CANADIAN GUARDS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HELD IN THE FOX AND FEATHER PUB

OTTAWA, ONTARIO

18 OCTOBER, 2008

CALL TO ORDER

1. The Chairman, John Barclay, called the meeting to order at 1000 hours. He explained that Ian Douglas was not able to preside because of illness. There were 18 members present.

REMEMBERANCE

2. Gerry Wharton read the Regimental Prayer.

3. John Barclay read the Roll of Honour. There were 22 names on the Roll. A minute of silence was observed.

WELCOME

4. The Acting President welcomed those present and noted that the Petawawa delegation included Norman McBride, newly elected Vice President of the local Branch. He also explained that Jack Coghill was out of town thus could not perform the piping duties. He advised that there would be a short meeting of Board of Directors, after the AGM, to elect the Executive.

5. He read from the notes sent by Ian Douglas wherein the President stated that, though the ranks of our comrades continue to thin, the Association remains active and vibrant with a current paid membership of over 600. He reminded members that our brothers in other regiments are fighting a war and that as well as remembering those killed in action we should also remember the hundreds of others who have been wounded during the conflict. He noted that the Association donated an unsolicited $100.00 to the recent Military Families Fund Run by sponsoring Heather (Inrig) Gulyas. He asked members to give thought to contributing money to assist soldiers’ families and asked for ideas for other ways the Association could or should help in this regard. In the spirit of the Guards Help program perhaps we should discuss this at the next Annual General Meeting as something in which we might get involved.

Specifics will come out in committee reports but I wish to congratulate and thank all of those who gave of their time and effort in all areas of responsibilities.

MINUTES

6. The Minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and it was moved by Ambrose Dwyer and seconded by JP Riendeau that the Minutes be adopted as read.

CARRIED

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

7. 50th Anniversary of the first full dress Guard Mount on Parliament Hill.

GUARDS 2009 7-9August 2009

Bill MacIver provided a hand out and proceeded to brief the members on the plan for Guards 2009 Reunion. He stated that while there was considerable interest in holding some type of event to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Changing of the Guard there appeared to be little interest in having a full reunion type of event. However, in light of the considerable support offered by the CO of the Ceremonial Guard and the cooperation of Carleton University officials a more elaborate affair that will be more in keeping with the traditional reunion format is now planned. Due to the support so kindly offered by the CO the focal point of all activities will be Carleton University which is the base of operations of the Guard. The event is planned for August 7, 8 and 9, 2009.

A small working group has been formed under the chairmanship of Al Johnston. Members are Bill MacIver, JAS Haley, Howard Pierce, Dave DeClerq and John Barclay.

Support

Support for our activities is being provided by the Ceremonial Guard and Carleton University. Preliminary meetings have been held with the CO of the Guard and the University Director of Housing and Conference Services and another is planned for mid November.

Finance

It is anticipated that the event will be revenue neutral. Should Association funds be required authority will be requested from the Board. Due to the anticipated reasonable charges it is planned to charge one overall fee for Registration, Barbecue, Reception and Brunch. There will be separate charges for accommodation and parking.

Attendees will be required to forward payment with their Registration Form.

Summary

Bill stated that considerable progress has been made to date. Final details, schedule and all associated costs, will be announced in the December Newsletter. Registration Forms will be mailed in March.

Gerry Wharton reminded members of the support the Guard has given the Association over the years and asked the Chairman to thank, on behalf of the members, the CO for his continued support.

The members agreed with the plan as briefed and directed the working group to proceed.

REPORTS

8. a. President’s report

In his report, the President noted the success in achieving acceptance of “Nevada” and “Chalk River” claims by Governor-in-Council. He noted that the situation needs to be watched closely as it unfolds. To this end he stated that he is in contact with Percy Price and Chris Beattie who are actively following the issue.

The report noted that the membership continues to grow which is a direct result of the excellent communications through the Newsletter, the web-site and the Guards Net. Kudos to those volunteers who keep them running. The report noted that some regimental associations are very impressed with the foresight and positive dedication of The Canadian Guards Association.

The report noted that 132 sat down to dinner at the Atlantic reunion in Port Hawkesbury and that a great time was had by all.

In closing the report, the President stated how enthusiastic he is about the Reunion, Guards 2009, 7 to 9 August. He noted the planning done so far and stated that all members should look for Guards2009 details in the December Newsletter.

  b. Financial Report.

The Secretary/Treasurer presented the audited Financial Report. He stated that as of 31August, 2008 the assets of the Association consisting of cash in the bank of $8,764.88 and investments of $15,518.85 totalled $24,283.73. He further stated that as of 31August “CDN Gds Museum Acct” balance was $17,656.22 and the “Guards Museum Trust Acct” held in the Canadian Forces Central Fund balance was $10,479.19 for a total of $28,135.41. These two accounts are administered by CFB Petawawa NPF and are not included in the Association Financial Report. The Treasurer advised that since the Guards Museum Trust Account is now over $10,000, the intended goal when set up by Dick Wallace over 10 years ago. This account is wholly distributed by the Association although it is accounted for by the CCFC and earns 4.5% interest. After some discussion concerning the Trust Account, the Secretary/Treasurer was directed to review the purpose of the account and the administrative procedures used and report his findings and recommendations to the next Annual Meeting.

It was moved by Percy Price and seconded by Myles Gregg that the Financial Report be accepted.

CARRIED

c. Membership Report.

Bill MacIver reported that as of 31August, 2008, there were 625 members in good standing. Twenty-one people joined as paid up life members in 2008.

 d. Museum Report.

Gerry Wharton reported that the Canadian Guards Collection of the CFB Petawawa Military Museum is in good condition with our artefacts being well displayed and in a quality manner that has gained several favourable comments over the past year. He noted that as detailed in the financial report we have adequate funds to meet any eventuality and will not, in his estimation, ever require another fund raising effort.

He reported that on 29 July, several Association members attended the interment of the remains of Major (ret’d) W.D. (Bill) Marshall at the National Military Cemetery. The service was conducted of the Rev. Frank Patrick who had been a Guardsman in the 2nd Bn in the 60’s and who had been a great comfort to Bill and his wife Margaret, in his last days. Mrs. Marshall asked that we accept Bill’s medals for the museum which were gratefully received. They are of interest because they are typical of the decorations won and worn by many the founding members of the Regiment. They represent Bill’s landing on D-Day with the HLI through to Korea with the RCR and service in Germany with the 2nd Bn. Included with his commemorative medals is the Nijmegan march medal and unique to this collection is Bill’s Army pilot’s wings. They make a strong statement that although the Regiment does not have battle honours emblazoned on its Colours, many who served in its ranks saw more than their share of combat.

 Gerry also accepted a boxed 3-D paper laminate, full-colour Sentry Box w/ Guardsman on duty. It is not an artifact but will be placed on the wall outside the Collection as a handy explanation of the entryway to the Collection. The piece was made by Gail Gilchrist, wife of Ron Gilchrist. The Chair thanked Ambrose and asked that the Regiment's thanks be given to the artist.

Gerry went on to state that the museum committee will be meeting in Petawawa within the next month to make some minor adjustments to the displays.

He concluded by thanking the members of Petawawa Branch, in particular Norman McBride, for their continued support to the Museum. He noted that without their commitment we would not be able to operate.

e. Guards Help

Percy Price reported that he attended the Atlantic Reunion and, pursuant to his position as Guards Help chairman, had face-to-face interviews with 19 people. Percy went on at some length to make it clear that the contents of such interviews  were entirely confidential, strictly between Percy and those interviewed. He was able to provide advice to others who approached him at the meeting. VAC had mailed information packages which were handed out.

He added that the new policy regarding hearing loss meant that lump sum payments were now the norm but that those who have already been granted a monthly pension for hearing loss would continue to receive it. Those who in the past have applied and been denied hearing pensions, should reapply through VAC.

He noted that the Nevada payment of $24,000 to those who qualify has been approved. No further action is required on this matter.

In regards to Chalk River, Suffield and Gagetown, a claimant must provide medical evidence of a condition that could have resulted from the exposure to radiation or chemical substances. If one thinks he has a possible claim, the individual is to contact DND not VAC.

f. Communications

Website – Gerry Heffernan reported that the site continues to be popular if the number of visits is any indication. He stated that the domain name has been renewed for three years at a cost of $116.65. It is expected that the site host PRIMUS bill will be approximately $250.00.

Guards Net - The net continues to work well with over 400 addressees on the list.

Newsletter – John Barclay reported that there were three Newsletters – Winter 2007, Spring and Summer2008- published by the Association since the 2007 AGM. A total of 1,750 copies were mailed including one overweight mailing, at a total cost of $4,400. The Newsletter is also available on the National website and the Atlantic website. Gerry Heffernan and Robie Woodworth were thanked for doing such a fine job of maintaining the respective websites. He stated that the Association has nearly 30 correspondents and encouraged others to contribute. He concluded by saying the Newsletter is still a valid and affordable means of communicating with the membership and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future.

He stated that the deadline for articles for the winter is 21Nov.

g. Petawawa Report.

President Ambrose Dwyer presented the report. He noted that 77 Association members and ladies attended dinner in the Picton Legion this past August. He thanked Roger St Jean for organizing such a fine evening of dinner and entertainment. He stated that the Annual Dinner and Meeting will be held in the Pembroke Legion on 21November. Cost will be $15.00 per person which includes wine.

h. Atlantic Branch.

The Atlantic Branch reunion held on 10-12 Oct went well, with over 130 at dinner on Saturday: about 110 attended the meet and greet on Friday. Ambrose Dwyer passed out the handbills for the 2009 Atlantic reunion, which takes place in Clarenville, Newfoundland, on 11-13 September with Bernie Skehen chairing the event. Details will be published in the winter newsletter.

OTHER OLD BUSINESS

8. There was no other old business.

NEW BUSINESS

9. Election of the Board of Directors.

Pursuant to article 130.6 of the By-laws of the Canadian Guards Regimental Association, the Nominating Committee proposes the following nominees for election to the Board of Directors of the Association. Each candidate has agreed to let his name stand. The Nominees are:

For election to the Board; (in alphabetical order)

John Barclay (Vice President and Newsletter)

Henry Campbell (Pembroke/Petawawa Branch)

Terry Dexter (President-Atlantic Branch)

Ian Douglas (President)

Ambrose Dwyer (President, Pembroke/Petawawa Branch)

J.A.S. Haley (Director, Guards Net and Membership statistics)

Gerry Heffernan (Director and Webmaster)

Al Johnston (Secretary/Treasurer)

Bill MacIver (Director and Membership)

Norman McBride (Pembroke/Petawawa Branch)

Howard Pierce (Director)

Percy Price (Director and Guards Help)

Gerry Wharton (Past President and Museum)

A vote was held and all above candidates were elected to the Board of Directors with 18 members voting for and none against.

APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR

10. It was moved by Al Johnston and seconded by Gerry Wharton that Dave DeClerq be appointed as auditor for 2009.

CARRIED

OTHER BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR

11. There was no other business from the floor.

ADJOURNMENT

12. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1055 hours.

A.S. Johnston	I.C. Douglas
Secretary/Treasurer	President

Note: Following the meeting the executive was elected by the Board of Directors as follows: President - Ian Douglas; Vice-President - John Barclay; Vice-President - Al Johnston; Vice-President - Bill MacIver; and Secretary/Treasurer – Al Johnston.