Brigade Council – 1st September 2007 – Bradford

The following notes have been prepared as a guide to the proceedings and decisions of Council.

The Revd Steve Day, Chaplain of 28th Leeds & Leeds Battalion conducted the opening service.

The Brigade President, The Very Revd Professor Alan Main, TD MA, read a message of loyal greeting that had been sent to our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen on behalf of Council. Council then stood to receive her reply.

Members of Council were welcomed to Bradford by the The Very Reverend Dr D J Ison, Dean of Bradford Cathedral, and Mr Michael Elliott, Chair of the England Committee. The Brigade President replied and welcomed members and guests particularly members of the Global Fellowship Executive, Judge Reg Lockett, Brigade Honorary President and his wife Edna, Brigade Honorary Vice President and Mr John Neil OBE, Brigade Honorary President. He also read out a letter of greeting from The Girls’ Brigade.

Copies of the Standing Orders for the procedures at meetings of Council were accepted.

Members of Council stood to remember members of the Brigade who had died in the past year.

Minutes of Council held in 2006 in Cardiff, which had been circulated were proposed and seconded.

Mr John Young MBE, Brigade Vice President presented the Annual Report for the session 2006/07. Several matters in the report were highlighted. Mr Young spoke particularly of the work of the Executive and the Brigade Staff in working towards the targets of the Development Plan. He highlighted the Engage a Generation initiative and Company Support scheme and spoke of the importance of Youth Participation. Mr Young commented that everyone will have a key moment during the last year and for him it was being present at the presentation of the Cross for Heroism to Philip Jones of 10th Wolverhampton.
In seconding the report Mr Perry Donaldson, Brigade Vice President, highlighted the importance of leadership training and
mentioned KGVI training. He also commented on developing publicity for differing audiences and the recruitment and retention of leaders.

Mr John Williams, Brigade Treasurer presented the Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2007. Mr Williams highlighted several key matters including a deficit of £92,819 on the year after paying pension fund contributions of £123,000. Legacy income in the year had been £110,000 lower than the previous session. Mr Williams indicated that the Brigade was controlling costs but that in 2007/08 we would be seeking additional sources of income.
Capitation fees over 2007/08 were noted as: Company fees £85; Officers £23; Associate Members £25; Boy Members £8.50.

Constitutional Review Group
Members of the Constitutional Review Group highlighted areas of common agreement and those receiving further consultation.  Comments were received from the floor and will form part of the feedback to the CRG

National Memorial Garden
Mr Paul Arkinstall, 2nd Sutton Coldfield, Vice President Birmingham Battalion and Mr Robin Bolton, President Wolverhampton Battalion, made a presentation regarding the National Memorial Garden.

Girls
The Brigade Secretary introduced the discussion highlighting the issues over the last few years. A variety of speakers holding different viewpoints shared their experiences with Council. Groups discussed the issues raised and passed feedback to the Executive.

BB Cameroon
Stephen Cowden, 4th Newtownabbey gave a presentation on the project to support Cameroon in its hope to become self-sufficient and highlighted ways in which Companies could support the project.

Brigade Development Plan
The Brigade Secretary and Mr Chris Row, Brigade Vice President, highlighted the areas of the 2008/13 Development Plan and provided opportunity for feedback from Members of Council.

Association of Children’s Hospices
Mr Matt Fletcher and Mr Steven McKernon gave a presentation regarding the Brigade’s Anniversary Appeal for 2008 with the Association of Children’s Hospices and the hope of raising £125,000. Companies will receive more information in the October mailing.

Council 2008
Mr David Richmond, Chairman of the Scotland Region made an invitation to Brigade Council 2008 which will take place in Tulliallan Castle, Scotland, 5th – 7th September 2008.

Brigade President
The Brigade President called upon Mr John Young, who thanked and made a presentation to the departing Brigade President. He then introduced Sir Kenneth Calman, the new Brigade President.

Council closed with worship led by Revd Steve Day, Chaplain 28th Leeds & Leeds Battalion.