1 Regimental Secretary's Office Headquarters Small Arms School ...

Regimental Secretary’s Office
Headquarters Small Arms School Corps
Land Warfare Centre
Warminster
Wiltshire
BA12 0DJ
Telephone: 0198522 (94381) 2487
Fax: 0198522(94381) 2972
Email: Regsecsasc@aol.com
Mil/CASH sasc-regsec
RS/3/8/1
See Distribution 17 Jul 06
MINUTES OF THE 60 th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SMALL ARMS SCHOOL
CORPS COMRADES ASSOCIATION HELD AT WARMINSTER ON SATURDAY 3rd JUNE
2006
Present
Col JCC Schute
Lt Gen Sir Redmond Watt
Lt Col PA Hall
WO1 N Hirst
Maj (Retd) N Benson
In Attendance There were 106 Members in
attendance
Comdt SASC
Col Comdt SASC
CI SASC
SMI SASC
Regtl Sec SASC
Chairman
Sec
ITEM 1 - WELCOME
1. The Chairman, Col Johnny Schute opened the meeting at 1845 hrs with a hearty
welcome to all those attending. He took the opportunity to reiterate the 3 points he has
expressed in the Corps Journal. Firstly, it has been a incredibly busy year, with a great deal
of structural changes and operational commitments taking place, and what is good to see
that there are so many people at the AGM who have been taking a key part in the
restructuring, the commitments level and operations. Secondly, there are so many people,
who have been involved themselves in those operations and the SASC has played a major
role in the delivery of operational output. Thirdly, sometimes it is felt that those in the Corps
are the unsung heroes in preparing units for operations, however being in regular contact
with commanding officers the efforts made by the SASC in preparing their units for
operations is deeply appreciated.
Chairman
ITEM 2 – APOLOGIES FIOR ABSENCE
2. The Secretary read out the apologies and best wishes received from the Association
members. A list of those apologies received is at Annex A..
Secretary
ITEM 3 – MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
3. The Minutes of the 59 th Meeting that was held on Sat 4 Jun 05 were approved as
read.
Proposed by:
Seconded by:
Carried
Capt R Shaw
Capt C Rose
ITEM 4 - MATTERS ARISING FROM THE LAST MEETING
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4. There were no matters outstanding or arising from the last meeting.
ITEM 5 - LOYAL GREETINGS
5. A Loyal Greeting was sent to our Col-in-Chief, HRH The Duke of York. The
following message was received from Buckingham Palace on 15 May 2006: “ Dear Major
Benson, The Colonel in Chief has asked me to write and thank The Comrades Association of
the Small Arms School Corps for their message on the occasion of their 60 th Annual Reunion
and Annual general Meeting on 3 rd June 2006. The Duke of York much appreciated your
thought in writing and has asked me to convey his best wishes. Yours Sincerely Caroline
Clark. Lieutenant Caroline Clark, Royal Navy, Equerry to the Duke of York.
Secretary
Secretary
7. A message was send to HM The Queen on behalf of the Comrades Association
informing Her of the 60 th Meeting. The following message was received from Buckingham
Palace; Please convey to all members of The Comrades Association of the Small Arms
School Corps, assembled for their 60 th Annual Reunion at Warminster, my thanks for their
message of loyal greetings and best wishes for a most enjoyable occasion.
ELIZABETH R.
ITEM 6 - CORPS UPDATE
7. CI SASC briefed the meeting that he had prematurely retired the Col Comdt last
year when it was thought Gen Brimms was going to take over, in fact Gen Sir Reddy Watt
has retained the appointment even though he will be taking up his new appointment in
August 2006. Gen Sir Reddy Watt has kindly agreed to hold onto the reins until the next
change over of Commander Field Army when Gen Lamb takes over in Apr/May 07. That is
recorded in the Journal just to keep the records straight as it is a historical record of events.
On the manning side, the breakdown as at 30 June 2006 the total is 167, consisting of:
CI SASC
8. Regular Posts. 154. (30 Offrs; 17 WO1s: 64 WO2; 43 SNCOs), LSL – 6; NRPS -
2; TAG (TA) - 6.
9. Total all Posts. 168 (The extra WO1 on LSL is WO1 (SMI) Beverage who is not
filling an SASC post however is wearing our Regimental accoutrements).
10. Posts Lost. WO1 (SMI) Else at the Phase 2 Instr School leaves in August on
Commissioning and will not be replaced. The two other SMIs at ITGIS and ITG will remain
in place although their job titles and department titles may well change.
11. Individual Losses. Maj (Retd) Benson, but not really lost. Maj Adams took a
short career break but is now back with us. Capts Wootten and Bellingham have
recently left for sunnier climates. WO1s – WO1 Beverage as mentioned earlier and
from the LSL WO1s Shepherd and Phillips. WO2 Fox the only remaining FTRS has
left. SSgt Garratt and Sgt Lewis. A plan has been submitted to withdraw all but two
posts from Northern Ireland in line with the draw down and normalisation in Northern
Ireland. Maj H Crowther will transition the OC’s post into the SO2 G7 Trg Rangers and
WO2 (QMSI) Doyle will remain out there as the only QMSI running down to an Offr
and one.
12. Posts Gained. Capt Steward filled the Chilwell post in Jan 06, the SIM WO
post has been upgraded to Capt in HQ SASC and from Apr 07 there will be a SO3 G1or
Adjt appointment. RAF Honnington have confirmed they wish to have a Captain and a
WO2 (QMSI) in line with the Competent Army Authority Initiative and both posts will be
filled by Apr 07. Still awaiting confirmation from the CTCRM, but they are expected to
retain their WO2 (QMSI) and take on a Capt by Apr 07. The Capt’s post in 22 SAS has
been delayed 12 months due to a number of course factors however, it is hoped to
provide top cover on a trial basis for 12 months from HQ SASC. If the courses remain
disjointed and difficult to plan then the post of a SASC Captain may have to be
reviewed. ITDU are waiting for an upgrade of one of their posts from WO2 to WO1 and
the change over is likely to take place when the next WO2 leaves. There is a new
requirement in Afghanistan for an additional SASC WO; WO2 (QMSI) Upton is filling
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that post at present and the additional WO2 will be in place during 2007. They are
trying to set up the same organisation as in Iraq with two SASC WO2s.
13. Recruiting. There have been 9 successful candidates from the last two
courses and the expected number on the course in Sep 06 is 8. Significant headway
has been made on the recruiting front. HQ SASC are very proactive, however we are
reliant on you being proactive as well and to help Capt Shaw meet his target for the Jan
07 course.
14. Continuance. Continuance is not as difficult as in 2004/5 and it is an option
where they can be justified to meet the Corps liabilities, however we should not have to
do that if recruiting is right and retention is good. An application has gone forward to
keep Maj S Dinley on for 12 months and that has every chance of success. The
Versatile Engagement has suffered a set back, this is the opportunity of new terms of
service, which was meant to come in by 1 Jan 08 and may well be put back. It is terms
of service, which will allow a soldier to serve for up to 40 years, which would be very
good for the SASC. It would, however need careful management to ensure it does not
block up the main stream promotion to such a degree that the SASC does not look an
attractive offer. Further information on this will be disseminated when available.
15. Promotions. Promotions since last year are listed in this year’s Journal. For
this year, Capt to Maj – 3 in zone. Conv to Reg C – 2. Conv to IRC – 4 Capts in zone,
however we may well find by Sep 06 a DIN will be issued which will grant IRC
conversion across the board so there will no longer be an SSC LE engagement.
Subsequent commissions will go to straight to IRC. It has been announced in some
Corps already, but the DIN is a bit late coming out. SSC LE – 6 WO1s competing for
possibly 3 vacancies. WO2 to WO1 – 23 WO2s competing for 5 vacancies. SSgt to
WO2 – 15 will be boarded. Sgt to SSgt – 5 will be boarded.
16. Achievements. The SASC (V) 6 Corps TA Offrs are meeting a huge TA and
Cadet commitment in courses to Cadets, TA and overseas Exercises. They are doing a
tremendous job on behalf of the TA. Our Col In Chief has been appointed the Knight of
the Garter on the occasion of HM’s birthday. WO1 (SMI) Houghton has received an
MBE, congratulations to him. Congratulations to Maj H Crowther who has been
selected for ICSC and he will go on the January course. Congratulations to WO2
(QMSI) Glade for passing the Commando course and that gives him the right to wear
the Royal Marine green beret, but not permission, as that comes from HQ SASC.
17. Summary. The CI finished off by saying the Corps is in good health and still
very much in demand. This is due to a lot of people out there doing a tremendous job
on behalf of the HQ, the Comdt and their Corps. He thanked everyone for their
continued support.
ITEM 7 - CORPS SHOOTING
18. The SMI explained Capt Thomson along with WO2 (QMSI) Gambon has
intended to train members of IWD to enter CENTSAM 06 as individuals with a view of
them qualifying for the Queens Medal Competition. This has not been possible due to
their course commitments and the only person entering as an individual is WO2 (QMSI)
Gambon. The intention was for these individuals to form the future Corps Methuen
Team and also be future Assistant Coaches and Coaches for the British Army Combat
Shooting Team (BACST). All the emphasis should not just be placed on the younger
members of the Corps. Everyone has a remit to represent the Corps as CENTSAM,
therefore we urge you all to participate at this prestigious event.
SMI SASC
19. Pistol. He also explained that WO1 (SMI) Watson and WO2 (QMSI) Stedman
are not present at the AGM as they are at Pirbright competing in the Pistol
Championships, which is taking place today. Their results will be published next week
on the Comrades web site.
20. BACST. The SMI explained the support given to the BACST is as follows:
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In Apr 05 WO1 (SMI) Beveridge and WO1 (SMI) Hailstone deployed to South Africa as
Team Coach and assistant Team Coach. The results are published in the Corps
Journal. In Nov 05 WO1 (SMI) Watson and WO2 (QMSI) Robinson were coaches with
the team in Australia with the BACST finishing 2 nd to the Malaysians. In Apr this year
WO1 (SMI) Hailstone and WO2 (QMSI) Delieu deployed to South Africa and achieved
some very credible results, which will be published in due course by the ARA. In Nov
this year WO2 (QMSI) Hazelwood will deploy to the USA as Team Coach. We
congratulate all those who have supported BACST for there professional support.
21. Methuen 05. The SMI stated that last year’s result in the Methuen was
excellent. The Corps team finished with 1220 points compared to 1083 achieved in
2004. Overall they achieved 12 th place out of 21 Teams, however, when the scores
were analysed they came 1 st in the minor units. Unfortunately there isn’t a trophy for
minor units. The Sultans Armed Forces, Oman were the winners with 1377 points.
22. Methuen 06. This year WO1 (SMI) Watson will be the Team Coach and he
has a number of names to choose from. Training will be taking place at RMAS on or
about Mon 3rd and Tue 4th Jul. If anyone else is interested then submit your name to
the SMI SASC. The Corps wishes them the best of luck in trying to better the score
from last year. As always there will be a curry lunch open to all SASC Comrades, a
return will be sent out next week.
23. Hale Trophy. WO1 (SMI) Marr won the Hale Trophy last year with a score of
225. He also won £10 from the CI, which has been paid.
24. Summary. The SMI summarised by saying it would be good to get more
people on the shooting scene. There is a need to get more experience in order to
support the Corps at CENTSAM and also to support BACST in the future. It is up to
everyone to make time in their busy schedules to get onto the firing point.
ITEM 8. - FINANCE
25. SASC Fund. The Secretary explained the following statistics from the SASC
Fund:
Secretary
a. Main Sources of Income.
Subs £13,720.11 an increase of £790.60
CB interest £1458.44 an increase of £196.45
Investment (interest) £2154.42 an increase of £624.29
Tax refund on subscriptions
£17,870.11 (please note that this was a one-off
due to subscription refunds not being claimed.)
Total Income £35,203.08
This is obviously a very large increase on last year’s income, due to the tax
refund.
b. Main Sources of Expenditure.
Grants and Donations £2,425.00,a similar amount as last year (£35.25 less).
Flowers for SASC Wives, SASC personnel on Adv Trg/Charity Fund Raising
events/Sporting Events/Battlefield Tours/RBL/ABF/SSAFA e.g. Army
Benevolent Fund - £1200; Royal British Legion - £50; BBC Children in Need -
£100; New Panteg RFC (Under 15’s team) -£200; Advertising in charitable
publications; £180. Wreaths and flowers for Corps members were £472.90.
c. Welfare. £2000. This is up on last year by about £1000 and includes
assistance given to both serving and retired members of the SASC, and in
some cases widows who requested our support. (The ABF continue to support
us with cases requiring more than £500.00.)
d. Presentations. £1,632.81 an increase of £460.74. This again reflects
the number of WOs leaving the Corps over the last 12 months, SASC
candidates stable belts, those commissioned with buttons and rank stars,
framed SASC prints and plaques to various establishments and the occasional
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visitor/VIP.
e. Accumulated General Purpose Fund. £105,505.94. An increase of
£24,092.58 (mostly due to tax refund of £17,870.11) and disregarding the Tax
refund an increase of £6222.47which is £768.96 down on last year.
The main components of the AGPF are:
Cash in Bank £60,356.97
Shop Stock £23,315.38
Investments £21,586.24
f. Investments. In accordance with our charter, it is the OIC of the
fund’s duty & policy to invest to increase the investments to protect the
longevity of the fund. Those who contribute to or have done so in the past will
want to be assured that if they ever did need assistance from the fund, it would
be available.
The net working capital, less liabilities is £82½k, take out the shop stock it can be
seen that there is still over 70% of the NWC sat in the bank (£59,412.28). Part of
that is the £10k voted across to investments last year which is still going through,
but even with that there is still 59% sat in the bank. The Secretary’s view is to
increase the investments and providing the chairman has no objections a proposer
and seconder are required to give the authority to invest a further £20k in the funds
recommended by Central Bank.
Proposed by:
Seconded by:
Carried
Maj H Crowther
Maj S Dinley
26. The Secretary announced that the fund is in good shape, the shop is going well
and he reminded everyone there are still a few commemorative tankards, plates and
umbrellas left, which in a few years will be collector’s items. He also reminded the
meeting that the SASC receives support from the ABF and to that extent a proposer
and seconder are required to enable us to donate the sum of £1,200 to the ABF.
27. Maj H Crowther commented on the fund donating to both the ABF and SSAFA
and the fact that ABF actually contribute a large proportion of their funds to SSAFA.
Should we not only contribute to the ABF, as we are an Army organisation and let the
ABF decide how much go across to SSAFA. Still donating the same amount of money
but it goes to the ABF as opposed to SSAFA. The Secretary pointed out the donation
to SSAFA was in the form of payment for an advertisement in their magazine which
cost £180.
28. Decision. It was agreed to continue to make the donation to SSAFA is this
way.
proposed by:
seconded by:
Carried
29. Secondly at this juncture the Secretary would be asking for funds to be voted
across to offset the cost of the Association Weekend, however there are actually four
main SASC functions throughout the year which require funding. They are The
Association Weekend, The Regimental Dinner, The Methuen Cup Day and the SASC
Golf Tournament. Having done the necessary calculations the sum he arrived at for
these four functions is £3200. Therefore he asked for a proposer and seconder to vote
across the sum of £3200 to offset the additional costs of the four SASC functions held
in the year.
Proposed by:
Seconded by:
Maj C Hood
Maj W Paterson
Capt G Thomson
WO2(QMSI)
Hartley
Capt C Rose asked why the amount of funds voted across to offset the cost of the
Corps Golf Tournament which is attended by the minority of members far exceeds the
amount voted across to offset the cost of the Regimental dinner which is attended by
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the majority of the Corps. An open discussion followed between a number of members
concerning the amounts used to offset the cost of the SASC functions.
30. Decision. It was agreed the CI and SMI would examine the costs of the
functions in more detail and come up with more accurate figure, which would include a
larger amount to offset the cost of the Regimental Dinner. This decision would take
place towards the end of the meeting.
31. Weapons Collection Fund.
The Fund Manager apologised that an AF1514 was not available as it has recently been
audited and has still not been completed. He did, however brief the meeting using the
last monthly statement dated 30 Apr 06.
Net Working Capital: (NWC) £22,787.55 increase of £4747.19.
Total Fixed Assets: (TFA) £23,920.67 increase of £1284.72.
AGPF: £46,708.22 increase of £6031.91.
Secretary
The principal changes in the account figures for this period reflected the monies gained
from some disposals spent on the Jane’s Defence Equipment Library software, and the
digital camera and equipment invested as property. There was also a 20%
improvement in the net working capital and an increase of £6031.91 in the AGPF.
The fund is healthy but there are plans for expenditure. There is a plan to capture the
knowledge and experience of the Trustees by way of an Audio delivery system and later
visual, similar to that in use at the Roman Baths and IWM; however, there is money in the
fund to cover our immediate requirements. The number of Civilian visitors has increased
slightly this year, however the number of military has decreased. This decrease was
expected due to commitments etc. Steps are being taken however to invite military courses
which take place at the Land Warfare Centre & Infantry Battle School to try and fit a visit into
their programme and this is progressing well. Donations this year are up from £675 to
£2028.60, added to that the sale of wpns/equipment and instruction has brought in a total of
£5743.60.
ITEM 9 - THE WEAPONS COLLECTION
32. Acquisitions and Disposals. The OIC briefed the meeting that during the past
year there were 65 weapons and ancillaries brought onto the books and 119 items
disposed of. The acquisitions and disposals for the last period was carried out thanks
to agencies, such as IWM, HM Customs and Excise who continue to supply weapons
to your heritage. As always more weapons mostly modern European/NATO weapons
are needed, however a concerted effort has been made to clear our storeroom Room 9
mainly to make room for new weapons. The Collection does not need anymore AKs
and is no longer a clearinghouse for individuals wanting a deactivated weapon to place
on their wall.
33. Visitors. The number of visitors for the period Jun to May 06 is 1280 broken down
as follows:
Jun 04 – May 05 Jun 05 – May 06
Military 737 549
TA/Cadets/POs 183 318
UK Gov/MOD 61 53
Civilians 289 307
SASC Candidates 21
Foreigners 24
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Demo/Live Firings(LFs) 5
The LFs are film companies requiring to film various weapons firing e.g. General Julian
Thompson and the Vickers MG for the History Channel.
34. Additional Trustees. Since the last meeting Maj (Retd) Maurice Fogwell, a
previous Trustee, following a period of ill health has re-joined the Weapons Collection
as a Trustee. If anyone is interested in becoming a Trustee please come and speak to
the OIC.
35. Poposals for the Improvement of the Weapons Room
The OIC explained there is an ongoing programme of improvements and reorganisation of
the collection with work being required in the Anti-tank room, MG room and the Pistol Room.
As mentioned earlier the Audio delivery system, progressing on to visual where required.
ITEM 10 - THE PRIZE DRAW
Secretary
36. The Secretary reminded everyone of the purpose of the sale of these tickets is to
fund good causes. The price has remained at £1 per ticket however have only sold £462
this year.
Retired members contributed £222.00.
Serving members bought £240.00.
We are giving back in prize money £370.00 (80%)(£190.00 Serving- £180.00 Retd)
Retired members first ticket will win….£100.00 - Won By Mr Luther Davies.
Second ticket will win………………….£80.00 - Won by Mrs M H E Bidmead.
`
Serving members first ticket will win…£105.00 – Won by WO1 (SMI) Dorward.
Second ticket will win……………...…..£85.00 – Won by SSgt Symonds.
Winners could you see me afterwards to receive a cheque and sign a receipt.
ITEM 11 – ANY OTHER BUSINESS
37. The Chairman raised the earlier matter of the funds to offset the cost of the
Regimental Dinner and other functions and the figure recalculated was £4000 as
opposed to £3200. This will bring the contribution to the Regimental Dinner up to
£1000. He then asked for a proposer and seconder to vote across the sum of £4000 as
opposed to the £3200 to offset the cost of the 4 SASC functions held throughout the
year. Before the vote was taken the CI SASC explained to Capt C Rose the actual
amount including transport that went towards the Regimental Dinner last year was £800,
this will be increased to £1000 for the dinner in Sep 06. The remainder of the funds will
be rebalanced between the three other functions.
Proposer
Seconder
Carried
38. The Colonel Commandant addressed the meeting pointing out the fact that the
Army is extremely busy and it is not just the Commandant that is told how well the
SASC are doing, but he is told as well. The reputation of the SASC in the Army is very
high and everybody recognises the invaluable contribution people make to what the
Army is doing at the moment. What is really consuming at the moment is operations
and he underlined that judging events, finding people for operational tours, keeping up
with establishment changes and everything else going on is not at all easy. He also
underlined how well the CI does that, and thanked him for himself and for the members
for doing such a good job and putting the Corps in such a good position to deliver and
do its job for the Army.
Lt Col )Retd)
Lacey
Capt R Shaw
Col Comdt
CI SASC
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39. The CI briefed the meeting about SSgt Garratt leaving the Corps. He
highlighted the fact it is never good to lose anyone from the Corps, however to lose him
to 22 SAS is not a bad place to lose them to. SSgt Garratt has attended selection, did
extremely well and congratulations are in order. He then spoke on the evenings
activities, beginning with seating plan and the reason it is used is for the old and new to
get together and chat over dinner about what it was like and is like in the SASC. He
emphasised the dinner is not a formal gathering, however asked everyone to be seated
for the toasts and to remain seated until the Col Comdt leaves the table. Lastly he
mentioned there would be no speeches tonight.
ITEM 12 – ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NEXT MEETING
Chairman
40. The Chairman gave out the arrangements for the next meeting which will take
place on Sat 21 Jul 07 at 1845hrs in Warminster.
( Signed Original)
N BENSON
Maj (Retd)
Regimental Secretary
Annex:
A. SASC AGM – Apologies and Regrets
Distribution:
Col Comdt SASC
SASC Comrades Association Worldwide
Copy to:
Comdt SASC*
CI SASC*
SMI SASC*
File
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