NEWSLETTER
Winter 2014/2015
AGM AND LUNCH
Saturday 21 February 2015 Cumbre del Sol Restaurant
The Royal Society of St George Costa Blanca
The Annual General Meeting of The Royal Society of St George, Costa Blanca
will be held at the Cumbre del Sol Restaurant. The bar opens at noon and
member’s menu choice cards will be available for free seating. The meeting
will commence at 12.15 and Lunch will follow at approximately 12.45pm.
MENU
Tapas Selection including the following:
Medallion of Chicken with Pistachio and Bacon
Hummus with tender shoots of lettuce
Homemade Meat Balls
Crispy Salmon with Cheese and Asparagus
Curry Shrimp Tempura
Lemon Sorbet with Cava
(if weather is cold then this may be replaced by a soup appetizer)
Choice of Main Courses
Grilled Pork
Beef Stew with Juniper Sauce and Basmati Rice
Tagine of Lamb with Pear
Leek Gratin with Bechemel dry Pepper Sauce
Fillet of Sea Bass with American Sauce and Squid Noodles
Baked Cod with Apple and Fried Baby Garlic
Choice of Desserts
Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Coulis
Delicias ´Cumbre´with Honey
Apple Pie
Mixed Ice Cream
Half a bottle of wine per person and bread and ali oli is included
(extra wine and water will be charged separately)
Due to the restaurant increasing its prices for 2015, we have had to
unfortunately raise our prices accordingly, however, as is our normal practice
for this event, we are pleased to advise that the members lunch will be heavily
subsidized by the Society at a price of 14€. Guests are welcome to attend the
meeting and lunch at the price of 18€ but are not entitled to take part in any
voting process. New Members joining before or at the AGM may take
advantage of the Member Price.
The minutes of the last AGM appear at the end of this Newsletter and
members will be asked to vote to confirm that they are a true record. Also
included are the Treasurer´s Report and 2014 Accounts. Only paid up
members are entitled to vote at the AGM. Please bring your copy of the
Agenda to the meeting. Enclosed are forms for new/renewal of membership.
An email containing the reservation form for the lunch will be
forwarded to you under separate cover
The Royal Society of St George Costa Blanca
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting will be held on
21 February 2015 at 12.15 for the following purpose:
AGENDA
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
To confirm the appointment of the British Consul in Alicante as President.
Minutes of the last meeting.
To receive and adopt the Chairman’s and the Treasurer’s Reports to 31 December 2014.
To receive and adopt the Accounts for the year ending 31 December 2014.
To elect the Committee members in accordance with Bye-Law 2.
To re-appoint Mr Derick Berridge as Honorary Auditor to the Society.
Any other business notified in writing to the General Secretary 10 days prior to the date of the
meeting.
Apartado de Correos 5
03725 Teulada, Alicante.
BY ORDER OF THE COMMITTEE
NOTES FOR THE GUIDANCE OF MEMBERS
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
All members in good standing are entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting of the Society.
Voting by proxy is not admitted.
Every question shall be decided by a show of hands of those entitled to vote and by a majority of
such votes.
In case of an equality of votes the Chairman of the Meeting shall have a second and casting vote.
The declaration by the Chairman of the result shall be accepted as final.
There is no provision in the Royal Charter of Bye-Laws of the Society for the taking of a ballot or
poll.
The Chairman of the Society and other Officers are appointed by the committee.
THE PRESENT COMMITTEE
Chairman – Bob Hunt
Vice Chairman – Gaby Ferenczy
Treasurer - Bob Oxley
General Secretary – Jean Farrimond
Membership Secretary – Maggie Dennis
Committee Member -Anne Weskett
Royal Society of St George – Costa Blanca
Treasurer’s Report – December 2014
We currently have €5,867.41 in the bank account and I am holding €29.53 in cash.
As members are aware, your committee have for some years operated a policy of discounting the cost of
events to members, which has meant that anyone attending just three events during the course of the year
will effectively recover their subscription cost.
Over the last two years, with increasing charges levied by the banks on transactions, the Society has allowed
members to either effect a bank transfer or pay cash on the day.
The vast majority of members have elected to pay cash on the day. Whilst I readily accept this additional
duty, problems arise when members fail to attend without any advance notice, leaving the Society to pay for
meals not taken.
Whilst most members have subsequently paid any monies due, this situation has arisen on both of the last
two events, putting the Society in a difficult position with the meal provider, and could subsequently affect
event costings.
Subscriptions for 2015 are due at the AGM and will remain at €12.00 per member.
Bob Oxley
Honorary Treasurer
16 December 2014
R o y a l S o c ie t y o f S t G e o r g e - C o st a B la n c a
IN CO M E & E X P E N D IT U R E A CCO U N T . 2 0 1 4
IN CO M E
2013
6 0 6 .0 0
4 9 0 .0 0
2 ,1 7 0 .0 0
1 ,4 1 4 .0 0
2 4 0 .0 0
1 ,2 2 8 .0 0
---_______
6 ,1 4 8 .0 0
E X P E N D IT U R E
2013
5 7 0 .0 0
----5 2 .2 8
2 ,7 9 2 .0 0
1 ,5 7 0 .0 0
1 ,3 7 5 .0 0
3 0 .2 0
3 4 .0 0
5 8 .5 0
_______
6 ,4 8 1 .9 8
-3 3 3 .9 8
D R A FT
IN CO M E
2014
Su b s c rip t io n s
A G M Lu n ch
St G e o rg e 's B a n q u e t - M e m b e rs & G u e s ts
G a rd e n Pa rty
R a ffle / D o n a t io n s
A u tu m n D in n e r
R a ffle / D o n a t io n s
5 8 8 .0 0
5 1 2 .0 0
3 ,1 2 8 .0 0
1 4 7 2 .0 0
2 7 8 .0 0
1 ,1 5 7 .0 0
1 6 0 .0 0
_______
7 ,2 9 5 .0 0
T o t a ls
A G M & Lun ch
P rin tin g / P o s t a g e /
Sta tio n e ry / T e le p h o n e
H o s tin g / R e fre s h m e n ts
St G e o rg e B a n q u e t
G a rd e n P a rty
A u tu m n D in n e r D a n c e
P O B o x R e n ta l
B a n k C h a rg e s
W e b s ite M a in te n a n c e
2013
2014
T o t a ls
E X P E N D IT U R E
2014
6 8 0 .0 0
1 6 .2 8
1 6 .2 8
4 9 .6 0
3 ,6 9 1 .0 0
1 ,7 7 4 .7 6
1 ,4 0 5 .0 0
3 0 .3 4
--6 0 .5 0
_______
7 7 2 3 .7 6
Su rp lu s/ D e ficit ca rrie d f o rw a rd
B a la n ce sh e e t a s a t 3 1 st D e ce m b e r 2 0 1 4
In co m e & Ex p e n d it u re A cco u n t - 2 0 1 4
B an k A cco u n t
Cash in h an d
Bro u gh t fo rw ard fro m 2013
2 01 4 D e ficit
5 ,7 6 7 .4 1
6 ,2 2 9 .1 4
EVENTS
AUTUMN FUNCTION – SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER 2014
DANCE CAFE TOSCAMAR, JAVEA
During the evening of Saturday 18 October 2014 the Costa Blanca Branch of the Royal Society of St George
gathered together at the Dance Café Toscamar, Javea, with guest from the Javea 41 Club and the Javea Wine
Appreciation Society, for their annual Autumn Dinner Dance. Following a Cava Reception on the restaurant
terrace, the Branch Chairman, Bob Hunt opened the evening by first welcoming everyone and then giving a
short talk regarding the 3 members of the Gough family who, during the Indian Mutiny War and during
operations in Somaliland, were each separately awarded the Victoria Cross for outstanding valour whilst
under enemy fire; this being the only occasion during the history of the VC that 3 members of the same
family had been recognised for their courage by the award of this decoration. Bob Hunt added that the story
of the Gough was very much in keeping with one of the objects of the Royal Society to keep alive the history
of our nation by spreading the knowledge of our history, traditions and ideals and to keep fresh the memory
of those in all walks of life who have served our nation in the past to inspire leadership in the future. After
Bob's talk, the 42 people present enjoyed an excellent 4-course meal provided by the Dance Café staff. After
dinner, members and guests danced late into the evening to music and song provided by Mike Ward.
MEMBERS AND GUESTS ENJOYING THE
EVENING
MEMBERS AND GUESTS ENJOYING THE
EVENING
FORTHCOMING EVENTS - 2015
The committee are pleased to announce the following forthcoming events. Further details of which will be
forwarded to you at the appropriate time to enable you to make your reservations.
Please make a note in your diaries, the Society looks forward to seeing you there.
24 April 2015
St George´s Day Banquet
13 June 2015
Queen´s Birthday Luncheon
October 2015
Autumn Function
(Further details to be advised)
APPLICATION/RENEWAL FOR MEMBERSHIP 2015
I………………………………………………………………….(Signature)
being over the age of 18 and wishing to further the Aims and Objectives of the Society,
desire to be elected as a Member of the Royal Society of St George Costa Blanca.
SURNAME (Title, Awards)
……………………………………………………………………….
FORENAMES
………………………………………………………………………
ADDRESS
……………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………….
DATE OF APPLICATION
………………………EMAIL …………………………………...….
TELEPHONE No……………………………
MOBILE No.………………...…………….......
The newsletter is sent by Email to all members who have this facility.
Annual Subscription is 12.00€ per member.
Please complete and return to: The General Secretary, The Royal Society of St George,
Apartado de Correos 5, 03725 Teulada (Alicante)
96 648 2137
616 012 719
Bank Transfers to:
(Please mark as membership fee)
Name of Bank: BANKIA BRANCH 9678 Teulada/Moraira
Account Name: The Royal Society of St George
IBAN:
ES41 2038 9678 2560 0038 9321
SWIFT:
CAHMESMMXXX
APPLICATION/RENEWAL FOR MEMBERSHIP 2015
I………………………………………………………………….(Signature)
being over the age of 18 and wishing to further the Aims and Objectives of the Society,
desire to be elected as a Member of the Royal Society of St George Costa Blanca.
SURNAME (Title, Awards)
……………………………………………………………………….
FORENAMES
………………………………………………………………………
ADDRESS
……………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………….
DATE OF APPLICATION
………………………EMAIL…………………………..………….
TELEPHONE No……………………………
MOBILE No.……………...…………….......
The newsletter is sent by Email to all members who have this facility.
Annual Subscription is 12.00€ per member.
Please complete and return to: The General Secretary, The Royal Society of St George,
Apartado de Correos 5, 03725 Teulada (Alicante)
96 648 2137
616 012 719
Bank Transfers to:
(Please mark as membership fee)
Name of Bank: BANKIA BRANCH 9678 Teulada/Moraira
Account Name: The Royal Society of St George
IBAN:
ES41 2038 9678 2560 0038 9321
SWIFT:
CAHMESMMXXX
ROYAL SOCIETY OF ST GEORGE COSTA BLANCA
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
held on 22 February 2014
at Cumbre Del Sol Restaurant, Benitachell at 12.15
MINUTES
The meeting opened at 12.15
PRESENT: 34 Members & 7 Guests
The meeting closed at 12.45
APOLOGIES: President Paul Rodwell,
Mrs Margaret Ferenczy
Mr Bryn Summerhayes & Mrs Joan Summerhayes,
Mr Peter Rowsell & Mrs Judy Rowsell
Mr Howard Russell & Mrs Catherine Russell
Mr Michael Greenstreet & Mrs Celia Greeenstreet (New Members)
Mr Alan Murdoch & Mrs Rosemary Murdoch
Mr Roger & Mrs Evangeline Offord
Mr Barry Burnett
The Chairman welcomed new members who were attending their first Society meeting, Mr Stewart & Mrs
Hilary Wass, Kathe Pooley, Reverend Canon Raymond & Mrs Eileen Hodson, and Mr Jack Grindy.
The Chairman advised that he had wished to extend a special welcome to Reverend Steve Foster who had
agreed to become our Branch Chaplain but who, unfortunately due to illness, had been unable to attend the
meeting.
The Chairman also welcomed the Guests, Geoff Farrimond, Derrick & Maggie Berridge (the Society’s
Auditor), Carol Collin (guest of Peggy Skipwith), Cristabel White (guest of Mick & Maggie Dennis) and
Peter & Jane Jamieson (guests of John Deacon & Lorna Ainsworth)
1.
APPOINTMENT OF THE PRESIDENT
The Chairman was pleased to advise that following our invitation to Mr Paul Rodwell to continue as
Branch President he could now confirm that Mr Rodwell had graciously accepted and had advised
that he was happy to continue in the role.
Proposed by: Mr Mick Dennis
Seconded:
Mrs Anne Weskett
Approved:
Unanimously
2. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The Chairman advised that these were available via the Newsletter prior to the meeting. .
These were approved.
Proposed by: Mr Gaby Ferenczy
Seconded by: Mr Toby Carpenter
Approved:
Unanimously
3. TO RECEIVE AND ADOPT THE CHAIRMAN´S & TREASURER’S REPORTS TO
31 DECEMBER 2013
The Treasurer read from his report for 2013, which is attached. He advised that this had been
circulated with the Newsletter and he further advised that there had been no change in the Draft
Accounts that had been circulated at the same time, except they had now been approved by the
Society’s Auditor. The Treasurer did advise that there had been nothing shown in the accounts for
Printing or Postage costs for 2013 due to receipts not being received in time but these would now be
included in the 2014 accounts.
A copy of the Income & Expenditure Accounts is attached.
The Chairman read from his report for 2013 which is attached.
The acceptance of these reports was:
Proposed by: Mr Stephen Lemon
Seconded by: Mr David Grove
Approved:
Unanimously
4. TO RECEIVE AND ADOPT THE TREASURER´S REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR
ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2013
The Accounts for 2013 were as circulated with the Newsletter. These had been prepared by Mr Bob
Oxley, the Society’s Treasurer and Audited by Mr Derick Berrridge the Society’s Auditor. Derick
Berridge thanked Bob Oxley for his presentation of the 2013 accounts and for inviting himself and
his wife Maggie to the meeting.
These were accepted.
Proposed by: Mr Hugh Martin
Seconded by: Mr David Decker
Approved:
Unanimously
5. TO ELECT THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH BYE-LAW 2
The Chairman advised that the present Members of the Committee were prepared to serve for another
year, these were as follows:
Mr Bob Hunt MBE
Mr Gaby Ferenczy
Mr Bob Oxley
Mrs Anne Weskett
Mrs Jean Farrimond
Mrs Maggie Dennis
Proposed by: Mr Alan Gill
Seconded by: Mrs Christine Felton
Approved:
Unanimously
6. TO RE-ELECT MR DERICK BERRIDGE AS HON. AUDITOR
The Treasurer reported that Derick Berridge had again agreed to continue in the position of Hon
Auditor.
Proposed by: Mr Bob Oxley
Seconded by: Mrs Maggie Dennis
Approved:
Unanimously
7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There was no further business from the floor.
The Chairman advised that the next event would be the St George´s Banquet to be held at the
Carrasco Restaurant on Friday 25April 2014. He also advised that this year, again being very
conscious of financial circumstances, the committee would pressure the management at the Carrasco
into maintaining the lower price obtained in previous years. The Chairman stated that he hoped the
members would agree that the charge for the Banquet represented extremely good value and hoped
that all members would be able to attend and to bring along as many guests as possible.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 12.45
DATE OF THE NEXT AGM: To be announced
Royal Society of St George – Costa Blanca
Chairman’s Report – AGM 2014
I would like to open this report with the news that the new British Ambassador to Spain, Mr Simon
Manley, GMC, has accepted an invitation to be our Branch Patron. In his response, the Ambassador
stated that he would be honoured and delighted to accept the role of Patron of the Costa Blanca Branch
of the Royal Society of St George. However, he added that the nature of his appointment would mean
that he would not be a very active Patron. The Ambassador also sent his regrets that, due to duties
elsewhere, he and his wife would not be able to attend our St George’s Day Dinner. On a similar
theme, I am pleased to report that whilst he also cannot be with us today, our Branch President, Mr
Paul Rodwell, Her Majesty’s Consul in Alicante is willing to continue in the role of President for the
time being. Although it is still to be confirmed, I am hopeful that Mr Rodwell will attend this year’s St
George’s Day Dinner. I’m also delighted to be able to welcome here today our new Branch Chaplain,
Rev Steve Foster
As in previous years, I would like to continue my Annual Report by expressing my gratitude for the
conscientious and enthusiastic work of the members of the Branch committee. Whilst relatively small
in number, this hard-working group has successfully managed our affairs over the past 12 months to a
very high standard of efficiency and professionalism. As Chairman I am privileged to have had the
support of such excellent individuals. I am pleased to say that all members of the committee have
agreed to continue serving the Branch for the coming year. Moreover, I am also pleased to report that
Mr Derrick Berridge, who has done an excellent job auditing our accounts, has agreed to continue to
serve the Branch in this financial capacity.
The year 2013 was a very active period for the Branch. To start on a high note, I’m pleased to report
that for the first year in quite some time we actually saw our Branch membership increase with the
addition of 7 new members; I hope that this trend can be continued into 2014.
Our social programme opened this time last year with our AGM, which was very well attended. Our
2013 St George’s Day Banquet was again organised on the basis of a formal Dinner/Dance; this
change appeared to be appreciated by those who attended and, as a result, we will continue to organise
this event on these lines. In all other respects, the evening was run on our traditional basis and was, I
believe, enjoyed by those who attended. Our guest of honour was our Branch President, Paul Rodwell
who gave an interesting speech before proposing the toast to England and St George. The number of
people at the Dinner was good and we were once more pleased to welcome members from other local
expatriate organisations. As in previous years, the Carrasco Restaurant provided an excellent meal and
the service provided was to their usual high standard.
In June we celebrated Her Majesty’s Official Birthday with an ‘al fresco’ lunch at the La Galera
Restaurant. Once again, this event was very well attended. Unfortunately, due to a misinterpretation
of the menu presented to us in Spanish, several of our members and guests were disappointed with the
main course. Although the Meatloaf was of a good standard, it was not the Beef in Pastry expected.
The committee accepted responsibility for this mistake and will make every effort at future events to
ensure that translations correctly represent the food on offer. The problems experienced by some
members regarding seating preferences would also be resolved for future events. However, I ask that
specific seating preferences must be notified to the committee in good time and it should be
appreciated that requests contained in very late additions to the attendance list may not always be
accommodated.
The final event of the year was our dinner/dance which was held at the Dance Café, Toscamar. This
was the second year at this venue. A last-minute change to the allocated dining room, and the
appearance of an additional table, caused some disruption to our arrangements. However, the manager
and staff of the Dance Café swiftly resolved these problems and arranged an excellent evening and
provided an enjoyable meal. The speech given by our Vice Chairman, Gaby Ferenczy, on the events
surrounding the Battle of Balaclava was extremely interesting and was well-received by those present.
At this time, the intention of the committee is to return to the Dance Café for our 2014 autumn
function – the theme for the evening has yet to be agreed.
The Branch website has been continually updated by Jean Farrimond, our General Secretary, who has
worked hard with the Royal Society’s web master during the course of the year to produce a modern
and comprehensive Branch Website. This site can be viewed at www.stgeorgecostablanca.com and is
well worth a visit. Thank you Jean for all your efforts on our behalf.
The past 12 months has been an active period for our Branch of the Royal Society. In line with many
other expatriate social organisations in our area, the continuing financial crisis has, I feel, impacted on
the level of support at our social events. However, attendances at our functions during 2013, coupled
with the increase in membership, indicates that there remains a strong interest in keeping alive the true
‘spirit’ of being English. Consequently, and with your continuing support, your committee will work
towards ensuring an enjoyable programme of events during 2014.
R G T HUNT
Chairman
22 February 2014
Royal Society of St George – Costa Blanca
Treasurer’s Report - 2013
Your committee has continued to provide a discount to members on all the Society’s events, and I am
pleased to report that it is our intention to carry on with this strategy to encourage your continued
support and the recruitment of new members. You will recall that we waived the joining fee two years
ago, and last year, I reported that we had lost our sponsor and business partner following a takeover of
the company. However, the Society is in a sound position financially, due largely to the almost
prohibitive cost now of flying over and accommodating a guest speaker from the UK, although it is a
provision that we continue to maintain should we be successful in obtaining a celebrity guest to speak
at the Banquet.
We are again proposing no increase in the membership fee. Members know that the Society offers very
good value for money, and we appeal to you to play your part in helping to recruit new members. Last
year, anyone attending just three of our four regular functions actually had the costs discounted by
more than the membership fee. With retirements expected at the end of 2014, we also need some new
members to continue the work of the Committee.
On behalf of the Branch I would like to again record our thanks to John Cunningham for his generosity
in continuing to pay our capitation fee to the Royal Society, and also to Derick Berridge, who has once
again persevered through my accounting and produced a credible audit.
I will be available at the AGM to answer any questions that members may have.
Robert Oxley
Honorary Treasurer
21st December 2013
INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT - 2013
INCOM
E
INC
OME
201
2012
612.00
548.00
2,710.0
0
1,886.5
0
406.00
1,788.0
0
3
Subscriptions
AGM Lunch
______
_
8,815.5
0
606.00
490.00
St George's Banquet - Members / Guests
2,170.00
Garden Party
1,414.00
240.00
Raffle/Donations
Autumn Dinner Dance
265.00
600.00
2013
1,228.00
Raffle/Donations
---
Business Member Sponsorship
---
_______
Total
6,148.00
EXPENDITURE
2012
696.00
40.00
69.64
3,037.0
0
--2,070.0
0
2,012.1
5
28.45
37.00
229.90
_______
8,220.1
4
2013
570.00
AGM & Lunch
Printing/Postage/Stationery/Telephone
Hosting/Refreshments
2,792.00
Speaker Costs
---
Garden Party
1,570.00
Autumn Dinner Dance
P O Box Rental
Bank Charges
Website construction/maintenance
1,375.00
30.20
34.00
58.50
_______
Total
6,481.98
Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2013
Cash in hand
52.28
St George's Banquet
Surplus / Deficit carried forward
Bankia
Account
---
6,211.41
17.73
6,229.14
-333.98
Income & Expenditure Account 2013
Brought forward
from 2012
2013
Deficit
6,563.12
-333.98
6,229.14
I have examined the support documentation for the year, and I am satisfied that
the above accounts are a true reflection of the Society's financial affairs
Derick Berridge
Auditor