1 We welcomed twenty-five members to the meeting including a new member from Swansea, Mr Joe Honeyman, who had recently purchased Vaughans’ previously owned white GL1800 from Thunder Road.
2 Apologies had been received from Bill & Pinky, Harry & Gaynor, Bob & Sonja, Ian & Jayne, Nigel & Sarah, Jeff & June, Eddie & Sue, Ray & Lynetteand Ken.
3 Barry reported that we had a good AGM in November, 2023 with all the necessary business dealt with. He reminded the meeting that we still have a vacancy for an Assistant Regional Rep and asked for any volunteers.
4 Blood Bikes Wales will be presented with their £250 AGM agreed donation in January/February next year.
5 Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Region instead of buying Christmas Cards for their fellow South Walians this year. Christmas Wishes to each of us from each other.
6 Malcolm reported on a very successful Emergency First Aid Course that had taken place on Thursday 16 November, 2023 at Dinas Powys. Five members had taken the Course which had been paid for by the Region to meet our Health & Safety requirements for the 2024 and 2026 Wing Dings. Barry presented the Certificates to each of the members who were congratulated by the meeting in the usual way.
7 Malcolm also reported on a smashing Christmas Away Weekend held between 1 and 3 December, 2023 at The Sandringham Hotel, Weston Super Mare. Thirteen members had attended the Weekend for although the weather was cold the accommodation was warm, the food excellent and the company superb. We also had a surprise visitor in a red suit which was very unexpected.
8 Barry reported that five South Walians had travelled on their Wings to Three Cocks, near Brecon on 14 November, 2023 for a run-out. The weather had been good, and food was had at the Old Railway Siding Garden Centre; fantastic Christmas decorations at the Centre although the food in the café and the restaurant was expensive.
9 Thank you to everyone who has brought biscuits and chocolate selection boxes for our chosen Care Homes. Christine and Malcolm will arrange their delivery.
10 The 2024 date for a Show with Merthyr Scooter Club at the Labour Club, Merthyr Tydfil is still to be decided; watch this space for a precise Saturday date.
11 The previously placed orders of SWW Polo Shirts are available for collection this evening.
12 Events coming up:
a. GWOCGB Member’s Open Meeting at Bromsgrove Hotel & Spa on Sunday 11 February 2024 starting at 1100.
b. GWOCGB AGM at Bromsgrove Hotel & Spa on Sunday 21 April 2024 starting at 1100.
c. South Wales Wing Ding at Caerphilly RFC Thursday 18 July to Sunday 21 July, 2024
13 Finances as at 10 December, 2023 were:
a. Current Account £127.82, Deposit Account £3,711.46.
14 A big thank you to everyone who has brought some food for us to enjoy at the end of our meeting, it is a delight to see such a great spread.
15 AOB:
a. Dave MacFarlane’s wife Joy had been making some superb Wing Christmas tree hangers at a price of £2.50 each. We are currently in discussions with Dave about her making some for our Wing Ding goody bags if we can find a suitable sponsor.
b. We were delighted to be able to congratulate Gerald who will be 80 on Tuesday 12 December. Irene had made him a wonderful birthday cake complete with candles (not eighty of them though) and we wished him good luck in the usual way.
16 The raffle raised £44 for regional funds, thanks to Chris and all who donated a vast number of prizes this month and all that purchased tickets.
17 The date of our next meeting is Sunday, 14 January, 2024, at Taffs Well RFC starting at 1830. Following our meeting we all tucked into the delightful sweet and savoury food donations even having more than enough that we were able to invite those in the rugby club lounge to join in with us.
South Wales Wings 