Royal Naval Writers Association Annual General Meeting
Friday 09 October 2026 @ at the Village Hotel, Portsmouth
Present
Committee
Ian Freegard – Chairman (President Desig)
Pat Prior (PP) – Treasurer
Lyn Gannon (LG) – Secretary
Brenda Ryan (BR) – Membership Secretary
David Spicer (DS) – Committee Member
Martyn Cornish (MC) – Webmaster
Members
Elaine Binks
Mark Yates
Lesley Tomkins
Jane Ballard
Kathryn Simmons
Colin Hughes
Peter Nicholls
Mark Whitty
Tony Mason
Vince Hawkins
Mick Blatchford
David Rawlings
Len Hutton
Jed Stone
Margaret Taylor
Richard Dickson
Committee Apologies
Jim Donaldson
Member Apologies
Brian Wead & Peter Danks.
Introduction by the Chairman
Opening the meeting, the Chairman thanked those members in attendance and reminded them that, since January, he had effectively been acting as a co-opted Chairman. His work initially focussed on updating and refining processes, while seeking to resolve some inconsistencies, all now broadly reflected in a draft Constitution. He had also acted to improve retention, promote the Association, and provide an enhanced Newsletter and Website offering. He stated that no items for discussion had been received by the deadline and reminded members present that he would not take Any Other Business.
Minutes of the Last Meeting (Friday 10 October 2025)
There being no comments from attendees, the minutes were proposed by Colin Hughes and seconded by Kathryn Simmons.
Crossed the Bar
A list is posted on the notice board by the seating plan but sadly there have been 2 more names to add to the list in very recent days – Peter Cornish and Tony Murrey.
Retirement of Post of Life President
The July 2026 Committee meeting minutes carried a precis of Colin’s statement. He understandably wants to step away from this post, remaining a Life Member while holding the honour of being the longest ever serving President. It is his personal desire not to break the tradition of the Association, which has been led by a President since 1887. The Committee supported his wish to retire his title as Honorary Life President. No objections from members have been received, therefore this post would be retired.
Proposed by Colin Hughes, seconded by Tony Mason
Reinstatement of the Posts of President and Vice President
There were no objections to this action.
Proposed by Ian Freegard, seconded by David Rawlings, these titular roles are reinstated.
Proposed Constitution
The proposed Constitution was endorsed by the Committee on 21 May 2026 and has been on the website, with any amendments/changes highlighted.
The Constitution was approved , proposed by Ian Freegard, seconded by David Spicer.
Election of Officers and Committee Members
Ian Freegard is nominated as President, and Pat Prior, Lyn Gannon, Brenda Ryan and Martyn Cornish had all given agreement to remain in their roles. There had been no names submitted to take these roles on.
Proposed by Colin Hughes, seconded by Vince Hawkins, Ian Freegard is confirmed in the post of President.
Proposed by Kathryn Simmons, seconded by Jane Ballard. Pat Prior, Lyn Gannon, Brenda Ryan and Martyn Cornish are confirmed in their posts.
Treasurers Report
PP said that finds held were £16.93 in the Current account, with £8236 in the savings account. There were no outstanding liabilities as the dinner costs had been paid.
Membership Report for AGM Oct 2026
New Members since Oct 2025: 7
Overall, the membership has decreased this year. This has been affected by several resignations/lapses and, sadly, quite a few CTB.
Total Membership (After allowance for those that have lapsed/resigned or CtB since October 2025):
|
Honorary Life |
Life |
Members |
Totals |
|
3 |
20 |
275 |
298 |
Subscriptions/Standing Orders
Wherever possible we would ask members to pay their annual subscription fees by standing order or bank transfer,
There are a few members where we appear to have not received subs for the current year, but none at this stage that are 3 months or more overdue. They have had a reminder from me and hopefully they will be resolved shortly.
IF said that it was proving difficult to get serving personnel to join, but that he had been in conversation with the Fleet Warrant Officer to try to remedy this.
BR said that is it people of our era that needed nudging and asked members to speak to their friends to get them to join.
Date of the Next Meeting
Friday 1st October 2027, immediately prior to the Annual Dinner at HMS PRESIDENT.
