COMMANDO GUNNER REGROUP
CENTRAL FUND ACCOUNT
03 Sep 2014 – 21 Oct 2016
INCOMEEXPENDITURE
Transfer from PRI 4424.003/9/14 Set up CGR North 1165.00
Go Cardless Donations 635.66Battlefield Tour 667.65
2014 Yomp 573.70
2015 Reunion 995.00
Printing Condolence Cards 40.00
Standard Bag 55.00
2016 Reunion 300.00
2016 Yomp 229.69
Totals 5059.66 4026.04
Balance 1033.62
Notes: This is a simplified version of the Central Account held by the Treasurer, and I will again confirm that it is held and managed separately from the Plymouth Regroup Funds. Some of the expenditure is obvious, some I will highlight here. A number of members wanted to establish a Northern Reunion to reduce travel costs. A suitable location was identified but set up costs such as insurance and toilet facilities (portaloos) had to be sourced. It was agreed by the Committee that Central Funds would offset the costs. Over 80 members and the families attended an excellent event. The organiser has subsequently built a toilet block and the event has been self-funding since then.
In 2014 the Regiment were invited to send Representatives to Belgium to forge links with the Belgium Para Cdo Bty Association. The CO arranged for serving members from 29 and 7 Para RHA to attend and offered up 7 seats to Regroup which were advertised on social media. Those who were selected had to pay their own way as serving members were entitled to free travel, accommodation and meal supplements. On the morning of travel the Unit had booked a minibus that was not fit for purpose as it had no space for luggage. Jerry Josee agreed to take his car with some of the group in to free up the space. It was felt right and proper to offset his costs. It was a great tour and we were proud to lay a wreath on behalf of Regroup at Menin Gate.
Costs for the Yomp vary depending on who provides transport, safety vehicle and bunkhouse costs. Those taking part now pay accommodation charges.
Reunion costs have been primarily for the band or disco which members have asked for and a contribution to catering costs to offset ticket prices. As the bars have been out of Regimental control these past few years (and not well run at that) the Regiment have made no profit at all on Reunion weekends and subsequently we have had no share.
We are actively taking steps to rebuild funds and apart from the Go Cardless scheme which is picking up (I thank all those who are regular contributors) there are other initiatives coming up.
At the recent AGM a lack of information and visibility of the account was raised as an issue. I hope that this addresses some of those concerns. I will aim to be more proactive in future in publishing decisions and details. If further details are required you are welcome to ask.
Martin Lambert-Gorwyn MBE
Hon Vice-President