The Chairman Peter Simms opened the meeting welcoming everyone present especially the Branch Chairman Mr Gerry Robinson MBE, Reay Pearman Branch Treasurer together with Joe Molloy, Webmaster for the County. He spoke about the new venue for the meeting and the increase in the number attending.
The Roll Call was made, there being twenty eight members present with eight members having given their apologies. The Silent tribute was to Mrs Jean Rushton and Mrs Pamela Johnson.
Minutes of the meeting held on the 5th July at Cheadle Cricket Club had been circulated and these were accepted as a true record by Arthur Bould and Michael Smith. There were no matters arising.
The County Chairman spoke about the Welfare and Benevolent Funds being in a healthy state and that officers and members were still being assisted with payouts if found to be in need. Then spoke about making donations to either fund in a will and said that it should be made certain as to which fund it was to be left too, as recent events had shown and went on to explain what had transpired. He told members that at Conference it was discussed about the importance of member’s welfare. He mentioned the Injury on duty awards yet again and the procedure for appealing. This was discussed amongst the members. Some members had had money paid to them which they were not entitled to and some Forces were claiming the money back but Staffs were not going to do this. The Staffordshire Knot would be sent for publishing at the end of November. He said that he would be running a NARPO holiday again, this time to the Isle of Man on the 11th May 2012. for five days with BB& Evening Meal. The Memorial Plaques of officers who had lost their lives during service had been recovered from the old Headquarters and erected at Weston Road. There is to be Dedication on the 11th November 2011. He thanked everyone present for their attendance.
The County Treasurer Reay Pearman gave a resume of the Funds held by the Branch. He told members that there were more retired Officers in the County than there is serving. He said that the Branch had been allocated an office in the Stafford Borough station but it was not ready for use. Talked about the Rules & Procedures which are to be looked at by a sub committee and brought up to date.
Dean Colley was unable to attend and the Chairman read out a report sent by e mail. He referred to a further review on the forces day to day business resulting in a pilot scheme being introduced. Majority of the change is down to finances. He asks members to go on the website and lobby MPs about Pay/ Pensions. If 100,000 sign up it will hopefully force a debate on he matter.
Rob Williams was unavailable so a copy of his report was attached to the minutes for reading. He reported that some thirteen officers had attended the Rehabilitation Centre this year so far. By August 2012 a further 25 rooms will have been added to the centre making 165 rooms available. Rob said that he would be retiring in nine months time. Glyn Dyer spoke about having recently attended a Welfare Course at Lichfield which he found interesting.
Bob Scrimgeour Sub Branch Secretary brought members up to date on the Welfare a several members. He told members about the 25th Anniversary of the death of John Taylor and that laying of flowers would take place at his memorial in Stoke on the 13th November 2011 at 4pm.
Next meeting will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 6th MARCH 2012. at Leek Golf Club.
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