MINUTES OF THE ZONE MEETING

HELD AT BRANCH 002, IN REICHENBACH ON

SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2006

 

In Attendance:

 

Zone                                      Zone Commander                                          Reg Bonnar

                                             Deputy Zone Commander                              Gerard Lemay

                                             Sgt-at-Arms                                                  Jocelyn Gelinas

                                             Zone Secretary                                              Patrick Gaussiran

 

Branch 001                            1st Vice President                                          Matthew Guyea

                                            

Branch 002                            President                                                       Raymond Robbins

                                             1st Vice President                                          Bill Fairley

                                             2nd Vice President                                          Franz Leppla

                                             Sgt-at-Arms                                                  Alfons Deguire

 

Branch 003                            President                                                       Frank Maher

                                            

Branch 004                            2nd Vice President                                          Hubert Gänswein

                                             Sean De Roe                                                 Treasurer

                                             Frank Becker                                                Secretary

                                             Lucien Perraut                                               Sgt-at-Arms

                                             Service Officer                                              Gaetan Bienvenue

 

Branch 005                            President                                                       Ben Zonnenberg

                                             Treasurer                                                      Piet Polderdijk

                                             Sgt-at-Arms                                                  Hendrik Kuiper

 

Observer Members in Attendance:

 

Branch 001                            Member                                                        Theresia Lemay

                                             Member                                                        Syd Phillips

 

Branch 002                            Member                                                        Bruce Oakley

                                             Member                                                        Frances Leppla

                                             Member                                                        Ken Gardiner

                                             Member                                                        Doris Gardiner

                                             Member                                                        Ken Lumsden

 

Branch 003                            Member                                                        Valerie Corbeil

                                            

Absent:

 

Harry Irish - President Branch 001 who is recovering from surgery.

Lasca Monrose - President Branch 004 who had a work commitment.

 

 

Item                                                               Description

 

Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Zone Commander distributed to each Branch an information folder. The content of the folder is listed at Annex A.

 

1.       The Zone Commander opened the meeting at 1400 hours by welcoming all in attendance. Continuing his opening remarks the Zone Commander gave a report on the condition of the two remaining War Veterans in the Lahr area:

 

      George MacMullen; George had a rough time over the Christmas period with a bad case of the flu but has since recovered and is doing fine. His family in Canada sent him a Christmas present which certainly lifted his spirit. I am very pleased regarding his care at this facility.

 

     Thomas J Andrews; Andy has been having some bad days lately but remains stable. Our Dutch members paid him a visit this weekend which brightened his day. Unfortunately there is not much to report on his progress to recovery.

 

2.       The minutes of the last Zone Meeting was read. There being no observation of errors or omissions the minutes were adopted as presented. Adopted by Comrade Bill Fairley and seconded by Comrade Frank Becker.

Motion Carried

 

3.       The financial statement was presented and there being no questions the financial statement was adopted as presented by Comrade Raymond Robbins and seconded by Comrade Frank Maher.

 

Motion Carried

 

Old Business

 

 09 OCTOBER 2005 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION 450 CEREMONY

 

4.  Zone had a good turnout at this Ceremony which paid tribute to the crew members of a RAF aircraft that crashed. The ceremony took place in a local cemetery in Budel-Dorplein, a town just south of Eindhoven, the Netherlands. We were very well received at this ceremony and thanks to District Chairman and Parade Marshal, Bob Lacey we experienced no difficulties in parading our full complement of Colours.

 

20 OCTOBER 2005 IJZENDIJKE; THE NETHERLANDS

 

5.    The Zone Commander and the 1st Vice President of Branch 002 attended this ceremony with the Belgium Legion Members providing the Colour Party. This ceremony honouring the 41victims of an accidental explosion that took place on this date in 1944 is done in two parts in the morning we parade at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegen, Belgium where those who were not blown to kingdom come are buried and in the afternoon a ceremony at the memorial located on the actual site of the tragedy in IJzendijle the Netherlands.

 

      The majority of the soldiers present on that fateful day were from 204 Armoured Assault Squadron, Royal Engineers. Ten soldiers of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps of the 7th Infantry Brigade who were there re-fuelling and re-supplying this unit also lost there lives.

 

      The Zone Commander expressed a special thanks to Comrade Iris and Daniel Van Landschoot and family for making their stay at this ceremony very pleasant and memorable. Thanks also to the Belgium members of Branch 004 who provided the Colour Party.

 

05 – 06 NOVEMBER 2005 BEAUMONT-HAMEL & VIMY CEREMONIES

 

6.  The Zone Commander explained that the date of the Vimy Remembrance Day Ceremony was changed suddenly to coincide with the Aboriginal Spiritual Journey and was held on 2nd November instead of the following Sunday as usual. In conversation with the Director of Vimy, Al Puxley was just told the change would be made and had no choice in the matter. Al will be returning home this spring as he described the move “I am being reassigned”. Members of Zone Europe would like to extend best wishes to Al and his family on their return to Canada.

 

6.       Beaumont-Hamel Ceremony was very nice in spite of the weather which was wet and windy. Our Zone Colour Party plaid a significant roll in the ceremony which was acknowledged by the Director Arlene King and several dignitaries present at the ceremony. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion by the Deputy Zone Commander Gerard Lemay accompanied by the Zone Sgt-at-Arms Jocelyn Gelinas. A reception was held following the ceremony where a lot of the conversation was focused on this year’s event which will be the 90th Anniversary of Beaumont-Hamel.

 

11 NOVEMBER BRANCH REMEMBRANCE DAY ACTIVITIES

 

7.   This item will be included under report by Branches.

 

New Business

 

ZONE ELECTIONS 2006

 

8.  On 16 November 2005 the Zone Commander sent a letter to all Branch Presidents outlining the procedure of electing members to the Zone Council. In the letter he asked the Branch Presidents to submit the name(s) of any member of their Branch interested in running for a position on the Zone Council by the end of the year 2005.

 

9.       In fairness to changes that could occur in the Zone Council and to allow ample time for a smooth change over period prior to the Branch Elections in March the Zone Council will be ratified at the Zone meeting in January 2006.

 

10.   Having received no challenge to the Zone Council and the present members indicating their willingness to continue for another term if elected the Zone Commander asked for a motion to be put forward from one of the Branch Presidents in attendance to endorse the present Zone Council for another term.

 

11.   A motion to that affect was made by Comrade Raymond Robbins, President of Branch 002 and was seconded by Comrade Ben Zonnenberg, President of Branch 005. All in attendance were in agreement.

 

Motion Carried.

 

BRANCH ELECTIONS

 

12.   The Zone Commander provided the Branches with additional information in the folders to consider when having their elections and wished all Branches successful elections. The Zone Commander would like to be advised of the actual date planned for elections and to be provided with the results including contact information postal addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses if available ASAP following the elections.

 

MAY CEREMONIES IN THE NETHERLANDS

 

13.   In spite of the announcement last year that the ceremony in Wageningen would no longer take place the Zone Commander just received news that the ceremony will take place as usual on 5 May 2006 with some minor changes. An organizational meeting is expected to take place in March. The Zone Commander will be represented at this meeting by an executive member of Branch 005. In addition there will be a Remembrance Ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten on 4 May to which we have been invited. More details of these events to follow after the organizational meeting in Wageningen.

 

14.   With the closure of military establishments in the Netherlands it is becoming more difficult to find accommodations. Branches are requested to advise soonest members wishing to attend these ceremonies being specific regarding your accommodation requirement, when you will arrive and when you plan to leave for home. Security is another concern especially at military establishments so be sure to include with your list an ID or passport number and your car model, colour and license plate number.

 

REPORT FROM BRANCHES

 

15.   Branch 001; The 1st Vice President Mathew Guyea reported that the President Harry Irish is doing very well following his hernia operation. Remembrance Day Ceremony was very successful in spite of the confusion as to where the ceremony will take place. A small group of ex-service members in the area invite members of the Canadian Forces based in Europe to a ceremony in Hügelsheim. However the Legion holds their ceremony in Sölligen where the Legion memorial is located in the Canadian Section of the local cemetery where the 108 Canadians are actually buried. Members are asked to have their membership cards with them for presentation when participating in Legion activities such as bingo, general meetings etc. Branch elections are scheduled for 1 April 2006. All members will be notified by letter as well as posted in the clubhouse. The letter will clarify the voting procedure, who is eligible to run for office, the positions on the executive and list of nominees received to date.

 

16.   Branch 002; The President Raymond Robbins reported that they are very happy with their new clubhouse in Reichenbach following the unannounced sudden closure of the former location in Lahr. The Branch financial situation will improve somewhat since the new landlord allows them the use of her facilities at no cost. The general membership have been hesitant to date visiting our new premises due to the location but when we start having functions it is hoped members will support the Branch. Bingo is still well supported so for that we a re grateful. The Branch once again had a successful Remembrance Day Ceremony on 11 Nov at the Canadian Section of the Lahr Cemetery with a good turnout of members and local citizens. Branch elections are scheduled for 26 March 2006.

 

17.   Branch 003; The President Frank Maher reported that the Branch provided a Colour Party in support of the Military Remembrance Day Service at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, the Netherlands. The Branch also provided a Colour Party at the Remembrance Day Ceremony with the Royal British Legion in Rheindahlen. The Branch was also requested and provided the Sgt-at-Arms at the RBL Remembrance Ceremony. The Branch membership at present stands at about 60% military personnel and 40% civilian members which is considered a good mix of members. A charity casino night was held recently which brought in about 450,00 Euros which was donated to a local orphanage. Overall the Branch financial situation is good but the clubhouse furnace needs to be replaced and negotiations with the landlord are ongoing as to covering the costs of this project. The next event will be a Super Bowl Party with a live feed for the game and although the game will take place in the wee hours of the morning a good crowd is expected. The actual date of the Branch elections will be determined at the upcoming executive meeting and the Zone Commander will be notified.

 

18.   Branch 004; The Service Officer Comrade Geatan Bienvenue reported that Branch held a Remembrance Day Service in Werl which was a great success and thanked all members who participated. The Branch also held their annual Remembrance Day Service at the Canadian Section in the Cemetery at Kippenheim. The Branch is in the planning stages of organizing a ceremony in Werl on 18 June. Protocol will be similar to last year with accommodations arranged at 25,00 Euro per night with breakfast and following the ceremony a local Gasthaus owner has volunteered a five course buffet style dinner for 9,00 Euro which will be the responsibility of the member. Zone will be requested to provide petrol costs as they did last year. Branch elections are scheduled to take place on 11 March 2006.

 

19.   Branch 005; The President Comrade Ben Zonnenberg reported that the Branch is doing better and better. The Branch conducted a poppy campaign which was successful and they will expand the campaign to other areas this year. The Branch Remembrance Day Service in Apeldoorn was well attended and successful. The Branch financial situation is good and they have finally received the International Bank Code from Dominion Command where they can now transfer money directly via IBAN and Swift Code for supply goods and per capita tax at a considerable saving. The Branch has finally found a Clubhouse called the Mondani Restaurant in the town of Lochem. The owners are a couple he is Dutch and she is Canadian and the interior decor has many Canadian pictures and art works which is considered ideal for our purpose. The Branch website at www.rclbranch005.nl is being visited frequently, a surprising number from Canada and the USA. Branch elections are scheduled for 11 Feb 2006.

 

OPEN DISCUSSION

 

20.   The Zone Commander started the discussion with a quick review of the folder content elaborating on the Credential Certificate which is a requirement in order to have representation for your Branch at the Dominion Convention. Fill out the form have them signed and return to the Zone Commander ASAP.

 

21.   Reviewed a few items of mail received:

 

  1. MWO Ken Lutz of the 1 R NFld R will be involved in the planning of the ceremonies at the five Caribou Monuments commemorating the 90th Anniversary in 2006. He asked if we would like to participate with a Colour Party as part of their delegation. More details to follow.

 

  1. Les Clipston of Branch 264 in Calgary has a wall of Branch Guest Ribbons. He has ribbons from Br. 001 and Br. 003 and is requesting the other European Branches to send him one of theirs.

 

  1. The Seaforth Highlanders of Holland Memorial Pipes & Drums have offered to provide their band in support of our ceremonies in the Netherlands.

 

  1. Joop Wlinden of the Royal British Legion sent a letter of thanks for our participation at the 450 Ceremony and requested pictures of the event. He took a few but ran out of film.

 

  1. The Zone Commander has been in contact with Fran Mac Bride of the Post War Graves in Europe Project to have Comrade Geatan Bienvenue’s son’s name added to the Memorial in Iserlohn. This has no been done and the Zone Commander was personally thanked by Comrade Bienvenue, his wife and family for his efforts in initiating and seeing this project through to completion. Fran also informed us that the project is coming to an end and will be turned over to Veterans Affairs in the near future.

 

  1. The approval of By-Laws was discussed. The Zone Commander stated that the European Branches are classified as Independent Branches of Dominion Command therefore the approval of By-Laws or any amendments to the By-Laws shall not become effective until approved by Dominion Command Constitution and Laws Committee. The General By-Laws Article VI item 606.

 

  1. Communications between Branches was discussed and although have improved could be better especially concerning Branch activities. The Zone Commander offered especially for the Branches that don’t have their own webpage to include Branch activities on the Zone Webpage at www.rcl-europe.org if provided with the information.

 

  1. Branch 004 raised the issue of proxy votes for their upcoming election since they have a number of Belgium members eligible to vote and would be unable to travel to the Branch on the Election Day. The Zone Commander made it clear that proxy votes are not allowed at Branch elections (Rules of Procedure for Legion Meetings Article 6b) there is also a provision for an advanced pole but again the member must vote in person. Unfortunately the rules can not be changed to fit a circumstance so you will have to work it out in accordance with the regulation.

 

  1. Branch 005 raised the question of Dutch Citizens that are members of Legions Branches in Canada. It had been agreed on by Dominion Command that once the Dutch Branch was formed in the Netherlands that these people would be transferred to Branch 005 but to date this has no happened. The Zone Commander said he would look into the matter either before or at the Legion Convention.

 

  1. Comrade Bill Fairley said anyone interested in obtaining a live feed decoder through the AFN satellite receiver hotbird to contact him following the meeting.

 

  1. Comrade Bienvenue mentioned to us for ceremonial purposes to consider that next year in 2007 would be 40 years since the Canadians Air Force left Zweibrucken and in 2008 would be 55 years since the Canadians Army left the Hanover area.

 

Meeting Adjournment

 

22.  There being no further business to discuss a motion was made by Comrade Mathew Guyea and seconded by Comrade Bill Fairley that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 1700 hours.

 

 

Note: The next Zone Meeting will be hosted by Branch 001 in Söllingen on Saturday 22 April 2006 at 1400 hours.

 

 

 

 

Patrick Gaussiran

Zone Europe Secretary
 

Reg Bonnar

Zone Commander, Europe

Approved / Not Approved
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Annex A

 

Folder Contents:

 

  • Itinerary
  • Minutes of the last Zone Meeting
  • Financial Statement
  • Events Calendar for 2006
  • Credential Certificate for Dominion Convention
  • Branch contribution to Ceremonial Fund
  • Branch Membership Picture
  • Wearing of the Poppy
  • Information regarding Branch Elections
  • Copy of the present Zone Organization Chart
  • Copy of the Branch Organization Chart