Vintage and Military Amateur Radio Society Agenda for the Annual General Meeting to be held at RAF Henlow

at 1100 hrs on Saturday September 9th, 2017

1. Chairman’s welcome and opening remarks

2. Apologies for absence

3. Appointment of two scrutineers

4. Acceptance of the minutes of the 2016 AGM (Appended to this agenda)

5. Chairman’s report

4. Secretary’s report

5. Treasurer’s report (Appended to this agenda)

5.1 Acceptance of Accounts

6. Membership Secretary’s report

7. PRO report

8. RSGB Spectrum Forum representative report

9. Archive Group report

10. Publications Manager’s report

11. Election of new committee (Candidate statements and voting forms appended to this agenda)

12. Motions for debate - None

13. Election of Examiners of Accounts

14. A.O.B

v.1.01 01/05/17

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Vintage & Military Amateur Radio Society Annual General Meeting 2016

17th September 2016

Held at Midland Air Museum, Coventry Airport, Warwickshire

33 Members of the Society, including the Committee, were in attendance. The meeting opened at 1030 hrs.

1 Welcome and preliminaries Tony Barron, Chairman, opened the meeting and welcomed the Society’s Members to the Midland Air

Museum. An initial proposal to make a video recording of proceedings was withdrawn after discussion. It was

agreed that an audio recording would however be made, to assist the Minute takers in clarifying any uncertainties.

2 Apologies The Chairman reported that the Hon Secretary, John Keeley, was unable to attend as a result of ill

health. Apologies were also received from Barbara Keeley, Mike Hazell and Tony Stevenson. In the absence of the Hon Secretary, the Minutes of the meeting would be taken by David Smith and

Antony Wedgwood. 3 Minutes of the 2015 AGM Allan Coughlin proposed that the Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting, held on 18th July

2015, be approved as a true record of the proceedings, and was seconded by Robin Maddison. The proposal to approve the Minutes of the 2015 AGM was carried [unanimously]. 4 Chairman’s Report The verbal report made by Tony Barron, G3YYH, is annexed to these minutes. 5 Secretary’s Report

John Keeley G6RAV, Hon Secretary was unable to attend through illness but his report was presented by the Chairman. He began by noting the Committee had met four times during the course of the year. Meetings are normally on Saturdays and usually begin at 1000 and finish around 1500 with a break for lunch which sometimes takes the form of a working lunch. The minutes published in the News Sheet give an idea of the range of topics discussed and the expertise and experience your Committee has brought to the Society. John then took the opportunity to thank the Committee for their work and support during the year and commended the Committee to the meeting. He asked the assembled members to remember that they are your committee and to appreciate the tremendous amount of work they have put in during the year for our Society. Concluding has report, John, as always drew members attention to the sterling work done behind the scenes by Colin Guy our Archivist and his team and on behalf of the Society record our appreciation and grateful thanks to Colin and his team for all they do.

6 Treasurer’s Report 6.1 The formal Treasurer’s Report had been circulated with the accounts, and Bronek Wedzicha confined

himself to highlighting the following issues.

The bottom line surplus was uncharacteristic, because the accounts had not borne the cost of printing and distributing the final edition of Signal for 2015.

Income from auctions had led overall to a roughly break even position, and had helped to keep down the membership subscription rates.

At present, there was consequently no proposal to raise subscriptions for 2017.

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Provided that spending beyond essentials was kept under review, the Society should continue to flourish.

Overall, he was happy with the state of the Society’s finances. Bronek paid particular tribute to Brian Thomas and David Smith for setting up the present system of accounts and thanked the Committee for adhering to financial deadlines. He also thanked David Smith and Antony Wedgwood in their role as honorary examiners and for the transparency and rigour with which they approached their task and for advice received.

In reply to a question from the floor, Bronek explained that there was no specific ring-fencing of funds to

cover the RSGB insurance excess of £500 in the event of a claim, but that it could be regarded as part of the monies with Scottish Widows Bank.

He also referred to the proposed changes to taxation of interest income which were likely to bring the

Society within the orbit of the Inland Revenue.

6.2 Adoption of Accounts Stuart MacKinnon proposed that the VMARS Accounts for the year to 31 December 2015 be adopted,

and was seconded by Chris Maxwell.

The proposal to adopt the VMARS Accounts for the year to 31 December 2015 was carried unanimously.

7 Election of Officers and Committee Members Before the election commenced, a statement was read out by the Chairman, on behalf of Peter Jones.

Peter stated that he had enjoyed being involved in the management of the Society, but the last 18

months had been extremely difficult, leading to the premature retirement of our previous Chairman, Ian Underwood M0YMK, a great loss to the Society. Difficulties had continued as highlighted by postings on the Member-Reflector, leading to a stressful year for the majority of Committee members. It was with great reluctance that Peter brought it to the attention of the membership at large. In particular, Committee members had to understand that they bear collective responsibility for Committee decisions. They have the right to argue the case in committee, but if they lose the vote they should accept it – or resign their office if they feel unable to do so. It was also incumbent on them not to impart Committee business prematurely to third parties.

A brief discussion then ensued. Peter was unwilling to go further than he had already gone in his statement. A member said that he favoured consensus in Committee.

The meeting then proceeded to the election of Committee members. Candidates’ statements, which

were previously circulated with the Notice of Meeting, are annexed to these minutes.

7.1 Election of Chairman Only one nomination for this position had been received. Candidate: Tony Barron G3YYH Nominated by: Keith Yates G3XGW Seconded by: Colin Draper G3TSK There were no other candidates, but for the sake of good order, a vote was held. The results were as

follows:

Tony Barron Floor Proxy Postal Total For 22 17 43 82 Against 1 2 7 10

Tony Barron was duly elected as Chairman. 7.2 Election of Secretary Only one nomination for this position had been received.

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Candidate: Peter Chadwick G3RZP Nominated by: Angus Annan MM1CCR Seconded by: Gerald Stancey G3MCK There were no other candidates, but for the sake of good order, a vote was held. The results were as

follows:

Peter Chadwick Floor Proxy Postal Total For 25 20 51 96 Against 0 0 1 1

Peter Chadwick was duly elected as Secretary. 7.3 Election of Treasurer Two nominations for this position had been received. Candidate: Pete Shepherd G7DXV Nominated by: Stephen Lambert G8PMU Seconded by: Brian Thomas GW4KYT Candidate: Martin Smyth M0MGA Nominated by: Ian Underwood M0YMK Seconded by: Paul Craven M1PVC The results of the voting were as follows:

Pete Shepherd Floor Proxy Postal Total For 10 16 34 60 Against 2 0 9 11

Martin Smyth Floor Proxy Postal Total For 12 4 21 37 Against 0 0 14 14

Pete Shepherd, having received the highest number of votes in favour, was duly elected as

Treasurer. 7.4 Election of Membership Secretary Two nominations for this position had been received. Candidate: Ron Swinburne M0WSN Nominated by: Mervyn Terry GW8TBG Seconded by: Chris Suslowicz G8KGS Candidate: Glenis Wedzicha G6DVU Nominated by: Carolyn Underwood Seconded by: Stuart Atkinson G3YPS The results of the voting were as follows:

Ron Swinburne Floor Proxy Postal Total For 15 16 46 77 Against 0 0 4 4

Glenis Wedzicha Floor Proxy Postal Total For 9 4 8 21

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Against 0 0 20 20 Ron Swinburne, having received the highest number of votes in favour, was duly elected as

Membership Secretary. 7.5 Election of Publications Manager Only one nomination for this position had been received. Candidate: Bronek Wedzicha M0DAF Nominated by: Robin Maddison G0GNE Seconded by: George Bichard M0GXB There were no other candidates, but for the sake of good order, a vote was held. The results were as

follows:

Bronek Wedzicha Floor Proxy Postal Total For 25 20 52 97 Against 0 0 0 0

Bronek Wedzicha was duly elected as Publications Manager. 7.6 Ordinary Members – two places available Two nominations had been received. Candidate: John Butcher G4GWJ Nominated by: Richard Moys M0YSR Seconded by: Trevor Day G3ZYY Candidate: Stuart McKinnon G0TBI Nominated by: John Craig G3SGR Seconded by: Mike Hazell G1EDP There were no other candidates, but for the sake of good order, a vote was held. The results were as

follows:

John Butcher Floor Proxy Postal Total For 19 16 45 80 Against 0 0 6 6

Stuart McKinnon Floor Proxy Postal Total For 16 16 43 75 Against 4 0 8 12

John Butcher and Stuart McKinnon were duly elected as Ordinary Members of the Committee. 7.7 A brief discussion followed the conclusion of these elections. A comment was made from the floor,

drawing attention to the relatively small proportion of members who had voted, even when proxy and postal votes were included. It was also suggested that candidates might be precluded from voting for themselves, as a conflict of interest. Peter Chadwick, the incoming Secretary, undertook to look into the voting system generally, and to take these and other considerations into account.

8 Election of Honorary Examiners The election of David Smith G8IDL and Antony Wedgwood G0TJD as Honorary Examiners for the 2016

Accounts was approved by a show of hands. 9 Membership Report The Membership Secretary, Ron Swinburne, presented his Report for 2015 and began by thanking his

predecessor, Pete Shepherd, for making the changeover so smooth.

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There were now 462 fully paid up members, a net loss of ten since March 2016. New joiners in the

current year had numbered 43, to which could be added seven who had rejoined. Bearing in mind the approaching Newark Hamfest, he was confident that 2016 would show a small but definite increase over the previous year.

As part of his duties, he had not, perhaps, expected to be presented with 18 boxes of back issues of

Signal – but this was really a blessing in disguise, because it made him realize the extent of technical information that they contained, and that it would be desirable to draw the attention of members to it. He had therefore set up a simple system listing the front page contents of every issue. This was at present ‘buried’ in the Members’ Reflector, but he would be happy to forward the link by e-mail or to send a printed copy by post.

In reply to a question regarding the provision of Signal as soft-copy, Bronek reminded Members that

copyright in the articles was not held by VMARS but by the originators, which precluded the release of electronic copies.

In answer to a question from the floor, Ron said that there was no immediate proposal to limit

membership numbers, although the SRS had done so for administrative reasons. The issue would be discussed in Committee.

10 Public Relations & Publicity Stuart MacKinnon presented his report. It had been a busy year, during which VMARS has been

represented as numerous locations, amongst them Canvey Island, the NARSA Rally at Blackpool, the NVCF and Dunstable Downs. For the first time, the Society had been represented at Eastbourne, and particular thanks were due to Pete Shepherd and Les Thacker to help man the display.

He had also been thinking about future AGMs and in particular the 20th Anniversary of VMARS, which

falls in three years’ time. Possible future venues included Henlow, Yeovilton, Cranwell, Duxford and Brooklands. He had also been in discussion with Bletchley Park, which of course had particular associations with the Society.

Finally, he mentioned the forthcoming VMARS Auction on 5 November, to which guests would be

admitted but would not be able to bid on lots.

11 Archive Group In the absence of our Archivist, Colin Guy G4DDI, the Chairman thanked the archive group for their

dedicated work on continuing to provide a key VMARS service and maintaining the archive at Thorpe Camp. The seemingly inexhaustible supply of filing cabinets donated to the Archive by Stuart Atkinson G3YPS was acknowledged.

12 VMARS Publications and Handbook

Bronek Wedzicha M0DAF, Publications Manager, presented his report: My statement takes a different slant from that in previous years because the emphasis should turn to succession planning. By the date of the AGM I will have been involved in the production of 40 issues of Signal (and as sole editor of some 30 issues) and in the region of 120 issues of the News Sheet. Hitting the quarterly deadlines for Signal is becoming increasingly difficult and there will soon be a need for ‘new blood’ to maintain the technical standard, diversity and originality of our flagship publication. I have enormous cooperation and support from the many authors who contribute to Signal, but the need to source material from non-members is increasingly important. The network of contacts which has been built up over the years is fragile and new authors/contacts need to be identified and engaged. My plan is twofold. First we need to consider the way that production of our publications takes place, e.g. by engaging a separate editor for the News Sheet and enacting a team approach to the production of Signal. Secondly, we need to identify a potential Publications Manager to work with me for a year or more on the review of the way we do things and hopefully to develop that individual’s aspirations for the Journal and other outputs. So, in 2016, I will continue to deliver the News Sheet and Signal as I have done in the past and will aim to progress delivery of a succession plan. Reluctantly, I have to add that a great deal of stress and anxiety over the past year resulted from offensive remarks against the Committee by a small number of vocal individuals and I will not continue to work as a volunteer in a hobby society in such an environment.

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13 RSGB Spectrum Forum Ron Swinburne said that there was not much to report, but that if members had an issue for the next

meeting, they should let him know. The basic policy was to keep what we have, such as the use of AM on 80 metres.

14 Members’ Business 14.1 Amendment to Clause 7(a) of the Constitution – Committee position of Public Relations Officer

Peter Chadwick proposed a resolution to modify Clause 7(a) of the Constitution, the effect of which

would be to make the Public Relations Officer a formal Committee position. He explained that the role was an important one, both in promotion of the Society and in management of its day to day activities, and also provided the Committee with an insight into the way in which the Society was perceived.

The role, however, was not formally defined and arguably not necessarily answerable to the Committee.

He had therefore proposed an amendment to the Constitution to remedy these problems. The issue was not in point as far as the coming year was concerned, as the PRO had been elected to

the Committee as an ordinary member. After some discussion, it was agreed that the wording of the resolution needed further exposure and consideration, especially as it involved an amendment to the Constitution. This would be the task of the new Committee, with the aim of bringing forward a fresh proposal to the next AGM.

Peter therefore proposed that the issue should be subject to further consideration, and that a revised

amendment should be presented to the 2017 AGM. This was agreed by a show of hands. 14.2 Incorporation A member’s motion had been received suggesting that a new vote should be held on the move to

incorporate the Society because the vote at the EGM had been extremely close. A contributor from the floor noted that the number of voters overall was small and for a matter as important as this a greater representation should be sought.

After discussion, it was agreed by show of hands that the new committee would produce an updated

note of guidance and would organise an all-postal vote. It was suggested from the floor that Business Post arrangements should be used to avoid paying for postage for non-returned voting papers.

15 Committee Business 15.1 Amendments to the VMARS Constitution, Section 6 – Finance The Chairman introduced a proposed addition to the Finance Section of the Constitution. As an

unincorporated association, VMARS could not technically own assets. This could be remedied by the appointment of Property Trustees from within the membership of the Society, who would hold its assets. Conventionally, Property Trustees are independent of the Management Committee, but act under its authority and are directly responsible for the proper management of the Society’s assets.

In response to a question from Richard Moys, it was explained that the proposal was essentially aimed

at physical assets – such as valves, archives and property in the custody of the Society for auction. Tony added that the incorporation debate had led to a greater understanding of risks, but that the proposal would add little or nothing to the Society’s costs.

The Resolution was put to the meeting with the following results:

Item 15.1 Floor Proxy Postal Total For 16 4 39 59 Against 9 16 9 34

93 votes were cast in total, so that the required 2/3rds majority for an amendment to the Constitution,

namely 62, had not been achieved.

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The Resolution therefore failed. 15.2 Insurance In order to protect the members, the Committee considered it necessary, as a matter of urgency, to

review the Society’s insurance arrangements and appropriate insurance (premium £560.75) had been procured. However, insurance was not seen as a complete solution: it helps to, but does not completely protect the members.

16 Any Other Business

IARU HF Bandplan and VMARS Net Frequency The IARU HF Band Plan in force from 1 June 2016 allocates the band 3600 – 3620 kHz to all modes with a maximum necessary bandwidth of 2.7kHz. This band is also allocated for automatically controlled data stations (unattended), while AM is allowed with the proviso that adjacent channel activity should be considered when choosing operating frequencies. In response to a question from Peter Chadwick G3RZP, Tony Barron said that no consideration had yet been given to the advisability of moving the net frequency to above 3620 kHz, in order to avoid possible problems with the new band plan. Some members used crystal control, and this could be an issue. There being no further business, and after thanks from the Chairman, the meeting closed at about 1330 hrs.

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Annex 1: Report given by VMARS’ Chairman, Tony Barron G3YYH

I want to start by saying how pleased I am with the many things that the Society has achieved this year; I want to list a few and thank those responsible. We’ve run three very successful auctions. These have allowed members to dispose of equipment to good homes, for silent key gear to be passed on, and for a significant portion of VMARS’ own stock to be made available to members. I’d like to thank Stuart and all involved for their efforts, which amongst many other benefits for members resulted in substantial funds being added to VMARS’ accounts. We ran two special nets last winter, for airborne and QRP equipment. These were thoroughly enjoyed by all involved, and I would hope that we would run more this coming winter. I intend that we run nets for marine, army and QRO equipment as well as repeating the airborne and QRP nets. Thanks to all who got involved and for their valuable feedback. We have continued to produce very high quality publications, and our thanks must go to Bronek and his wider team for the many hours spent reading, editing, compiling, proof reading and circulating both Signal and the News Sheet. I consider Signal to be our highest quality and most long-lasting product; it’s now taken by at least two important libraries. I enjoy reading every article, and learn something from each. Bronek has also held the office of Treasurer for many years. It’s been a great comfort to know that the accounts are completely under control and that I need not worry about their accuracy or timeliness. We have been represented at many events by Stuart and his supporters and our profile has undoubtedly been raised as result of that. The document archive has continued to develop and be heavily used. My thanks go to Colin Guy and to Martin Longmore for their efforts, and to the museum where the archive is held. We have developed a service for members to give access to the very large number of valves held in VMARS’ stocks. In excess of 2,500 valves were moved on at auctions, many in boxes of around 100; the rest have been catalogued, and a cost-effective means of members gaining access to those stocks has been established. To date, almost 100 valves have been delivered to 25 different members and almost £500 added to Society funds, which more than pays for the costs of the service including the rental for the storage used. I want to thank the team of members who helped catalogue the valves one week earlier this summer. Following last year’s AGM, we developed a proposal to incorporate the society and held the EGM to consider that; the motion was defeated by the narrowest of margins following a lively debate. This led us to consider insurance alternatives, which are now in place. Membership has grown month-on-month; Ron has done an excellent job as Membership Secretary. We’ve run a number of regular nets which many members and some non-members take advantage of; these nets require a controller; I can’t thank each one here, but you know who you are. I also want to thank the many members who have sent messages of support and encouragement, those who do acts of kindness sometimes in unexpected ways. Overall, I believe that as a society we have done many good things in the last year. Next year, I’d like us to run a Field Day event; I have in mind at least two stations operating simultaneously, maybe north and south, to give members the opportunity to get together informally, to operate a variety of gear. We’ve done this in the Cheltenham association where I’m a member, and it’s been appreciated especially by those that can effectively no longer operate on HF in towns and cities. I am hoping that the new committee, with support from others, will develop the ideas and get an event together. I wish I could stop there, on a positive and constructive note; but there’s been another side to this year. A small number of members have almost continuously attacked the committee, objecting to almost any initiative. This has shown itself in many postings on the member reflector that make baseless insinuations about the motivation of committee members, often personally directed. This led us to revise the guidelines for use of the reflectors.

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This year we’ve been accused of being spivs, of trying to build a society composed of ‘profs and toffs’, of personal aggrandisement and much more; you will have seen and heard much for yourselves. Sometimes deep and offensive criticism has come from one member of the committee, which I consider to be most regrettable, hurtful and disappointing. These comments have verged on the libellous and slanderous, if not having crossed that line on occasions. I simply do not understand why this is justified or appropriate, and reminds me of much of Ian Underwood’s report from the AGM of last year. I fully understand why Ian stood down. What of the next year and the new committee? I hope that the result of today’s business is a committee that can collaborate, discuss, agree and execute decisions. I hope that the committee is not constantly barracked for simply trying to do the job. I hope that the committee will not run in to an internal brick wall of partisan and uncooperative disagreement. I wish the new committee well for the coming year. Two members of this year’s committee are standing down. John Keeley has for some years volunteered at the AGM to stand as secretary, and is no longer able to do that. John has been an able, diligent and careful secretary, just the sort needed. Peter Jones has been in position for some years as an Ordinary Member, and has now reached the point where the limit of service stipulated by the constitution has been reached. I want to thank both of them for their efforts for the Society, and particularly to wish John and Barbara Keeley well, and trust that good health for each of them will return.

HON. TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR TO 31st DECEMBER 2016 Notes to the Accounts 2016

These notes are to be read in conjunction with the VMARS Accounts and Balance Sheet for 2016 and are part of that document. The Society is an Unincorporated Association, formed under a Constitution, adopted on the 29th May, 1999. All surplus is passed back to Members in the form of publications, supplements and the supporting of events. Sufficient asset balance is maintained in order to provide for contingencies and emergencies. Overall layout of the Balance Sheet Following advice Antony Wedgwood G0TJD and David Smith G8IDL, we adopted a more detailed breakdown of Committee expenses (where individuals claim to be reimbursed against receipts and distance travelled) to further aid transparency in 2014. The same headings are being used in the accounts for 2016 as follows: Committee Expenses and Costs

Governance covers those costs which are associated with the basic Committee function of running the Society for the benefit of its members and in accordance with its Constitution.

Events refers to participation of Committee members at approved events (e.g. rallies). Claims for approved expenses by individuals who are not Committee are included under ‘Events (fees, other costs)’ to distinguish from Committee expenses.

Auctions comprises the expenses of Committee members involved in VMARS sales and auctions. Expenses incurred by individuals who are not Committee and other costs, e.g. hall hire, are used to calculate the net income from auctions which is shown as a separate heading.

Miscellaneous is largely stationery and postage, other administrative costs and where provided, working lunch at Committee meetings which generally begin at 10.00 a.m. and continue well into the afternoon.

Agency refers to specific situations where an item has been bought or payment made on behalf of the Society by a Committee member, who is then reimbursed the exact cost.

INCOME Subscriptions The basic Membership subscription was unchanged for 2016 but there was an increase in subscriptions income from £10299.68 in 2015 to £11249.96 in 2016. The overall number of members at the May ‘census’ was 449 in May 2015 compared with 443 in May 2016 and according to this metric has remained static from 2014 to 2016 with resignations/lapsed members being replaced by others joining or re-joining the Society. The reason for the increase in subscription income is that membership had increased to 478 by December 2016, i.e. by 29 members (accounting for £683.50 of the difference) and the timing of payments at year end 2015 (accounting for the remainder of the difference). Sales This item refers to the sale of back issues of Signal (£286.31), sweatshirts (£375.00), valves (£885.95), books (£19.10) and connector pins from the John Coggins Estate for the recovery of gold (£2067.49). The total recorded under this heading for 2016 is much higher than in 2015 (£505.50) reflecting the level of activity under this heading and the ‘windfall’ from the sale of the connector pins.

Donations Sometimes members generously include a donation with their subscription or donate the proceeds from the sale of equipment. The total recorded under this heading for 2016 is similar to that for 2015, and includes a share (£142.00) of the residue when the Hoddesdon Amateur Radio Society was closed. As Members of NARSA (Northern Amateur Radio Societies Association) we received a dividend (£30) in respect of the Blackpool Rally. Auctions In 2016 the income from auctions is analysed as follows:

Hence, the overall position is a great improvement on £763.74 in 2015.This difference reflects the increasing equipment sales activity in 2016 compared with 2015 and this is expected to continue to increase in the foreseeable future. Investment Account Interest (Scottish Widows) We continue to have £10,000 on deposit at Scottish Widows which currently is earning only modest interest: end of year balance is £10,121.94. EXPENDITURE Archive The annual cost of housing the Archive at Thorpe Camp is £300.00. Membership Services The accounts for 2016 show a gradual increase in the cost of Membership Services, from £1368.37 in 2014 to £1711.50 in 2015 to £2938.56 in 2016. The figure includes the cost of hosting the Society website: £288 for a full year, RSGB membership (£51.00) and the AGM at the Midland Air Museum (total cost under this heading, excluding individual Committee members’ expenses, £1074.00). The costs in respect of research into Incorporation and the subsequent EGM are included under Governance and amount to £470 to Debenhams Ottaway and £698.23 for printing and distribution of EGM papers. Personal expenses This section provides information for 2016 where individual Committee members have been reimbursed for actual costs incurred in connection with their official VMARS business as follows:

The mileage rate for official business remained at 20p until the Committee Meeting held on 12th November 2016 when the rate was increased to 25p, unless the use of a high consumption vehicle has been approved by Committee beforehand.

Auction proceeds 5017.17Auction costs -650.39Committee expenses -501.43Net to VMARS 3865.35

MISC GOV'NCE EVENTS AUCTION TOTALA Barron 72.30 126.30 17.00 210.73 426.33J Butcher 45.00 45.00P Chadwick 14.50 14.50P Jones 14.00 31.60 45.60J Keeley 82.40 82.40S McKinnon 2.00 19.20 134.00 107.10 262.30P Shepherd 79.16 56.40 135.56M Smyth 176.15 65.60 241.75R Swinburne 105.94 55.40 101.24 8.40 270.98B Wedzicha 22 293.7 53.2 368.90TOTALS 202.24 905.81 283.84 501.43 1893.32

Included under Miscellaneous costs in the overall accounts (but not as a personal expense listed above) is the cost of insurance amounting to £560.75. Society Publications Publications costs totalled £8339.43, significantly higher than last year (£5717.01). The November 2015 Issue of Signal did not appear until January 2016 at a cost of £1454.75. Hence, for comparison, this amount could be added to the 2015 cost to give £7171.76 for publications for 2015 and subtracted from the 2016 cost to give £6884.68. Thus, it can be seen that publications costs have remained similar in 2015 and 2016. Events

The amount spent (£174.84) in 2016 under the heading of Events is somewhat lower than that spent (£573.17) in 2015. Whereas the number of events undertaken by VMARS has not diminished, the expenses claims are significantly lower. ASSETS Property Our property assets include display material and a camera used to record VMARS events. Annual depreciation is £150.00. Equipment and valves which are currently being disposed of have not been valued so far. Archives The VMARS Document Archive housed at Thorpe Camp was valued at £10,000 in 2012. The Archive is covered by the insurance policy held by Thorpe Camp. NET SURPLUS/DEFICIT A net surplus of £3525.23 was recorded for 2016. LOOKING FORWARD The year-end outcome highlights the Committee’s intentions to provide an enhanced service to its Members by using ‘windfall’ money accrued from previous years and from auctions held during the year. Provided that spending beyond essentials is reviewed regularly, there is no reason why such windfall income should not be used to good purpose and the additional cost of insurance (taken out in 2016) be borne at least for another year before being reflected in an increase in the annual subscription. Although I stood down from the post of Hon. Treasurer at the 2016 AGM, my successor had to resign on account of work-pressures during the course of the year and I agreed to step in and complete this report as well as stand for election as Hon. Treasurer at the 2017 AGM. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Pete Shepherd G7DXV for all his hard work reflected in these accounts. BL Wedzicha M0DAF 14th July 2017

The above accounts have not yet been verified by our Honorary Examiners and should, therefore, be considered as a preliminary statement. The examined accounts will be presented at the AGM and published thereafter.

VMARS ACCOUNTS AND BALANCE SHEET TO 31 DECEMBER 2016

2016 2015

INCOME Subscriptions 11249.96 10299.68Sales 3633.85 505.50Donations 222.00 270.25Auctions/Sales (Net excl. Committee expenses) 4366.78 1068.15Investment Account Interest (Scottish Widows) 35.39 32.17

19507.98 12175.75

EXPENDITURE Archive 300.00 300.00Membership Services 2938.56 1711.50Committee Expenses:

Miscellaneous (stationery etc) 944.03 220.21Governance 2162.66 2071.85Agency 0.00 265.03Events 266.84 573.17Auction 501.43 304.41

Society publications 8339.43 5717.01Events (fees, other costs) 379.80 263.00Depreciation 150.00 150.00

15982.75 11576.18

Net Surplus / Deficit for the Year 3525.23 599.57

Balance brought forward from previous year 32507.23 31907.66

Balance carried forward to next year 36032.46 32507.23

Assets Property at depreciated cost 391.18 541.18Balance at Scottish Widows Bank 10121.94 10086.55Balance at NatWest Bank 21057.50 16065.49Debtors 0.00 0.00Archives 10000.00 10000.00

41570.62 36693.22

Less: Liabilities Funds received in advance 3510.75 3734.00Creditors 0.00 0.00Unpresented cheques 2027.41 451.99

5538.16 4185.99

Net Assets 36032.46 32507.23

Approved by the Committee

Tony Barron Bronek WedzichaChairman Acting Treasurer

Examiners' StatementTo the members of the Vintage and Military Amateur Radio Society

We have examined the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2016, which are set out above, and have found them to be in agreement with the bank statements and other records of the Society which were made available to us.

David Smith G8IDL Antony Wedgwood G0TJDChartered Engineer Chartered Accountant

Candidates Statements, Proxy Appointment & Postal Voting Forms for the VMARS 2017 AGM

(1) Tony Barron G3YYH

Tony Barron is standing for the post of Chairman.

The last year has been another successful year for VMARS. We have: run three very successful auctions

run four very successful special nets

successfully run a service to give members access to VMARS’ valve stock

continued to provide very high quality publications

attended many radio rallies

On behalf of the 2016/17 committee and those that have supported these activities I am proud that these achievements have come to pass. If I am re-elected, I would like the society to continue with its current activities, and to develop field day events to allow members to operate whose QTHs are in areas of untenable RF noise. I believe that this would materially add to members’ enjoyment of the Society. This year has also been marked by a reduction in the levels of stress caused by a vocal minority, for which I am very grateful. That reduction needs to continue for me to be prepared to stand as Chair of the Society.

(2) Bronek Wedzicha M0DAF Bronek Wedzicha is standing for election as Hon. Treasurer.

Members will be surprised to read my nomination for a post that I relinquished at the last AGM. However, owing to pressure of work, Pete Shepherd G7DXV tended his resignation at our Committee meeting in April and I agreed to step in to prepare the 2016 accounts for review and publication and to assist in whatever way I can to take us up to the 2017 AGM. The job of Treasurer requires an in-depth understanding of VMARS and there is no experienced contender for the post so, in order to maintain continuity, I feel it appropriate that I stand for election. In essence, the task is relatively straight forward for me as I have developed a modus operandi which allowed me to act as Treasurer alongside publications and other VMARS commitments, so I am comfortable in putting my name forward. An additional reason for going down this route is the fact that our increased “trading” activities through VMARS auctions are likely to make the Society liable for the payment of Corporation Tax and historical records will need to be assessed as to whether there are any arrears due. Having been Hon. Treasurer for a number of years, I should suitable to work with a tax adviser to assess our liabilities and submit the required documentation to HMRC if it is deemed to be necessary. I am looking forward to being reinstated as VMARS Hon. Treasurer at least for the coming year.

(3) Peter Chadwick G3RZP

Peter Chadwick is standing for election as Honorary Secretary I have been Honorary Secretary of VMARS since September 2016, and have managed a rapid circulation of minutes and early agreement by correspondence: this has allowed early publication in the NS. Besides preparing several articles for Signal, I have also assisted in manning the VMARS stand at a rally.

(4) Ron Swinburne M0WSN Ron Swinburne is standing for election as Membership Secretary.

I have successfully filled this post for two years and with the members approval I look forward to continuing to do so.

(5) Bronek Wedzicha M0DAF Bronek Wedzicha is standing for election as Publications Manager.

During the course of last year Ray Robinson offered to help out with the preparation of the News Sheet which has eased my editorial work-load and I am feeling more comfortable with Signal and the occasional publications such as the list of Members and auction catalogues. The latter are likely to become more frequent in the coming year but my contributors are excellent in cataloguing and illustrating their lots so the task is made all the easier. We still need to identify a potential Publications Manager to work with me for a year or more on the review of the way we do things and hopefully to develop that individual’s aspirations for the Journal as part of succession planning. Search for such an individual continues. So, if I am elected to this role in 2017, I will continue to take overall responsibility for VMARS Publications and work on Signal as I have done previously, encouraging potential authors from within our membership and more widely, the most important criterion being the technical quality of what we publish to maintain Signal as a ‘flagship’ output. Despite initial concerns, the Committee has worked well over the past year and I am encouraged that this will continue in 2017/18. For this reason I am looking forward to continuing in my present role as Publications Manager. (6) John Butcher G4GWJ

John Butcher is standing for election as an Ordinary Member of Committee.

I’m 69, a radio amateur since a schoolboy, first licenced as G8CZJ, (now held by my daughter).

I have a professional qualification in electrical engineering and while retired now, I worked most of my career in the field of operational safety of MoD facilities management, systems, and buildings. My interest in radio started with 2m home built equipment a very long time ago, when we tuned the band ‘high to low’ or ‘both ends to the middle’. I still occasionally use 2m and 4m as well as HF, mostly 80m and 40m; my main current interest is reviving old valve equipment and I am a volunteer at the HMS Collingwood Naval Radio and Radar museum. I am slowly bringing a station using a T1154 and R1155 on to the air. A few members will know me from the other interest I have in a couple of Ex-Military Land Rovers and their associated Clansman equipment.

I strongly support the objectives of VMARS, believing that if we don’t learn from history we are condemned to repeating our mistakes and that the preservation of records and artefacts is an important duty, as well as a pleasure and a hobby.

I have now served on the committee for a year and hopefully have brought my common sense approach and concern to get things done properly to the table.

(7) Stuart Mckinnon G0TBI

Stuart Mckinnon is standing for election as an Ordinary Member of Committee

Since the last AGM September 16th, 2016, I have travelled far and wide on behalf of VMARS being involved with two SK projects and members donations. By the time of the 2017 AGM at RAF Henlow I will have driven approx 3200 miles no less.

As an ordinary committee member also wearing the PRO hat, I have been responsible for writing Press releases for the Amateur radio press and provided ad hoc reports for the VMARS News letter about other members and their interests and collections. I have organised meetings at Wellington Barracks for Committee and hopefully another successful AGM at RAF Henlow.

Since we introduced members badges, I have explored and sourced VMARS Sweat Tops, Fleeces and by the time you read this we will also have Polo shirts for members.

All this activity takes time and commitment, which I am more than willing to offer, but this I would expect and see from other committee members and member volunteers, so it is not unusual. However, VMARS is as you all know is what we make it, and it is true to say I do not stand on ceremony if you’ll pardon the pun, neither do I like red tape or bureaucracy, and simply exist to enjoy this hobby. All has gone smoothly since last year’s AGM and hopefully this will continue.

I belong to the following other organisations:-

SRS

RSARS

RAFARS

GB3KD repeater Group

I

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VMARS AGM 9th September 2017 Proxy Voting Form

Appointment of a Proxy If you cannot attend the AGM in person, and do not want to exercise a postal vote, you may appoint anyone (including non-members) attending the AGM as your proxy, to vote on your behalf. If you wish, you may direct how your proxy votes by direct instruction to him/her: if you do not, your proxy is a ‘free’ proxy and he/she will vote in accordance with their own opinion. To be valid, this form must be returned to Peter Chadwick, Hon Sec. by Saturday 26th

August 2017 (Addressed to: Three Oaks, Braydon, Swindon, SN5 0AD), or by email to honsec@vmars.org.uk Please state AGM 2017 Proxy Appointment in the subject field.

Please provide an email address so that receipt of your proxy can be acknowledged.

FORMS BROUGHT BY HAND TO THE MEETING ARE NOT VALID, AND WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Please enter the NAME of your proxy. I, ……………………………………………………………………………[your name] hereby appoint……………………………………………………………[proxy’s name] to act as my proxy, at the AGM of the Vintage and Military Amateur Radio Society, to be held at RAF Henlow on 9th September 2017 signed……………………………………………………………………… date…………………………………………………………………………

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VMARS AGM 2017 Postal Voting Form

Election of Committee Members Name, Callsign and email address (for receipt notification) ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. Members have the opportunity to vote on all matters that have been placed on the agenda for the meeting. If you cannot attend the AGM but wish to take part in the voting then please use the form below. Alternatively you can appoint a proxy to attend the AGM and vote for you. Please return this form to Peter Chadwick, Hon Sec. by Saturday 26th August 2017 (Addressed to: Three Oaks, Braydon, Swindon, SN5 0AD), or by email to honsec@vmars.org.uk Please state AGM 2016 Postal Vote in the subject field. If submitting by post, please attach an email address so that receipt can be acknowledged.

Chairman FOR Nominee Tony Barron G3YYH Nominated by: Rod Hawkins 2W0XWD Seconded by: Ray Hill G0IMV Secretary FOR Nominee Peter Chadwick G3RZP Nominated by: A Annan MM1CCR Seconded by: G P Stancey Treasurer FOR Nominee Bronek Wedzicha M0DAF Nominated by: Keith Yates G3XGW Seconded by: Colin Draper G3TSK Membership Secretary FOR Nominee Ron Swinburne M0WSN Nominated by: Martin Swift. G4NCE Seconded by: Rob Thornton. G4JCY Publications Manager FOR Nominee Bronek Wedzicha M0DAF Nominated by: Jim Cookson G4XWD Seconded by: Stuart Craigen G4GTX Committee Members (2 Posts) FOR Nominee John Butcher G4GWJ Nominated by: Richard Moys M0YSR Seconded by: Trevor Day G3ZYY Nominee Stuart Mackinnon G0TBI Nominated by: Alan Grime G7EQK Seconded by: David Longstaff G4WCD

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