This page last updated 26/04/2010

 

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FROM  THE  CHAIRMAN

 

 

Posted 26/04/2010

 

BRITISH RESIDENTS SOCIETY

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2009 - 2010

Following the tragic events and difficulties of 2008-2009 this year has been one of development and expansion for the BRS. Our membership has topped 1300 and continues to grow helped by the establishment of a subcommittee in the Karpaz, organised by Pamela Hedge with assistance from Michael Hedge, Dave Eacock, Gary Jones, Yvonne Veasey and others. Weekly surgeries are held on Saturday at Boĝaz and Yeni Erenkőy on Thursday.

Trevor Hughes has established a most successful BRS presence every Saturday at Chateau Lambousa and in 2010 it is intended to add further points on which Terry Hill and Chris Elliot are working.

The year started with a need to address several issues. Meetings were held with Peyman, the President’s office and representations made to the Attorney General re the problem caused by the lack of a law permitting changes to the Constitution. I am pleased to report that we have now had confirmation that we can progress on the basis of the 2007 constitution and later I hope you will adopt some changes to facilitate future progress.

The change of Government meant completely renewing our contacts and Colin Mulcahy, our Government Liason Officer, Stephen and I had frequent visits to Lefkoşa. Good links have been established and, as we also maintained close contact with the Presidency. Whoever wins the election on Sunday our concerns will be listened to.

Liason was also maintained with the BHC and UKCA in the South, with Embargoed and with the Beşparmak group. Present with us today are Ertoĝrel and Doĝruen, members of the BRS and also of the Association of Turkish Cypriots Abroad with whom we want to build relations.

Through the generosity of an anonymous benefactor we were able to engage Professor Tolman to intervene in the Orams case and although ultimately it did not influence the outcome it gained the BRS respect and highlighted the need for a better method of solving the property issue which we now have following the ECHR ruling on the IPC.

In response to members’ requests we introduced comprehensive Health and Travel Insurance schemes which are proving popular and Chris Elliott has been busy expanding the Discount List. It is genuinely possible to save large amounts so please do use it. The latest version is available here today and also on line.

During the year David Brown has worked hard on the software running our Database, web site and communications and is now in the final stages of implementation which will, among other things, enable members to renew on line.

We have received excellent coverage in the press this year and Stephen has also been active on TV and radio.

Although we did not have a major fund raising project in 2009 we have continued to support the Turtle Project and we were able to refit the blood bank facility. Our continued support of the blood bank enabled 250 units of blood to be donated and Karen Wenborn has been of tremendous help to Prue Lundie in tracking down blood needed in emergencies. Prue has also had translated the complete Government price list of all medical and dental procedures and this is available for reference by members in the Hut.

The usual variety of social events were held, all of them sell outs, and Julia Price and John Oram are working on introducing new activities and venues assisted by Terry Hill. Look out for the BRS darts and dominoes team!

Today we are trialling proxy voting for the first time and you will also find questionnaires which I hope you will use to give feed back to the committee so the BRS is truly your society.

During the year Pat Holmes and Brenda Green stood down from the committee. Both of them have given many years of service to the BRS and in recognition of that the committee have made them Honorary Life members. I would also like to present them with a token of thanks, so please come up ladies!

John Wyn Roberts who was elected last year also had to stand down due to ill health and with three vacancies we advertised and held an open evening. This was well attended by volunteers wanting to help the BRS and as a result Margaret Sheard was co opted as Secretary and has brought the benefit of her vast experience to the committee and Trish Waddington was co opted as Membership Secretary. She has worked tirelessly to ensure the introduction of the new database and SMS/email system.

John Wenborn replaced John Wyn Roberts and John Oram as Treasurer and has made great improvements to the accounting and reporting systems. He will present the fruits of his labours shortly. The open evening also found David Brown who I have already said is doing a lot of work for us and I am delighted that he is standing for the committee.

I have a very sad announcement to make and that is that the current vacancy on the committee has been caused by the resignation of our past Chairman Mike Maternaghan due to the serious illness of his wife Mary. He has been a tremendous source of help and encouragement to me and will be sadly missed. I am sure you will be pleased that the committee have decided to make him an Honorary Life Member.

I would like to make special reference to my deputy Chairman Stephen Day. I have enjoyed working with him and his experience has been of immense value to the Society.

Looking now to the year ahead the treasurer has devised a legacy scheme which has been approved by our Legal Advisor and this will enable members to make either Pecuniary or Residuary legacies to the Society. Details are available today from John Wenborn.

We have wanted for some time to improve the facilities provided for members and Altinkaya have just offered us accommodation to provide a Social Club. This will fit with work Terry and Chris are doing and details will be announced shortly.

Finally with the Presidential Elections on Sunday and the ongoing talks re unification there is going to be an important role for the BRS to fill in ensuring the interests of ex-pats are fully represented.

If you have any questions for me, Colin Mulcahy or Stephen Day we will be pleased to answer them.

Thank you.

Morton Coles

 
 

 

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