INCORPORATED BY
ROYAL CHARTER
FULL RECOGNITION
BY THE ROYALNAVY
REGISTERED CHARITY
REGISTRATION
NO. 266982
Annual Conference
4th June 2010
Ouistreham, Normandy, France
Conference Short Debrief
As is traditional this is a Quicklook report on Conference before a full report in July and eventually the Conference Minutes (currently under preparation), later in the summer.
68 delegates and 150 observers and guests enjoyed a smooth crossing by Brittany Ferries to Ouisterham in Normandy, some in the company of 3 Division on their way to D-Day parades on the coast. Everyone was in hotels clustered around the Keiffer Stadium, where the Conference and most social events were held. The conference venue was of a good size and had the great benefit of being a free gift from the Major and town authorities. The weather during the conference was superb which added to the feeling of comradeship and provided a relaxed atmostphere.
The first evening welcome reception was very well attended and predictably became a cross between a reunion and a sod’s opera. The RNA were honoured that the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope and the Chaplain of the fleet arrived to join the National president and other VIPs for the traditional Presidential Dinner.
After meeting the National Council, Sir Mark addressed the conference on the following day after the National Standard and FAMMAC Standards were marched in. He shared his thoughts about the importance of RNA members letting our local MPs and other opinion formers of the importance of Naval power, its versatility and value for money. He warned against the ‘Tyranny of Pessimism’ while the Strategic Defence and Security Review is underway. A very busy schedule of business then was addressed by the delegates with 13 motions before Conference. Sir Mark stayed for the first about improving the Memorandum of Understanding with the RN and joined shipmates for lunch, who were able to provide him with the fruits of their wisdom and experience. A detailed report of business will be made next month, the motion that will interest most members is that the Annual Conference for 2012 will be held on Tyneside.
France Nord Branch had arranged an exped to Bayeux for those not attending Conference, which was very well received. Against all expectations the Conference finished 5 minutes early, which allowed time for a quick drink before a bath and dhoby before the Gala Dinner. The Dinner was absolutely excellent with shipmates exposed to the new dish of apple sorbet floating in an ocean of Calvados. The following day was free for most delegates, but members of the National Council joined the National President in laying a wreath at the service at the British Garden of Remembrance at the Caen Memorial followed by a reception by 3 Division.
Sunday saw a wreath laying ceremony at the Keiffer Memorial on Sword beach attended by National Council and the National President, followed by a parade of the Fusilers Marins on the D-Day beach and a march-past by the French Commandos. Immediately afterwards the RNA parade was formed at the Landing Craft Memorial with 32 standards paraded, including 7 FAMMAC and the National Standard. The service was taken by the Chaplain of the Fleet, Archdeacon John Green. The parade was led by a Corps of Drums from HMS COLLINGWOOD and members of the current Principal Warfare Officers course, a squad of the Fusilers Marins joined the parade, fully booted spurred and armed; the National President took the salute at the Stadium with the Mayor of Ouisterham. The farewell reception was well attended before the mass exodus to the Ferry terminal for the ship home. Again a lovely sunny and smooth crossing with lots of new friends to enjoy a final beer with.
The France Nord branch did a marvellous job in the preparation and running of the conference, and were warmly thanked by the National President on everyone’s behalf.
2010 CONFERENCE AGENDA
1030 -1700 (LUNCHEON 1300 -1400)
At the discretion of the National President the plan is:
1. March on The National Standard and Standard of FAMMAC
2, Opening Prayers Archdeacon The Venerable John Green CB QHC, Chaplain of the Fleet
3, Silent tribute in memory of Shipmates who have Crossed the Bar
4, Opening remarks by the National President
5, Patronal messages and fraternal greetings -The General Secretary
6, The National President welcomes: The Maire of Ouistreham who will open Conference and, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope KCB OBE ADC, First Sea Lord, who will address Conference,
7, The National President's Address: Vice Admiral John McAnally CB LVO
8, President's Awards for Recruiting Full Members: Sword of Honour -Area with the greatest increase in 2009 Brigg's Dirk -Large Branches (over 30 Full Members) Brigg's Rose Bowl Small Branches (Under 30 Full Members) Overseas Branches (over 30 Full Members) Overseas Branches (under 30 Full Members)
President's Award for the Area with most Gift Aid Returns The Tasker Bowl
9, Standing Orders Committee: a, Report b, National Council Elections -1,3, 4, 5, 10 and 12 Areas (I, 3,4 and 12 Areas unopposed), Elections held in 5 and 10 Areas, c, Election of Two Members of Standing Orders Committee in accordance with Bye-Law 14 (c) if required in place of SIMs Avery and McDermott, both of whom offer themselves for re-election,
10, Minutes of the 2009 Annual Conference a, Acceptance b, Matters Arising
11, To receive the Honorary Treasurer's Report and the Annual Accounts for 2009
12, To receive the Report of the National Council from the National Chairman with statements by the Chairmen of the Finance and Administration Committee and the Association Management Committee,
13, Anv Motions of Urgency,
14, Proposed Amendments to Supplemental Charter
15, Branch Motions:
Weekend Agenda
3 June Afternoon/PM Arrive at Hotels
3 June 1930-2359 France Nord's Welcome Reception/Buffet with wine/Bar/Entertainment
- Prior Booking Required - about £22 per head. Event 1 (White Ticket)
4 June 0930-1700 Annual Conference - Lunchtime Buffet (2 courses with wine) - Prior
Booking Required - about £20 per head. Event 2 (Blue Ticket}
4 June 0900-1600 Alternative event for those not attending Conference Plenary session.
Visit to Bayeux, including a visit to the famous Bayeux Tapestry,
Bayeux Cathedral and a Vin d'Honneur with the Mayor of Bayeux - Prior
Booking Required - About £15 per head for Coach Trip and Entry Fees.
Event 3 (Green Ticket}
(Lunch will be taken in a large restaurant which provides meals ranging
from baguettes to a three course lunch, so this will be extra).
4 June 1900-2359 Conference Gala Dinner with wine (Lounge Suits) - Prior Booking
Required - about £33 per head. Event 4 (Red Ticket}
5 June 0900-1600 Beaches and Battlefield Tour (D-Day Beaches, Pegasus Bridge etc) -
Prior Booking Required - about £20 per head including Bag Lunch.
Event 5 (Yellow Ticket)
6 June 1100RNA Drumhead Service and March Past
6June 1230Farewell Buffet Lunch - Prior Booking Required - about £22 per head.
Event 6 (Pink Ticket)
6 June PM Delegates and Observers Depart.
A "beer and wine cash bar" will be available at the Welcome Buffet, Conference Lunch,
Conference Gala Dinner and Farewell Lunch
Payment for drinks will be by chits purchased at desks on site.
Medical Notes
The personal experience of HQ Staff members is that medical facilities in France are very good. However, unless you are a resident with a French Medical Card (Card Vitale) you will need to show a European Health Card of Entitlement. Without this Card. which can be obtained by filling in an application form available from a Post Office (or in some cases your local Medical Centre), you will not get a refund of any medical expenses incurred while outside UK.
Repatriation costs can be expensive and are NOT covered by the Euro Medical Card. You are strongly advised to carefully consider taking out personal medical insurance for this short period.
Care should be taken to ensure that those who require regular medication arrive in France with enough medication to last for the duration of their stay.
Food
The food provided at the various events will be of the very good standard for which the French are famous, and will be accompanied by a moderate amount of wine. Food at each event must be ordered in advance via the booking forms, and after 1st March 2010 will be charged for, whether consumed or not. The costs of the various meals provided by the caterers have been kept as low as possible, consistent with quality and the programme for Conference (included in this Brief) indicates the likely cost of each event, although as always we are subject to the fluctuations in the exchange rate -we could win, we could lose!
Those with food allergies must have their allergy detailed on the booking form in the space provided. Such matters might involve gluten-free diets, diabetes etc We will notify those hotels and caterers of these requirements, but are unable to guarantee that there will be suitable alternatives in every case.
