The meeting of 18th January 2009 was saddened by news of the loss of three popular members since the last meeting in November: Sid Bancroft, Eric Crowther and Stan Stevenson. All present expressed their shock and sympathy.
In the usual exhortation Secretary Len Mears gave special reference and prayers for those absent shipmates.
In a letter forwarding his annual subs, shipmate David Kerr, now living in N. Ireland, sadly told us that his wife had died recently. A letter of sympathy had been sent to David on behalf of members. The Branch had been pleased to receive Christmas Cards from most surviving Branches and was particularly pleased to receive Branch Newsletters from London and West Midlands. Len had also received a letter from Ron Collins and Muriel Giving notice of their retirement for personal reasons, and enclosing a £20 donation to funds. A letter of thanks and sympathy had been sent.
The Treasurer reported that Branch funds remained at a satisfactory level.
Chairman Frank Haworth had received letters of thanks from the bereaved families for representing Branch shipmates at the funerals of Stan and Eric.
He informed members that the next meeting (AGM!) would be held on 15th March
