Apologies:

Jenny, Clive, Zane, Paul, Shane, Alec, Keith, Zak,

The meeting started nearly on time, and was opened with a cheery Hi from Rod.

1.     Last months meeting,

As most members were away having fun, there was no formal meeting, therefore no minutes taken.

2.     Recent events,

Trucks and Troops, War and Peace, West Somerset Railway, all had good feedback.

Cobbaton Combat is going from strength to strength; the Road Run, vehicle attendance, site preparation - all made for a great time, and the serious side must not be forgotten, raising cash for the Burma Star. Really you had to be there, and if not, like me, you missed a great weekend. Well done to all.

3.     Forthcoming events,

·         Smeatharpe (Upottery)                                       20^th 21^st

·         Plymouth Ford Park Cemetery WW2 Concert      20^th

·         Mount Edgcumbe                                              27^th 29^th Aug

(All now past – sorry! Rod)

Still to come:

·         Okehampton                 10^th 11^th Sep (see attached email)

·         RAF St Mawgan            12^th Sep (see attached flyer)

·         Drogo                           24^th 25^th Sep

4.     SUPPORT OF DEVON EVENTS

We need to have a wide-ranging discussion about how many and which events the Devon area wants to stage in the future. Currently we organise two major events – Buckfastleigh and Drogo – as well as actively supporting others at Cobbaton and Okehampton and taking part in several other shows staged by other organisations. The question is whether we’re able to sustain two major shows, or whether to concentrate on one show per year and make it an absolute doozie.

Buckfastleigh this year was the best for a long time. It’s a popular show with huge potential, but it’s also hard work to organise, and to continue will mean a lot of commitment from the club.

As for Castle Drogo, this year’s event is looking very healthy and is certainly not in jeopardy. But the change in style with the cessation of the ‘battles’ and the closure of the house for 5 years for roof repairs (although I’m told the grounds will remain open), along with increased competition from other events mean we need to consider our role in its future. I believe the NT is anxious to continue with the event in future years, but the question is, do we want to continue to take on its organisation?

So at next month’s meeting we want as many Devon members as possible to join us so we can talk the issue through and pool ideas about the way ahead.

We also need to discuss what to do about the trailer we use for storage; one idea is to try to get a railway wagon replacement and offer the trailer to one of the airfield museums (it’s too rare to break up).

5.     Club matters

·         D-Day next year falls in line with the long bank holiday, so again we need to gauge support for a possible club trip to France.

·         Club purchase; At Buckfastleigh, we bought one of the large tents we were using as our central clubhouse. Rob has kindly agreed to continue storing it on the club’s behalf between events.

·         Club meeting night; since the club reformed it’s always been the 3^rd Wednesday of the month. Is this still the best option or is it time for a change? A change of evening would allow us to attend other area group meetings, also take the pressure of some club members with other commitments;

·         Next month is also the month is the time to put forward officers to go forward after the area AGM, which is in October.

That just about sums it up, and the meeting closed nearly on time, the rest of the evening was spent chatting and relaxing.

One late item; most club members have heard about Ian losing a finger after being bitten by his Ferret. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope he will be driving again soon.