MINUTES OF THE ZONE MEETING

HELD AT BRANCH 001, IN SÖLLINGEN

ON SATURDAY 22 APRIL 2006

 

In Attendance:

 

Zone                                      Zone Commander                                          Reg Bonnar

                                             Deputy Zone Commander                              Gerard Lemay

                                             Sgt-at-Arms                                                  Jocelyn Gelinas

                                             Zone Secretary                                              Patrick Gaussiran

 

Branch 001                            President                                                       Matthew Guyea

                                             1st Vice President                                          Kevin Grainger

                                             2nd Vice President                                          Heinz Brinesser

                                             Treasurer                                                      Geoff Sanger

                                             Past President                                               Harry Irish 

                                            

Branch 002                            President                                                       Alfons Deguire

                                             1st Vice President                                          Bill Fairley

                                             2nd Vice President                                          Franz Leppla

                                             3rd Vice President                                          Ken Gardiner

 

Branch 003                            President                                                       Frank Maher

                                             Past President                                               Valerie Laucke

                                             Sgt-at-Arms                                                  Valerie Corbeil

                                            

Branch 004                            President                                                       Gaetan Bienvenue

                                             2nd Vice President                                          Hubert Gänswein

                                             Past President                                               Lasca Monrose

 

Branch 005                            Treasurer                                                      Piet Polderdijk

                                             Sgt-at-Arms                                                  Hendrik Kuiper

 

Observer Members in Attendance:

 

Branch 001                            Member                                                        Theresia Lemay

                                             Member                                                        Syd Phillips

                                             Member                                                        John Wallace

                                             Member                                                        Trudy Hancock

                                             Member                                                        Greg Hancock

                                             Member                                                        Heidi Scanlan-Giraud

                                             Member                                                        Bing Giraud

 

Branch 002                            Member                                                        Rosemarie Miltner

                                             Member                                                        Patrick Schütze

 

Branch 003                            Member                                                        Elizabeth Hine

                                            

 

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. The Zone Commander introduced the head table and added that since we have new members present following the recent Branch Elections he asked each to stand and introduce themselves by name, branch and executive position held. Continuing his opening remarks the Zone Commander then gave an update on the condition of our two remaining War Veterans in the Lahr area:

 

      George MacMullen; George continues to enjoy good days. The Zone Commander receives lots of mail from family members in Canada which he enjoys. George has a special person who works at the clinic that has taken a special liking to him. She thinks George is very special as we all do and even comes in on her days off to take George outside for walks. The Zone Commander is pleased with the way George is being cared for at this clinic.

 

      Thomas J Andrews; Andy has been experiencing some difficulties with rashes lately most likely a side effect from medication. He gets extremely bored but he enjoys visitors so make an effort to drop by once in awhile just to say hello. Unfortunately there is not much to report on his progress to recovery.

 

2.       The secretary read the minutes of the last Zone Meeting. There being no observation of errors or omissions the minutes were adopted as presented. Adopted by Comrade Valerie Corbeil and seconded by Comrade Kevin Grainger.

Motion Carried

 

3.       The financial statement was presented and there being no questions the financial statement was adopted as presented by Comrade Gerard Lemay and seconded by Comrade Bill Fairley.

 

Motion Carried

 

Old Business

 

BRANCH ELECTIONS

 

4.  The Zone Commander expressed his disappointment in the way Branch elections have been conducted over the past two elections periods while he has been the Zone Commander. He said he doesn’t want anyone to take what he has to say personally since it is a collective observation. It is quite obvious that the election procedures as laid out in the directives are no being followed. This lead to chaotic conditions and the members quickly loose interest in the election procedures. Obviously the end result is that the executive positions are filled and the bitching and complaining amongst the members will fade away eventually but the real problem is that everyone forgets about it and at the next election the same problems occur again.

 

     The Zone Commander said he realizes the Chairman of the Election Committee has a big responsibility and that planning and preparation is the key to successful elections. To assist in future elections the Zone Commander has prepared a scenario that will fit the situation in all of our European Branches. A copy of the election procedure is included in the Branch handouts. Rather than get into a debate today concerning these procedures the Zone Commander requested that the Branches review the contents and that they will be discussed at the next zone meeting.

 

CREDENTIAL CERTIFICATE FOR DOMINION CONVENTION.

 

5.   At the last Zone Meeting the Zone Commander gave out the Credential Certificates to be completed by the Branch and returned to him ASAP so he can represent your Branch at the Dominion Convention. He should have mailed them to Dominion Command already so he needs them today.

 

 

 

FUNERAL OF COMRADE FRED CLUE 1921- 2006

 

6.   Comrade Fred Clue was born on 2 January 1921 in Namaimo British Columbia and died unexpectedly 4 March 2006 in Roeselare, Belgium. Fred served with the British Columbia Dagroons during WWII and was a member of Branch 003. Most notably with his wife and family members he would attend the Annual Remembrance Day Service at Groesbeek since his brother Ernst who was also with the British Columbia Dagroons and was killed late in the war is buried in Groesbeek. At a request from his family the Zone Commander and Deputy Zone Commander traveled to Belgium and with the Belgium Legion Members provided a Colour Party for his funeral. The funeral was well attended and at the reception that followed the family extended their sincere appreciation for our attendance.

 

New Business

 

MAY 2006 CEREMONIES IN THE NETHERLANDS

 

7.   An organizational meeting was held in Wageningen in May and for us the procedure regarding the ceremony will be the same as in previous years. This year’s event will be on a smaller scale, lunches and drink will have to be purchased by the individuals at a low cost is about the only change. Although the liberators will certainly not be forgotten the future of this ceremony will be focused on the Dutch Military which is understandable.

 

      At the last Zone Meeting the Zone Commander asked Branches to forward names of their members wishing to attend these ceremonies. It has also been posted on the webpage but he hasn’t got much feed back. He then asked Branches for a commitment today of who will attend.

 

      Accommodations have been arranged at the Military Kaserne in Ede and Hendrik needs the Names, Passport or ID Card Number, Model, Colour and License Number of Vehicles that will travel and stay in Ede.

 

      On Wednesday 03 May Members from Lahr and Baden travel to the Netherlands.

 

      Thursday 04 May at 1100 hours we will provide a Colour Party and participate in the Ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten. In the afternoon we will visit the new Club House of Branch 005 in Lochem. That evening we will participate in the Wreath Laying Ceremony in the city center of Apeldoorn.

 

      On Friday 05 May we will participate in the ceremony in Wageningen.

 

 

6 MAY 2005 COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONY IN WESTKERKE, BELGIUM.

 

8.  The Zone Commander received an invitation to provide a Colour Party for a ceremony in Westkerke, Belgium. The ceremony is to pay tribute to the victims of a 408 Squadron RCAF aircraft that was shot down on 9 Nov 1941 in that area. The crew members are buried in a local church cemetery. The pilot was a Canadian, Pilot Officer John Cayley Wilson age 27 from Aylmer West, Ontario, Canada. The other three crew members that also perished are the Navigator Sergeant, Douglas Victor Markall, age 21 from England, Radio Operator Sergeant Douglas Frederick William Norton also from England and the Observer Sergeant Evan Bertram Te Makahi Robertson age 29 from New Zealand.

 

     In support of this request and since Canadian family members will be present at this year’s ceremony the Zone Commander and Deputy Zone Commander will depart Ede, the Netherlands on Saturday 6 May travel to Belgium and with the Belgium Legion members form a Colour Party and attend this ceremony which is scheduled to begin at 1700 hours.

 

1 JULY 2006 BEAUMONT-HAMEL AND EVENTS IN THE SOMME AREA

 

9.       Members should plan to arrive in Arras, France on Friday 30 June where limited accommodations have been arranged at the Hotel Campanille in Arras. This year marks the 90th Anniversary of the Battles in the Somme area and large crowds are expected. The ceremony at Beaumont-Hamel will take place at 1000 hours. Princess Anne (The Honorary Colonel in Chief) of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment is invited to attend the ceremony. A delegation of around 150 from VAC will attend as well as around 200 soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment so it will be quite the special ceremony.

 

      Just for information Prince Charles is invited to British Ceremony at Thiepval and the ceremony is scheduled for 1300 hours. Then there is the Irish who will have to get a ceremony in there sometime. Life will indeed be a little complicated that day!  The gendarmes are looking at closing the roads to all vehicles except official ones and putting people on buses to get them around as they are expecting around 5,000 people. Meetings are ongoing but as soon as the plan is finalized the Zone Commander will let you know whether special pass will be required for us or buss schedules etc.

 

      In the absence of the Zone Commander and the Deputy Zone Commander who will be attending the Dominion Convention in Calgary the Ceremony at Beaumont-Hamel will be handled by our capable Zone Sgt-at-Arms Comrade Josh Gelinas.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

10.   The Zone Commander had a letter from Comrade Danny Murphy, Branch Chairman of the Arnhem-Nijmegen Branch of the Royal British Legion in the Netherlands. Due to organizational problems there will be no 450 Ceremony this year. The RBL is looking at the possibility of having this ceremony every two years in the future. The Zone Commander has been in discussions with Ben Zonnenberg the president of Branch 005 as to the possibility of the Royal Canadian Legion conducting this ceremony in the off year so we don’t have to re-name the ceremony back to the Forgotten 450.

 

Just prior to this meeting the Zone Commander had another letter from Comrade Danny Murphy that he just received unexpected notification from the Amsterdam Branch of the RBL that they will be organizing the 450 Service this year. In his letter he also extended his appreciation for the interest and endeavours of the Royal Canadian Legion regarding the 450 ceremony and that our efforts will not go unnoticed within the RBL.

 

11.   Letters from the Director of Beaumont, Arlene King reference the Beaumont- Hamel ceremony on 1 July that has already been discussed.

 

12.   Letters from Josiane Boone, Canadian Embassy in Belgium reference ceremonies of remembrance in Belgium. Basically it was to have permission to forward our organization on to committees who organize ceremonies in Belgium.

 

13.   The Zone Commander was also in contact with Branch 18 in Bathurst, New Brunswick requesting information on the sister of Comrade John Hamilton. John had lost contact with his sister over the past year. Branch 18 investigated the situation and sent a full report which was greatly appreciated. John’s sister’s husband died and she was moved to a care home in Bathurst.

 

REPORT BY BRANCHES

 

14.   Branch 001; The 1st Vice Kevin Granger reported that members are participating well in the Branch entertainments and events like Bingo, Dart and Cribbage Tournaments. New executive was elected 1 April and initiated at the same time by the Zone Commander. Next events will be a BBQ on 1 May, a Dart Tournament 24 June and Canada Day Celebration on 1 July.   

 

15.   Branch 002; The President Alfons Deguire reported that the new executive has been elected as well as new members have joined their Branch from the Clue family. As Bingo is the only source of revenue for the Branch they will have Bingo throughout the year every month without pause. Also it would be nice to see more presence from other  branch members at their Bingos as well. In addition they will start holding BBQ events on Saturdays. Bill and Alfons will be participating the Parades in the Netherlands.

 

16.   Branch 003; The President Frank Maher reported that the Super Bowl party was a success. He thanked the Zone for the support at the Clue funeral. Branch 003 also have successfully elected a new executive but are still looking for an entertainment chairman. The club has installed a new furnace and purchased some smoke eaters to make the place more enjoyable. The Branch is continually trying to reduce overall spending. They are looking into setting up line dancing events and lessons in the club premises with some country & western nights occasionally. Three new Canadian members joined their branch.

 

17.   Branch 004; The President Geatan Bienvenue reported that they as well elected a new executive. In order to make the general meetings more attracting to members they serve a meal at very low costs prior to the meeting. This year’s ceremony at Werl will be on Sunday 18 June and they would like to see the same or more participation as last year. The same Hotel and Pensions are reserved again and there will be a Branch general meeting held on Saturday 17 June in Wickede after which Comrades and Guests are invited to join Branch 004 for supper. There will be various choice of meals offered at reasonable prices. Details will be sent out and distributed separately to allow interested folks to make their reservations ahead of time. On 01 July there will be a family event at the Lake of Langenwinkel called Ewaldsee starting at 1330 hours. There will be Pony & Tractor rides for the kids, horseshoe throwing, DJ music and much more. On 21 May starting 1000 hours there will be a 5-10 km walk. Meeting point is the same lake Ewaldsee.   

 

18.   Branch 005; The Sgt-at-Arms Hendrik Kuiper reported that members from all over the Netherlands will be coming and supporting the May Liberation of the Netherlands ceremonies at Holten, Wageningen and  on 20 July at Goesbeek. This year the ceremonies will be accompanied by their own Legion Pipe & Drum Band founded and supported by Branch 005 and the City of Apeldoorn.

 

OPEN DISCUSSION

 

19.   The Zone Commander reviewed the contents of the folder and requested any Branches requiring new nametags for their newly elected members to make a list and he will order them from Canada. If not done already all Branches are requested to provide a listing of their new executives to the Zone Commander.

 

20.   The treasurer of Branch 005 Piet Polderdijk who is also a Drum Major informed all present that he is forming a Pipe & Drum Band that will officially become the European Legion Pipe Band. The tartan colours he has chosen for their uniform is the colours of the Legion and by coincidence are also the colours of the city of Apeldoorn. The members of this band are made up almost entirely of Legion members. It is their desire to wear the Legion Badge on their beret and be granted the right to display the Legion logo in general on their band equipment. The bands purpose is on request to play at Legion ceremonies & events in Europe. A request was made to the Zone Commander to check with Dominion Command for permission and support with this endeavour during his visit to Canada and attendance at the Dominion Convention. Since it is expensive in starting a pipe band Piet introduced a plan by where anyone who would like to support this Legion Pipe & Drum Band financially can make any kind of donation. For details see Piet Polderdijk after the meeting. 

 

Action Zone Commander

 

21.   Hendrik Kuiper, Sgt-at-Arms Branch 005 officially invited visiting Legion members to visit the new Branch Clubhouse located in the town of Lochem following the ceremony at Holten on 4 May instead of the PPCLI Re-enactment Group in Wilp. The majority of members attending the ceremonies in May favoured a visit to the new clubhouse of Branch 005. The Zone Europe website page with the Coming Events for May 2006 will be updated to reflect this change.

 

 

Meeting Adjournment

 

22.  There being no further business to discuss a motion was made by Comrade Josh Gelinas and seconded by Comrade Harry Irish. that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 1700 hours.

 

 

Note: The next Zone Meeting will be hosted by Branch 003 in Geilenkirchen on Saturday 22 July 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