A good turnout for the AGM in Lausanne and clement weather ensured that the day went well on 21 May. It was a less crowded agenda this year as apart from the routine items, there was only a proposed amendment to Article 23 of the Association’s Articles of Association which passed without objection after a legal clarification on one point. The new Article makes clear that Members’ personal responsibility for BRA debts are limited to their subscriptions which are due and unpaid. In addition, persons authorized to organize events shall be held harmless for any liability related to them other than for fraud or gross negligence.
In a wide-ranging report covering the past year, Chairman Michael Type regretted the closing of the British Honorary Consulates and Vice Consulates in Switzerland and said it was a sad reflection on the times in which we live. He noted that changes last year to regional names to make them more geographically embracing and the organization of more events outside the main cities had gone smoothly. There had been a marked increase in events, although the main one in each region was as always the annual Queen’s Birthday Parties.
The Chairman highlighted a number of events region by region and pointed out that the variety of those organized by the BRA was wide in scope and the Council’s aim was to expand and improve them. However, for events to be a success, it was important for members to make the effort to participate. In a play on the words of the famous First World War poster featuring Lord Kitchener, the Chairman observed that it was a case of “The BRA needs you” and not “Your country needs you”. Looking to the future, he said that planning was going ahead to mark two major anniversaries – the 60th. Anniversary in 2012 of the Queen’s Accession to the Throne and in 2013, the 150th. Anniversary of Thomas Cook bringing the first party of British tourists to Switzerland.
Regarding membership, the AGM noted that despite deaths and departures, numbers were not only holding steady but were increasing. It was important to spread the word about the BRA and to recruit Britons who were moving to Switzerland. Every effort was being made to improve publicity through relocation agencies, the Bulletin, the website, the proposed distribution of “flyers” and perhaps careful use of the social network, “Facebook”.
The Chairman concluded his report by requesting a moment of silence in memory of Colonel Peter Pennick, a former BRA Chairman, and Hugh Cole Baker DFC, a member and former President of the Royal Air Forces Association Swiss Branch.
Treasurer Nick Dryden reported that it had been a good year financially for the BRA with steady revenue and a continuing focus on cost control giving rise to another healthy operating surplus. Although total revenue had dropped by 6.6%, this had been offset by total expenses dropping by 7.7% mainly due to reduced printing costs. As to the balance sheet, there had been an increase in the cash and bank balances from CHF 38,130 to CHF 46,639 mirroring the operating surplus for the year. The BRA’s reserves now represented the equivalent of 10 months operating expenses, thus providing a buffer against future contingencies.
The names of Council members standing for re-election or election had been sent to members prior to the AGM and were accepted unanimously when put to the vote. It was noted that there was a vacancy for the regional chairmanship of Romandie East following thereturn to the UK of Andrew Wells.
Readers will find photos of Council members for 2011 – 2012 in this Bulletin.
Before concluding proceedings, the Chairman paid tribute to John Peters who had chaired the Ticino Region from 1990 until 2008 and remained on the Council until the beginning of 2011. At the age of 89, he had decided it might just be time to let someone younger have a crack! He was presented with an engraved pewter plate in appreciation of his services.
Drinks and the Spring Lunch followed the AGM with most of those present participating. The Guest Speaker was Kira-Destiny Prince, the owner of Prince Advisory Services, who spoke about “Relocation and repatriation: a challenging experience. Is it worth the cost? Her company deals mainly with American and British firms and in her talk she dealt with some of the problems that their staff encounter in moving to Switzerland. These included lack of accommodation in the Suisse Romande, overfull schools, an unfamiliar lifestyle and language difficulties. Not all relocations succeeded and in some instances, companies were returning to their country of origin.