Winter 2019
Secretary/Treasurer: Bruce Goldfarb Telephone: 01634.683034
7 Saracen Fields E-mail: goldfarb65@btinternet.com
Walderslade Branch website: www.medwaynarpo.org
Chatham
ME5 9DG
You are cordially invited to attend the half yearly meeting of the Branch to be held at, The Avenue Theatre, Avenue of Remembrance, Sittingbourne (opposite Police Station), at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 26th November 2019.
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AGENDA
Apologies
Obituaries
Minutes of Spring Meeting
Chairman’s Report
Matters arising
Half yearly Secretary’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Any other business
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Winter is upon us once again and if weather people are to be believed it could be a harsh winter and it is requested that any member who is aware of any other member or older person living alone takes the time to check that these people are okay. As we are all aware the cost of heating etc is getting higher and higher which for those on limited incomes causes some problems.
The Brexit saga continues, and our elected representatives are making the situation as difficult to resolve as ever. The political posturing from all parties is a disgrace when you consider there are far greater problems in our society than Brexit which are currently not being resolved. The next issue is a General Election on December 12th and I sincerely hope that one party gets an overall majority otherwise we will all be back to square one and a decision will never be made.
This December I will be once again delivering the £50 Christmas Bonus to all widows that are local and sending cheques to those that live out of area.
The Chairman has negotiated a new venue for Meeting which is The Pippin Room, The Appleyard (formerly the UK Paper Club), Avenue of Remembrance, Sittingbourne, ME10 4DE at a rate of £30 per Meeting ( same cost as The Avenue Theatre). Those of you that are not aware this is on the opposite side of the road from The Avenue Theatre and just passed Pedestrian Crossing next to School. This venue has a bar and restaurant and ample free car parking and is on the flat for those that may have mobility problems.
I would also request that more members try to attend Meetings as at present attendance is very low and this will hopefully engage the Branch into holding events for members which is the past have been very poorly subscribed and hence had to be cancelled. The Meetings and events give members the opportunity to meet up with former colleagues to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Finally, I would like to wish all members, their wives, partners and families a healthy, happy and prosperous Christmas and New Year.
OBITUARIES
Former PC2770 Brian Jones Died 1/3/19 Last served West Malling
Former PC3516 Gregory Johnson Died 29/3/19 Last served Folkestone
Former PC5632 Trevor Raggett Died 30/3/19 Last served Gravesend
Former DC2873 Daniel Bannon Died 12/4/19 Last served SB Dover Ports
Former Sgt4290 Alan Hughes Died 7/4/19 Last served Gravesend
Former PC2706 David Clarke Died 15/4/19 Last served SB Dover
Former PC6270 Peter Johnson Died 4/4/19 Not known
Former PC2696 Frederick Bird Died 13/4/19 Last served Dartford
Former PC2206 Charles Hutley Died 26/4/19 Last served T3 Nackington
Former PC5717 Gary Pattinson Died 28/4/19 Last served Margate
Former Insp3405 Olef Eccelston Died 4/5/19 Last served Tunbridge Wells
Former PC2317 Robert Edmonds Died 13/5/19 Last served FHQ
Former PC3048 James Carey Died 17/5/19 Last served RCS Nackington
Former PC2258 Brian Kemp Died 27/4/19 Last served Thanet
Former PC6069 John King Died 28/5/19 Last served Sittingbourne
Former PC2129 Bernard Pay Died 31/5/19 Last served Herne Bay
Former ACC32189 Robert Neville Died 31/5/19 Last served Home Office
Former Insp10198 Lisa McGowan Died 17/6/19 Last served North Division
Former SC Supt Brenda Butler MBE Died 21/5/19 Last served FHQ
Former DS4562 John Taber Died 15/6/19 Last served Herne Bay
Former DS6331 Gary Tibby Died 1/8/19 Last served Tonbridge
Former DC5991 Donald Stonestreet Died 3/7/19 Last served FHQ
Former PC2547 Anthony Wheatley Died 22/6/19 Last served Maidstone
Former PC5024 Roger Nicholson Died 28/4/19 Last served Rochester
Former Insp4236 Bryan Dewar Died 13/8/19 Last served Training FHQ
Former PC1562 Frederick MarkwickDied 9/8/19 Last served Tonbridge
Former Insp 2468 Raymond Barraclough Died 15/8/19 Last served Canterbury
Former PC5527 Duncan Bedington Died 19/8/19 Last served Margate
Former C/Insp3080 John Avery Died 10/9/19 Last served Training FHQ
Former PC2759 Keith Williams Died 5/9/19 Last served Faversham
Former PC6847 Brian McCabe Died 29/9/19 Last served SB Sandgate
Former D/Supt 7181 Anne Brittain Died 29/9/19 Last served FHQ
Former Sgt1469 Frederick Kimber Died 10/10/19 Last served River Marine Unit
Former PC4237 John Dowson Died 10/10/19 Last served Sevenoaks
Former PC3672 Thomas Lockett Died 10/10/19 Last Served Dog Section
Former DC 11600 Lee Kidd Died 5/10/19 Last served Dover
TREASURERS REPORT
All monies owed have been paid and there are no matters outstanding at this time and the latest statement dated 11th October 2019 showed a balance of £10477.76p. There are two more months payments to come from Kent Police pensions. The second precept has just been paid and added to this will be honoraria and Christmas Gifts of £50 to all Branch widows. In simple terms the Branch funds are in a very healthy position for carrying forward to 2020. The 2019 accounts will be made available at the Spring Meeting 2020.
DEATH OF BRANCH MEMBER
It is with sadness that we announce the death of Former Inspector 2468 Raymond Barraclough who sadly died on 15th August 2019. Our sincere condolences go to his widow Janet and family for this very sad loss. Raymond was a true gentleman and a very good Inspector.
MEMBERS CHANGE OF DETAILS
Should any member change address or other details then please notify the Secretary in order that paperwork arrives at correct site with correct details.
PENSION RISE
The CPI for September 2019 was 1.7% and this will be the rise given to next year’s pension. The increase in Subscriptions to NARPO will rise by the same amount and both have still to be ratified.
WELFARE & BENEVOLENT FUND
The Branch run a welfare section and any member with any problems should contact the Secretary for advice etc. All conversations and dealings are dealt with in the strictest confidence. Welfare representatives are Bruce Goldfarb and Terry Lynch.
BRANCH WEBSITE
Those members that have access to the Branch website at www.medwaynarpo.org are reminded to check the site regularly for updates. Should any member wish to advertise items for sale etc on this website then please contact the Secretary?
OLD COMRADES LUNCH
It has been decided that the annual Old Comrades Lunch will no longer be held at FHQ but will be moved to the Cornwallis Suite in Maidstone, the cost of this has not yet been put out. The reason for this we are told is because of the influx of new recruits but I will leave it to members to form their own opinions.
POLICE MEMORIAL TRUST
It has come to notice that recently several memorials to Police Officers who have died in tragic circumstances whilst on duty have been vandalised. The Police Memorial Trust has requested that any damage see to any of these Memorials be reported to them the can either be done direct to them or via your local Branch Secretary. There are two Memorials in Kent as shown below.
DC John Fordham in West Kingsdown TN15 whose anniversary is 26th January each year
PC Jon Odell in Shottendane Road, Margate CT9 whose anniversary is 19th December each year.
GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF
NARPO HQ have been asked to advertise this event for any member of member of their family who may be interested in being considered for this show to make an application through www.APPLYFORBAKEOFF.co.uk or text 07544.991.483 for more information. Applications close on Sunday 5th January 2020.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chairman Mr Terry Lynch
Vice Chairman Mr Stephen Bull
Secretary/Treasurer Mr Bruce Goldfarb
Committee Members
Mr Christopher Mayes Mr Jim Rayment Mr Maurice Baggott Mr Frank Gallagher
NOTIFICATION OF ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Should any member have any item that they wish to raise at this meeting they should notify the Secretary in order that the matter can be researched and discussed in detail.
The next Meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 24th March 2020 at The Pippin Room, The Appleyard, Avenue of Remembrance, Sittingbourne, ME10 4DE. This Meeting is also the Annual General Meeting.
Bruce T. Goldfarb
Secretary Medway & District Branch NARPO