Meeting Notes November, 2022 

                                     

  1. We welcomed twenty two members to the meeting.
  2. Apologies had been received from Bill & Pinky, Harry & Gaynor, Nigel & Sarah, Jeff & June, Anita, John, Keith, Dave, and Ken.
  3. Malcolm reported on “The General” Graham Evans’ Funeral which had been held recently. Ten Goldwings had escorted the hearse on Graham’s final journey and the cremation was very well attended by civilians, Wingers and ex-military personnel including standard bearers. A large number of family and friends also attended the following wake held at a local public house. The family had requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Graham’s charity The Royal British Legion. As a result, many South Walians had donated to the charity in his memory, a grand sum of £85.00 was raised. A very nice thank you card had been received from June, his Widow and Jackie his Daughter. Another fine gentleman we have lost.
  4. Malcolm briefly outlined the business that had taken place at the GWOCGB Member’s Open meeting held at Coventry in October, 2022. Full minutes of the meeting together with the minutes of the GWOCGB National Committee that had been held over the same weekend can be found on the GWOCGB Website under the Gen. Sec. Section.
  5. Barry reminded the meeting that renewal of the GWOCGB 2023 Membership is due on or about 15 December, 2022. Renewal forms, either fillable or print off versions, are available from the GWOCGB Website. Payments can be made by BACS or by cheque (please ensure you put your 2022 GWOCGB Membership number on the reverse of the cheque and the form to ensure the Membership Secretary can identify your payment). 
  6. Malcolm reported on a successful Halloween Ride with members of the Sons of Santa motor cycle group that had taken place recently. Four South Walians had taken part on a dry evening between Port Talbot and Porthcawl.  Motor bikes of all makes and sizes had taken part in a fifteen mile run out with show lights being the norm. We also had some VIP guests from Star Wars (the costumes were fantastic). Whilst the event had been successful we had been very concerned about the constant breaches of the Highway Code that had taken place with total disregard to traffic lights, roundabouts and junction observance. When the organisers were asked about the permissions they had obtained from Bridgend County Council to put on the event the response was that had not happened!!!  We would not be taking part in any of their future events, if invited.
  7. The possible invitation to take part in Caerphilly’s River of Light Lantern Parade on Saturday 3 December, 2022 1800 to 2000 was still awaited. We have just heard from Caerphilly County Borough Council that they have now confirmed the route for the Parade and as it is mainly off road it would not be suitable for the bikes to join in. This is unfortunate but not a surprise. 
  8. The South Wales Wings Christmas Away Weekend will take place on 9/10/11 December at The Sandringham Hotel, Weston Super Mare. We have 18 people attending. No deposit is required but the £180.00 weekend payment must be made on arrival on the Friday 9 December anytime from 1400. Christmas Jumpers on the Saturday evening are a must and we will have a secret Santa. Two presents per couple, one male and one female – maximum cost per parcel £5.00. PLEASE NOTE THAT IF FOR ANY REASON YOU DO NOT TURN UP THE £180 IS STILL PAYABLE.
  9. Barry reported that we had held a very successful Annual General Meeting of the Region earlier in the evening. Draft Minutes of that meeting would be distributed to members in due course.
  10. Events coming up:
    1. Possible Caerphilly River of Light Lantern Parade Saturday 3 December, 2022 1800 to 2000.
    1. Christmas Away Weekend 9/10/11 December, Weston Super Mare.
    1. Santa Wing Escort required for the Bishton Village Hall, Newport children’s event to be held on Saturday 10 December for any available South Walians. Full details of the meeting arrangements will follow in due course.
  11. Finances as at 12 November:
    1. Current Account £118.94, Deposit Account £6,398.54.
  12. There was no Any Other Business.
  13. The raffle raised the sum of £22.00 for Club funds and Joy’s fancy Christmas tree raffle also raised £45.00 for Club funds. Christine won the Christmas tree. Thanks to all for the raffles’ support.
  14.  The date of our next monthly meeting is Sunday, 11 December, 2022, starting at 1830 at Taffs Well RFC. As is our custom, and if you can, please bring some Christmas eats to the meeting to share, something savoury and something sweet.