Members present:  Chairman, Mr C Deaville, Vice Chairperson, Ms J Dronfield, Secretary, Mrs S Hampson, Social Media Officer, Mr K Owen, Mrs S Parkes-Owen, Mr A Dronfield, Ms E Statham and Mr M Birch

26.5.1 Attendance register and apologies
The attendance register was completed by those present.
Apologies had been received from:  Mr G Wilton, Mrs J Wilton, Mr S Wager, Mrs C Wager and Mr A Beech
Mr Searston was not in attendance

26.5.2 Approval of the previous minutes
The previous minutes were unanimously accepted as a true record of proceedings and signed by the Chairman, Mr C Deaville.

26.5.3 Race Night
The race night organiser had met with Mr Deaville and the legion will be suitable to host the event.  This organiser advised of £65.00’s worth of initial set up costs to include printing race guides plus £50 will be needed for race prizes.  He would also require the tote takings to be for the benefit of Hartington First Responders.  The attendance tickets will have to cover the set-up costs and hire of the British Legion. The night chosen for the event is Saturday, 13^th June.  Members discussed an appropriate start time for the evening and contents for the advertising poster.  There will be 6 races.
Resolved:  to arrive at 7.30 pm and races to commence at 8.00 pm.  Entrance/Admission cost to be £5 by advance purchase at the British Legion.
Resolved:  the secretary to produce a signing sheet for the admission
Resolved:  The Social Media Secretary to produce posters and these to be distributed amongst local venues and noticeboards plus promotion on local social media for a cash only event.

26.5.4 Items for the branch social media officer
Mr Owen had put forward to Severn and Trent, the events discussed at the April meeting.  Members further discussed a date for a charity quiz and selected a date.
Resolved:  to host a charity quiz on Sunday, 18^th October and to approach a previous quiz master.

26.5.5 Date for the Annual General Meeting
As previously minuted, the date of the AGM to be Saturday, 18^th July 2026. The members discussed an appropriate time to commence, invitees and items for the agenda.  Catering was also discussed.
Resolved:  the AGM to begin at 2.00 pm
Resolved:  Vice Chair Person, Ms Dronfield and Mrs Parkes-Owen to prepare the catering for 25 people and to submit an invoice for payment by Severn and Trent
Resolved:  to invite representatives from Severn and Trent to attend.

26.5.6 Cavendish march, initial planning for September
The date for the Cavendish Oddfellows’ march will be Saturday, 12^th September.  The Secretary, Mrs Hampson had already liaised with Warslow Silver Band members and had requested a booking for this date, with timings to follow.  One of the previous refreshment stops will no longer be available; alternatives were discussed. Members discussed the use of a traffic marshall as used last year; members’ meal, evening entertainment. The Chairman confirmed that the wells’ dressing committee arranges the vicar.
Resolved:  The secretary to approach the same venue as 2025 for the meal at 5.00 pm, for 20 people and also to establish costs.
Resolved:  to approach Severn and Trent regarding a subsidisation amount for the members meals.
Resolved:  a singer had been approached and will cost £250 with a booking deposit of £100.  The singer will have to produce deposit and balance invoices.
Resolved:  to ask Mrs Wilton about the Ode service sheets and the gloves.
Resolved:  The Chairman, Mr Deaville and Vice Chair Person, Ms Dronfield to measure the banner ropes in need of replacement and Mr Deaville to obtain quotes and subsequent invoice to submit to Severn Trent for payment.

26.5.7 Branch members’ educational field trip suggestions
The clerk had contacted Parwich regarding this but the response was unfortunately, rather unhelpful.  Some suggestions were made by the members.
Resolved:  to place the item on the next agenda for further consideration.

26.5.8 Updates/Communications from Severn and Trent
Updates from Severn and Trent were brought before the meeting.
Resolved: to approach Severn and Trent regarding Oddfellows napkins, ties/scarves.