## **THE NOT FORGOTTEN - NORTHERN IRELAND NE OBLIVISCARIS – Lest We Forget Registered Charity: NIC 100602** 

**Patron: Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal** 


Minutes of AGM. Held at Somme Nursing Home. On Saturday15th of June 2024 

Persons present: 

Ben Higgins, Dougie Durrant, John  Stewart,  David Longmore, Gordon Cork, Alan McCullough, Joan McCabe, Bobby Morrow  Hilary Ballance. 

The meeting was opened by our chairman Ben who thanked everyone for their attendance. 

Ben went on to explain what exactly we get from NFNI London and what he hoped we would get for this year based on his discussions with them. 

He did say however that as London was having an austerity year they may not be quite so generous as before. He said when he asked them how many beneficiaries from Northern Ireland they had on their books and he was told 143. Ben said as far as he knew quite a few of these people were already on our list and some had long since deceased. 

Our treasurer Hillary read the treasurer’s report. There were several queries relating to matters raised by Yvonne and a number of entries required explanation as to how they were entered. Ben said he would make arrangements to meet up with Hillary to sort these matters out. 

Ben explained his vision over the way forward with the new procedures and organisations involved for example Northern Ireland Veterans Welfare Service Is to replace NIVSO on this we should see a more streamlined system. The meeting then discussed various ideas and initiatives to raise the profile of NFNI following recent events. 

All positions were declared vacant and an election took place to fill them 

Chairman Ben Higgins. 

Vice chairman Bobby Morrow proposed by Hillary seconded by Joan Secretary Joan proposed by Bobby seconded by Ben Treasurer Hillary proposed by Joan seconded by Alan 

It was decided unanimously that the post of Events Coordinator be left vacant as it was no longer deemed necessary and subcommittees would be set up for the various events with everybody taking part in the organisation of such events. 



There followed a discussion about the constitution of our association and it was felt that in view of recent events it needed looked at again and possibly updated. David ‘agreed’ to have a look at this. 

It was also proposed by Hillary and seconded by Gordon that committee meetings be expanded from the executive committee to the full committee and this was agreed by all present. To avoid any more issues imaginary or otherwise there needs to be more openness. 

It was asked every member could have NFNI e-mail address and Alan said he would be in touch with the members. 

Alan also said he would look at updating the registration form to simplify it. Both he and Joan had a full list of members/beneficiaries supplied by Graeme to Yvonne and that he would have a look at this and again try to simplify things to ensure a fairer representation of beneficiaries at all our events 

Following a general discussion the meeting was closed and our next meeting scheduled for July 20[th] at Somme Nursing Home at 11-00 am