2 Issue No. 41 On taking the Chairmanship last year I had no idea how steep the learning curve would be. I knew that it would present challenges and that it would absorb a lot of time, but I wasn't quite aware of just how much of a challenge it has been. Having said that, I am enjoying the challenges and enjoying working with a great team of dedicated Association members who form both executive and non-executive roles within the NMC. Branches are being communicated with and we welcome any ideas or questions with a promise that we will listen to all of them in a positive manner. Our “events calendar” is soon to be upon us. Starting with St Annes Church Catterick for the rededication service, moving on to the Arboretum on Armed Forces Weekend and then the following week at the Tower of London. We will be busy, but happy to see as many members as possible attending. The next AGM is in October and already our Events Organiser, Mick Schultz and his lovely wife Christine have worked tirelessly to ensure that it will be a great weekend at a great price. Notices have already been out about it and we'd love to see you all in Blackpool. Come and have your say there and make your voice heard and your votes count. The AGM will be followed quickly by Remembrance which is such an important part of our existence, taking time to recall those who have served in the Corps and are now at the FRV. We have had many losses already this year and it is right that we remember them We will be holding the election of officers of the Association at Blackpool and there are some vacancies to be filled if you feel that you'd like to join the team. Experience in many roles isn't important, but enthusiasm and dedication is. I will be standing for election to the post of Chairman, as I currently hold the post unelected. Our long standing Secretary, Frank Xavier has stood down and the post is being covered by Merv Ashe who will also be standing for election in his own right. The Treasurers post was advertised and we will need to fill that vital role, and there is also a small matter of replacing our Membership Secretary as Keith O'Sullivan has chosen to stand down after many years. Our Vice Chairman is standing down in October and we must find a replacement for him too. I would like to formally and publicly thank Frank Xavier for all that he has done for the Association over many years of loyal service. His boundless efforts and detailed knowledge of affairs of the Association have been a mainstay and his loyalty is unquestionable. I am sure that most of you will have met him or know Frank very well in some capacity. He has been a true servant of the Association and he has handed over the duties in a very clear and orderly fashion which has allowed the NMC to run seamlessly through this transition. I am sure that you will all join me is wishing him all the very best for many years to come. There are changes being made, progress, not just for changes sake, and I look forward to travelling with you all through the journey of this Association year. I wouldn't miss it for quids! Per Ardua. Paul Welcome to the new look Flash Magazine! Since the motion was put forward at the October AGM last year, a lot of work and some great ideas have come together to produce it and to save an enormous amount of money which the NMC can redirect into other projects for your benefit. Chairman’s Message
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