Newsletter - September 2008
Copyright AGB 2008

by Barry Sexton

Welcome to the 2008 newsletter.  Although it has been a while since the last one it has been a rather busy year for me due to having to cover two full time jobs at the same time.  Now things are moving back to normality I can spend more time focused on Guild activity.

INTERNET –GUILD WEBSITE

It has to be said that Andrew Frost has done a sterling job in keeping us all informed of Guild activity. The Guild website looks very professional with its new image with some expert help from Stephen Turpin – thanks go to you both.

Don’t forget it is the Guild website so please use it to keep yourselves up to date with events across all three Service Guilds.

GUILD CLOTHING

Thanks to Peter and Sally Cates we now have a new supplier of Guild clothing called Image and Identity.  They can be found at www.image-identity.co.uk . The range is vast and the company would prefer orders to come through me which I will happily do at no extra cost.  The prices are competitive but are NOT inclusive of VAT and carriage.  They will send the order direct to the delivery address of your choosing.

Poly/Cotton Pique Polo shirt £8.50

Raglan sweatshirt £9.50

GUILD PRESIDENT

The Guild President The Venerable D E Wilkes OBE QHC Chaplain General HM Forces has now handed over to The Venerable S Robbins QHC (RAChD).  The Guild chairman has contacted the Chaplain General who has agreed to become our new president. He has stated that he is looking forward to meeting us and promoting the Guild wherever he can.

AUTUMN MEETING

The autumn meeting saw 4 people turn up.  After two towers the day was cancelled.  This is the first time since the reformation of the Guild that this has happened.  In future Guild members will be sent lots of reminders and encouragement to attend.  It is appreciated that Kent is not just around the corner for most members but it isn’t that far either by today’s standards. 

THIRD PARTY LIABILTY INSURANCE

In today’s current climate it looks as though the Guild will be obliged to take out 3^rd Party Liability Insurance at a cost of approx £140 a year.  This will probably mean an increase in subs to pay for it.  I am very keen to discus the issues at the AGM.  The pros and cons of the argument are attached to this letter.  I would be very grateful for your views on this matter.

TRI SERVICE TRAINING WEEK

It goes without saying that the Tri Service training week held in Lincoln organised by the RAF was a roaring success.  The accommodation was superb and the food was excellent value for money.  Peter and Sally Cates, Peter Leigh, Ian and Gill Bland, Barry Sexton, David and Val Fox and Colin Sweeny supported the event as either helpers or learners.  I am not sure who worked the hardest, the helpers or learners, but the whole week was very satisfying and thanks go to those who supported the event.