalized.  As a result, by the end of January 2011 this product should be available for sale by the Association.  In due course an advertisement will be placed on the Assoc Website.

10.      Other Merchandise:   There was some interest expressed to produce a Sqn Assoc Golf Shirt and/or Ball Cap for the Reunion.  During the discussion there was general agreement that such an endeavour would require an advanced sale format to ensure the Assoc did not take on unnecessary financial risk.  It was agreed that proposals be prepared for the next Assoc Mtg.  Executive Members holding previous Sqn Caps and Shirts were asked to bring them to the next meeting.

All

Rob Albert

&

Chairman

Chris Henneberry

Chris Larsen

All

11.    Affiliation with a Charitable Group: Ex Members were requested to revisit previous discussions on this topic.  The Chairman would like to approach a designated Group/Association by end March.  The intent would be to develop a proposal for the Squadron Association Meeting planned to occur during the Reunion.  The proposal would include: the overall intent, a modification to the Association Constitution, a description of the type and size of the annual award and the appointment of a coordination officer.

Chairman

12.    Social Event:  There was some interest expressed to hold, at least once annually, an Association Social Event. This event could be combined with an Assoc Mtg.  It was suggested that perhaps the next Assoc Mtg could be followed by a lunch.  The Chairman took the proposal under advisement. 

Chairman

13.     Memorial:  An update on the 2011 East Moor Memorial plans was provided.  The event will be held at Sutton-on-the-Forest on Saturday 21 May at 1400.  Specific details concerning the Memorial will be placed on the website early in the New Year.  There was a follow-on discussion concerning the need for a Memorial Event in Canada.  While no specific proposal was made, it was noted that VPI holds such an event every year and that 415 representation is not only welcomed but encouraged.  The Assoc is ready to discuss any proposal, which is sponsored by an Alumnus.

All

14.    RV2011 Update:  The following info was provided at an RV2011 Coordination Mtg which occurred later on 9 Dec. 

·      Approximately 100 pers are registered.

·      Small RV Park (max 50 sites) will be set up in the PMQ area.

·      Name Tag and Registration proposals will be presented at the next meeting.

·      Golf registration will be by affiliation.  Gun shot format with a set fee of $23.

·      404 venue estimate 95% complete.

·      405 venue estimate 60% complete.

·      413 venue estimate 60% complete.  Sqn representatives are to provide an outline of their floor space plan and electrical demand.

·      VPI and 415 venue 10% complete.  This will not be a difficult venue to develop as most registration will be completed on-line and the event will occur at VPI.  Rather the focus will be welcoming participants and handing out affiliation packages that are to be prepared by the Squadrons.

·      Geoff Bennett has been approached to produce a painting commemorating RV2011.

Info

Chairman

All

ADJOURNMENT

15.           It was proposed to hold a three day work period in Greenwood during the period 18-20 January.  Known as “Work Period 1” the focus will be on the restoration of the Sqn Photo Albums.  This activity will occur at the Museum Conference Room.  Maj Ron Doiron will attempt to provide a work party to assist Ex members.  Specific details for this event will be forwarded by 10 January 2011.

 16.    The next Association meeting will be held in Greenwood in early February.  The Chairman will promulgate a draft Agenda.  Consideration will  be given to holding a lunch immediately following the meeting 

Chairman

Chairman