TORREVIEJA “INTERNATIONAL VETERANS DAY FESTIVAL”
COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT ASTUARIAS RESTAURANT PUNTA PRIMA
4TH OCTOBER 2007
In attendance:
Rod Millington Chairman RNA/RMA
Dick Conway RNA/RMA
Baz Winwood RNA
Ted Marsh Chairman RBL
Dave Young Treasurer RBL
Royston Kear Chairman RMA
Noel Cork Chairman RAFA
Bruce Heath RAFA
Brian Bourdon RAFA
Mark Mountney Guest speaker
Rose Nettleton Guest speaker
The Chairman thanked all those present for their attendance.
Ted Marsh introduced the two guest speakers to the committee, and after a brief presentation/discussion, it was agreed by the committee to accept “Rose Financial Services” as our official sponsors of the International Veterans Day Festival 2008.
1. The committee after a short debate, agreed to approach the Town Hall with a view to holding the 2008 event at the same venue (Parque de Nations), in either May or October, depending on their recommendation, preferred day would be Friday. The committee also wish to invite representatives from the Town Council, Spanish Veterans Association, and other National Veterans Associations to be present and attend former meetings (due to the complexities regarding language we ask that all representatives be able to converse in their own language as well as English, thank you). The Mayor will also be approached with regard to providing a suitable marching band, along with the excellent provisions provided this year.
Action
Dick Conway was requested to set up a meeting at the earliest opportunity with the Mayor of Torrevieja, or his representatives..
The Chairman will email the International Veterans Associations to ask them for their support.
2. It was agreed that the event will run between the hours of 1900-2330.
The committee agreed to request the services of Eddie Cowan and Bob Pinfold to oversee the duties of the Standard Bearers, and run the Parade.
Standards will be encased, and stored immediately after the Parade to avoid damage, etc.
Action
Royston Kear
3. After this years lack of interest in setting up stalls, the committee decided to again invite local charity stalls, along with others to attend the event, hopefully we will gain more support.
Action
RBL committee members
4. The Children’s Painting Competition will take place again, with two grades (up to age 11, and 12 to 16), local schools to be approached. The theme of the paintings/drawings in 2008 will be “History of Torrevieja”. A trophy, along with a suitable prize/voucher will be awarded to the winners.
Action
Bruce Heath to approach local school administrators reference above.
5. With the sponsorship of “Rose Financial Services”, 6 more gazeebo’s are to be purchased for the event.
Action
Dick Conway
6. The committee decided after the excellent efforts provided by Baz Winwood this year to invite him again to organise the “Musical Extravaganza”, and also to compeer the whole event, introducing VIPs, the Chaplain, guests speakers, etc.
Action
Baz Winwood
7. The committee agreed to fence/rope off the VIP area, provide a seating plan along with hosts for each group of VIPs. Hosts will escort VIPs on walk about, should they so wish, and bring them back to the VIP area at the correct time to salute/watch the Parade. A dais will be provided for the Chaplains address, Mayors address, and Salute platform.
Action
Noel Cork
8. The committee were requested to provide suggestions for IVD charity raising stalls similar to this year (guess the weight of the cake, how many sweets in the jar, etc), remembering practicality of running stall, and venue (outdoors).
Action
All
9. The committee agreed to invite the following VIPs:
The Mayor of Torrevieja (or his representative)
The Mayor of San Miguel de Salinas (or his representative)
British Military Attaché, Madrid
British Consul, Alicante
Graham Knight (Torrevieja International Information Officer)
Head of Guardia Civil, Torrevieja
Head of Policia Local, Torrevieja
Russell Thompson, President of District North Costa Blanca RBL
Action
Chairman
10. It was agreed by all committee members that disabled members (plus carers), should be placed in the rear ranks of their own contingent, along with spouses/partners. Contingents will be placed further apart to allow for this, and the Parade Marshal is requested to take this into consideration when organising the Parade.
Action
All committee members, Royston Kear (last sentence)
11. The committee agreed that the new programme should include a brief outline of each organisation taking part in the event, along with the reason for the event. Programmes will be provided free, financed by advertising revenue. Where possible items included will be in Spanish and English. The new programme will be designed by Davy Young in consultation with “Rose Financial Services” our sponsors.
Action
Davy Young, Chairman
12. The committee agreed there was a need for “Committee/Host, etc”, badges.
Action
Baz Winwood
13. It was agreed that there is now a requirement for a Treasurer on the committee, this will be looked into at the next meeting – any volunteers?
14. As opposed to this year, the Tug’o’War competition will be an annual trophy presentation rather than a financial prize. Apart from the Associations mentioned above it is hoped to involve others (i.e. Torry Rugby club, Elche FC/RFC, Pilar de Horadada FC, etc).
Action
Brian Bourdon to arrange/supervise in association with Dick Conway, and the Parque de Nations staff.
15. The committee agreed to invite Chaplain Derfel Richards to again participate in the event, due to his outstanding efforts previously this year, and his splendid Spanish interpretation.
Action
Chairman
16. Any other business
Noel Cork requested that a briefing be sent to visiting VIPs, with regard to protocol regarding position, saluting, addressing, dress, maps, timings, etc.
Agreed. Chairman to action.
Brian Bourdon asked how the finance will be audited – this will depend on the new Treasurer, when appointed.
There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 1800hrs, next meeting will be held at this venue on Thursday 13th November at 1530hrs
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