1 We welcomed twenty-two members to the meeting.
2 Apologies had been received from Roger, Bill & Pinky, Harry & Gaynor, Bob & Sonja, Ian & Jayne, Nigel & Sarah, Jeff & June, Dave W and Ken.
3 Barry reported that due to the awful weather on the day we did not take part in the Fonmon Castle Classic Vehicle Show held on Saturday 16 September, 2023. The organisers were informed of the reason for our absence, and they have invited us to next year’s Show.
4 Our Officer positions are due for renewal at the AGM on 12 November, 2023 and whilst most of the Officers have agreed to stay in office we will need a new Assistant Rep. Nominations please.
5 An Emergency First Aid Course is now booked for Thursday 16 November, 2023 from 0930 to 1630 at Dinas Powys. Definite names before the end of the month please. (Barry, Malcolm, Jeff, Tink and Les so far).
6 Barry reported on a possible Christmas Away Weekend either 1/3 or 15/17 December, 2023.
He had obtained two quotations for a weekend away:
The weekend would consist of:
Arrival on the Friday mid to late afternoon. At 1800 three course dinner from either Option 1 the Hotel restaurant menu or Option 2 a Cold Buffet from the Bed and Breakfast establishment.
Bed and full English Option 1 or a Welsh Breakfast Option 2 for Friday night/Saturday morning and Saturday night/Sunday morning.
Saturday day do your own thing.
Saturday evening at 1800 Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and Secret Santa.
Prices: Option 1 – The Sandringham Hotel, Weston Super Mare – £188 per couple for the weekend excluding parking.
Option 2 – The Old School House Bed and Breakfast premises, Pencader, Carmarthenshire – average of £300 per couple for the weekend dependent on which room you are in. This includes parking, free use of a hot tub and reduced bar prices.
Following a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that we should book the Hotel at Weston – Option 1; thirteen people at the meeting confirmed that they would attend on the weekend of the 1 to 3 December. Other members are now invited to attend that same weekend and bookings would have to be given to Barry by no later than 2100 on Sunday 22 October, 2023.
7 Provisional plans for a Show with Merthyr Scooter Club at the Labour Club, Merthyr Tydfil during 2024 are still under discussion but we are awaiting the GWOCGB Calendar for 2024.
8 Barry reported on the Monthly Update from Vale Food Bank that he had received. The need for donations was continuing to increase. Unfortunately, Unilever Limited had still not restarted their donations of Pot Noodles to us despite Roger’s best efforts.
9 It was confirmed that there would be no theme for our Wing Ding to be held in 2024 at Caerphilly RFC.
10 Barry distributed most of the ordered SWW Polo Shirts to the members present. He would be taking new orders for Polo Shirts at £12.50 each. Please contact Barry soonest if you want to order.
11 Events coming up:
a. GWOCGB Member’s Open Meeting at Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa on Sunday 23 October, 2023 starting at 1100.
b. South Wales Wings Christmas Away Weekend at The Sandringham Hotel, Weston Super Mare – Friday 1 to Sunday 3 December, 2023.
c. GWOCGB AGM at Bromsgrove Hotel & Spa on Sunday 21 April, 2024 starting at 1100.
d. South Wales Wing Ding at Caerphilly RFC Thursday 18 July to Sunday 21 July, 2024
12 Our finances as of 8 October, 2023 were:
a. Current Account £26.35, Deposit Account £3,937.33.
13 AOB:
a. Barry reported that Les had donated to the Region a chrome 1&7/8inch tow ball and bolt, if anyone is interested in making an offer for it. He also has the same size towing hitch if someone needs one.
b. Malcolm reported on correspondence he had received from Pat Helm GWOCGB Membership Secretary reminding all members that their GWOCGB Membership Fee at the reduced rate is due as at 1 January, 2024. If you previously paid by Standing Order, please contact your Bank urgently to amend the amount payable. The fees for 2024 are £40 for joint and £32 for single membership.
c. Shane asked what a “Drop Out” was as one had been recently advertised in the GWOCGB WingSpan and on the Website. A “Drop Out” is a no-frills camping weekend primarily geared to people who can look after their own needs. No showers, no entertainment, generally some food. A very cheap way to spend a weekend away especially if you have a motor home with all the needed facilities.
14 The raffle raised £26 for Regional funds, thanks to Chris and to all those who contributed in some way.
15 Date of next meeting – Sunday, 12 November, 2023, starting at Taffs Well RFC. 1830 AGM then after, usual monthly meeting.
Ride safe and stay healthy.
Barry
South Wales Wings 