Meeting Notes December, 2025

          1     We welcomed twenty-two members to the meeting; it was particularly good to see June after a period of prolonged absence due to illness.

2     Apologies had been received from Chris & Roy, Bill & Pinky, Nigel & Sarah, Phil & Joy, Dave P, Dave W, Stuart, John, Shane and Harry.

3     If anyone has not had a CRASH card, please contact Barry.

4     Barry reported back on the Caerphilly Council Parade of Light Lantern Parade that took place on Friday 21 November, 2025. Six members had attended a remarkably successful Parade with South Wales Wings leading the event followed by Santa, Jazz Bands and a river of light created by the lanterns. The public turned out in vast numbers and a lot of interest was shown in the Wings. Caerphilly Council presented us with a cheque for £20.00 in recognition of us taking part.

5     Owing to the atrocious weather, the Bedwas River of Light Parade due to be held on 5 December, 2025 was cancelled.

6     South Wales Fire & Rescue Services still intend to arrange a free Biker Down three-hour course, date to be advised. Any more names to Barry please.

7     The Christmas Away Weekend in Torquay, from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 December, 2025 was attended by forty-two Wingers from five different Goldwing regions. An exceptionally good Christmas Turkey and Tinsel weekend despite the weather and a few hiccups on booking-in at reception. The rooms were clean and tidy; the food was of excellent quality and the tribute entertainment very acceptable. Malcolm presented a quiz and we celebrated with Alan Roulston his birthday on the Friday. Santa joined us all on the Saturday evening handing out the Secret Santa presents – very well received. Thank you, Santa. From the extremely healthy feedback we have had from the regions it was an excellent weekend.

8     In view of the successful weekend at Torquay, it was agreed to do it all again in 2026. Following a discussion, it was agreed to return to the Torbay Hotel in Torquay on the 4, 5 and 6 December, 2026. It was also agreed to invite other GWOCGB Regions to the event. Barry agreed to talk with the Holiday management company about possible arrangements.

9     Stuart has managed to find a Squire D21 camping trailer, so he is ready for his European travel.

10 The 2026 South Wales Wing Ding is confirmed as being held between 14 to 19 July, 2026. The venue is still to be advised, further information on Bedwas RFC site’s availability is awaited.

11 It was noted that the storage of our Container and Caravan with effect from 1 November, 2025 was going to be £600 per year following a change of site ownership. After a discussion, it was agreed that the caravan be disposed of, after the 2026 Wing Ding – an alternative site has been found. Arrangements to move the caravan will be sorted in early New Year.

12 A great big thank you to all attendees for the large quantity of chocolates and biscuits donated for the Care Homes this Christmas. Malcolm and Christine will arrange delivery to the three Care Homes that we support.

13 Bob Simpson has withdrawn his resignation for the post of GWOCGB International Representative.

14 Events coming up:

a. South Wales Wing Ding 14 to 19 July, 2026.

b. 2026 Wing Dings & Treffens now being advertised on GWOCGB Website.

15  Finances as at 14 December, 2025:

a.   Current Account £11.00, Deposit Account £3,932.41.

16 AOB:

a.   Barry reported that Taffs Well RFC now has a new Bar Manager/Steward namely Sue Jones; Lauren Griffiths, the former Steward, has moved on to pastures new.

b.   There was no AOB from the meeting floor.

17 The raffle raised £34.00 for regional funds. Grateful to all involved, especially to Irene who organised things in Christine’s absence.

18 Thanks to everyone who had brought a vast number of items for our social gathering which we thoroughly enjoyed after the meeting.

19   The date of our next meeting is Sunday, 8 February, 2026, at Taffs Well RFC starting at 1830, please note there will be no meeting being held in January, 2026.