Tag Archives: AGM

SOCA 2026 AGM

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SOCA 2026 Annual Review & AGM was held on Thursday 12th March at RNA Welwyn Garden City

As well as the in person meeting was at the RNA club WGC in addition it was also streamed as  a ZOOM meeting for those members As well who couldn’t attend in person. This gave the retiring Commodore, Terry the chance to look back at the past year and for the new Commodore to discuss plans for the next season.

Commodore’s Report

Talks and Presentations

April :- A talk that told the story of a group of SOCA members who enjoyed a Greek Flotilla to the South Ionian Islands in October 2024.

 

May:- Sailing Around St Lucia and St. Vincent. A talk by Terry Branston. He discussed sailing all around both islands, the customs clearance that was involved in sailing from one island to another and the local culture.

June:- Paul Gillions gave a very interesting and informative talk covering the RNLI‘s history and organisation but he focused primarily on the day-to-day operations of the lifeboat and lifeguard service illustrated with filmed footage of actual rescues and the stories that go with them.

 

September:- Sailing Life in North Norfolk. A Talk by Paul Comley. This looked at North Norfolk Sailing, centred around the area of Wells next the Sea and its neighbouring havens. Covering accessing the ports, Paul’s experiences, their attraction,together with some of the local history that makes them what they are today.

October:- Jeremy Batch presented “Slightly pear-shaped”: the story of Mapping and Surveying“ another of his very interesting talks on the topic of navigation.


November:- Navigating the Crinan Canal. A talk by Andrew Davidson. Andrew presented details of his trip through the Crinan Canal in Scotland. This was a very well attended meting both at the RNA and with several members joining in via Zoom.

 

January:-  Sailing the Norfolk Broads, Narrow Boating and more. A talk by Dave Arnold. The first talk of the year was given by Dave Arnold, who described how he is staying afloat after the disposal of his East Coast boat Joint Affair. 

Trophies

Astrolabe :- for members presentation to the Club

 

Awarded to Andrew Davidson  for his presentation “Navigating the Crinan Canal. This was the best attended presentation during the year.

Joseph Evanson Trophy :-  best log / navigation

Awarded to Paul Comley for his trip along the North Norfolk/East Coast where he described sailing around  around the area of Wells next the Sea and its neighbouring havens. 

Kelphil Bell :- for outstanding contribution to  the club

 

This was awarded to Tanya Warren, who we all depend on for the smooth running of the club

 

The outgoing Commodore (2025/2026) confirmed his choice for the Commodore’s Charity for his year were the  National Coastwatch Institution and the RNLI

 

Belaying Pin :- For notable contribution at a sailing event

This is an On the Water trophy awarded to a boat rather than a member. This was awarded to Honfleur, (Alex Nicholas), for the hard work put in in getting her back on th. water.

 

Commodore’s Cup :- Awarded at the discretion of the Commodore

Awarded to Geff Briant for his work on the SOCA website informative and up to date and for organising the fitting out and laying up lunches.

 

 

2026 AGM Proceedings

The Commodore then ran the 2026 AGM, going through Apologies, 2025 Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, finalising with the election of new officers.
His last action as SOCA Commodore was to thank all his fellow officers and committee members for their work during the year and for the presenters and organisers of events that made his year as Commodore.

The Commodore then stood down and handed over proceedings to Geff (President) who conducted the appointment of the new Commodore.

The new  Flag Officers for 2025/2026 were then endorsed by the membership at the AGM.

Stewart Warren elected as Commodore
Paul Comley as Vice Commodore
Tanya Warren as Rear Commodore

L-R Rear Commodore Tanya Warren, Vice Commodore Paul Comley, Commodore Stewart Warren

The new Commodore then addressed the meeting and informed the meeting of his chosen charity Ocean Youth Trust South

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The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming events.
“Future Events”

Wednesday 25 March BOSG Fitting Out Breakfast & AGM, scheduled at 9:30am, D’Parys  45 De Parys Ave Bedford MK40 2UA GB 

Saturday 28th March Fitting Out Lunch at Cowper Arms.
The 2026 Fitting Out Lunch, Cowper Arms next to Welwyn North Railway Station.

Thursday 10th April. Eight Years Sailing the West Coast of France
Since 2017, Paul Bragg and his wife Elaine have been steadily exploring the west coast of France and northern Spain — and this year marks their ninth season cruising this remarkable region.

The meeting then concluded.

SOCA 2025 AGM

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SOCA 2025 Annual Review & AGM was held on Thursday 13th March at RNA Welwyn Garden City

The 2025 AGM was held on Thursday 13th March. The meeting was held at the RNA club WGC in addition it was also streamed as  a ZOOM meeting for those members who couldn’t attend in person. The technical issues that we have on earlier meetings seemed, in the main, to be overcome and the whole session run very smoothly. This gave the retiring Commodore, Geff, the chance to look back at the past year and for the new Commodore to discuss plans for the next season.

Commodore’s Report

Commodore aboard Mutual Friend
Past Commodore’s

Talks and Presentations.

April :- Dave Arnold gave a very interesting talk titled Antarctica and the Falkland Islands
which was  based on his trip in February 2023 to the Southern Oceans.
May :-Sailing in the Greek Islands 2023. A talk was given by Terry with Stewart which contained many amusing anecdotes. A talk that was enjoyable and humorous with many stunning photographs. The meeting was well attended both in person and on ZOOM.
September:–  The planned presentation had to be delayed to another time due to illness.
However in its place SOCA held a RNLI themed evening with videos and quizzes.
The SOCA Commodore also made a donations to the Hitchin & District branch of the RNLI
October :- Swinging, Spinning and Wobbling: pendulums, gyroscopes and Inertial Navigation 
A well attended meeting at the RNA W.G. City where Jeremy Batch presented in person.
November :- Topic was a presentation on the steam tug CHALLENGE which is the last surviving example of a large purpose-built, Thames ship-handling steam tug, where she was based for her entire working life.
January :- Sailing adventure in Patagonia.
From Puerto Montt to Puerto Williams and around Cape Horn. Three months in an incredible place to sail. Dolphins and Penguins followed them on their trip.
February :- Exploring the Rivers of Western France.
Paul Bragg discussed some of the exciting adventures that he & Elaine have had navigating the rivers of Western France, in their Island Packet 380 sailing boat, Jennie B

Social Events, Quiz Events and Training

April SOCA held a celebration lunch on Saturday the 13th of April 2024 to mark the 40th Anniversary of its inception. The event was held at the Cowper Arms. The event was very well supported with numerous ex Commodores in attendance.
June, As is usual in the sailing season many members were away sailing taking advantage of the good weather. Therefore, an informal drinks and chat was held at the RNA in Welwyn Garden City.
July. Due to most members being on holiday or boating an informal get together was held at the RNA in Welwyn Garden City in place of the normal meeting.
July. BBQ/ Dinghy Sailing. A BBQ & Dingy Sailing event was held at Paxton Lakes Sailing Club. A very good turnout with SOCA Members & BOSG Members enjoying good weather and with some wind for the sailors.
July. A total of 18 persons took to the skies on a Glider Experience event.  Very Good flying conditions and it was getting dark before the planes were put away.  A very successful evening.
August. A social event was held at the RNA in W G City. where future events was discussed.
November. SOCA held its Laying Up Lunch at the Cowper Arms in Welwyn North.
November. BOSG Laying Up & Christmas Lunch at the Prince of Wales Bedford.
December. SOCA 2024 Photo Competition The annual nautical themed SOCA photo contest which included a pre-Christmas social, a Commodore’s fund raffle plus RNLI fund raising with Merchandise sales and donations. The best photos from this event will be in the 2026 SOCA calendar.
February. RYA First Aid Course run by  Ashley Cato Barton Turf Adventure Centre

Sailing in Company

May Sailing Weekend (East Coast). This was rearranged to later in the year {August}.
June Honfleur and Mutual Friend meet up at Ipswich.
August. AUGUST Cruising In Company (CIC) Sailing Weekend (East Coast).  
4 Yachts joined each other at Levington for a weekend of sailing in company.
September Sailing Weekend (Solent). Not officially organised during 2024.
October Broads Sailing Weekend organised by BOSG members.
October SOCA members sailing in the South Ionian Island.

Trophies

Astrolabe :- for members presentation to the club

Awarded to Paul for his presentation “Exploring the Rivers of Western France”  and for organising the excellent talk “Around The Horn” by Judith Jacobsen.
Unfortunately Paul could not attend so he will be presented with it at a later date.

Joseph Evanson Trophy :-  best log / navigation

 

Awarded to Alex Nicholas for his trip to Ostend (and back) in the company of other SOCA members.

 

Kelphil Bell :- for outstanding contribution to  the club

Awarded to Dave Arnold for his outstanding contributions over many years of membership. His talk on trip to the Southern Oceans including Antarctica and Falkland Islands, is an example of the numerous talks he has given to the club. He also always has inspiring
photos for the calendar and has had many years of service on the committee.
Unfortunately Dave could not attend so he will be presented with it at a later date.


Belaying Pin :- For notable contribution at a sailing event

This is an On the Water trophy awarded to a boat rather than a member. It has not been presented for a number of years however the committee decided to reinstigate the award this year and awarded the Belaying Pin to Just Fleur – (Bob Leonard) for Stalwart participation and comradeship at the Summer East Coast Cruise 2024.

 

Commodore’s Cup :- Awarded at the discretion of the Commodore

Awarded to Peter Sackett for his outstanding efforts in amalgamating SOCA and BOSG. Unfortunately Peter could not attend so he will be presented with it at a later date.

 

 

The outgoing Commodore (2024/2025) confirmed his Charity Choices for his year were the RNLI and Grafham WaterSailability.

2025 AGM Proceedings

The new Commodore then ran the 2025 AGM, going through Apologies, 2024 Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, finalising with the election of new officers.
His last action as SOCA Commodore was to thank all his fellow officers and committee members for their work during the year and for the presenters and organisers of events that made his year as Commodore during the 40 year anniversary an enjoyable experience.

 

The Commodore then stood down and handed over proceedings to Andrew (President) who conducted the appointment of the new Commodore.

 

 

The new  Flag Officers for 2025/2026 were then endorsed by the membership at the AGM.

Terry Branson elected as Commodore
Stewart Warren as Vice Commodore
Paul Comley as Rear Commodore

Left to Right Paul, (Rear Commodore), Stewart (Vice Commodore) and Terry (Commodore 2025-2026)

The new Commodore then addressed the meeting and informed the meeting of his chosen charity.  National Coastwatch Institution.

NCI watchkeepers provide the eyes and ears along the coast, monitoring radio channels and providing a listening watch in poor visibility. When people find themselves in trouble, they are there to alert HM Coastguard and direct the appropriate rescue services to the casualty.

High technology and sophisticated systems such as radar and telecommunications have vastly improved safety at sea, but there is no substitute for a watchful pair of eyes. Accidents do happen and a computer or technology cannot spot a distress flare, an overturned boat, a yacht with problems or children or adults in trouble. That is why their lookouts and watchkeepers are an often-unseen lifeline to all those who use our coastal waters, footpaths and coastline.

HISTORY

In 1994 when two fishermen lost their lives off the Cornish coast near a recently closed Coastguard lookout, local people decided to open and restore the visual watch. When the first station was opened at Bass Point on the Lizard, NCI was born. Today, 2,800 trained volunteer watchkeepers at 60+ stations keep a visual and listening watch around the coastline of England and Wales. 

The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming events.
“Future Events”

Saturday 29th March Fitting Out Lunch at Cowper Arms.
The 2025 Fitting Out Lunch will be held at the Cowper Arms next to Welwyn North Railway Station. Please let the Commodore know if you are attending by
Friday 21st March with meal choice.
See SOCA 2025 Fitting Out Lunch for details

Thursday 10th April. Sailing in the Greek Islands 2024.
A talk is intended that will tell the story of a group of SOCA members who enjoyed a Greek Flotilla holiday to the South Ionian Islands in October 2024.

The meeting then concluded.

SOCA 2024 Annual Review & AGM

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SOCA 2024 Annual Review & AGM was held on Thursday 14th March at RNA Welwyn Garden City

Andrew 2023-24 Commodore

Despite some technical issues (with sound quality) when we tried to conduct a joint, in person and ZOOM, meeting the club did eventually manage to successfully hod the 2024 AGM which again was a relaxed, social evening which gave the retiring Commodore, Andrew, the chance to look back at the past year and for the new Commodore to discuss plans for the next season.

 

Commodore’s Report

Various discussions took place between Committee members of SOCA and BOSG during the year. The outcome was that the existing BOSG members joined SOCA on mass as Country members.

Talks / Presentations in Previous Year

April :- Sailing in the Greek Islands 2022 The Sporades Flotilla
May :- The Wooden World’ – the inner life of the 18th century navy.
October:-   Honfleur returns to the EU.
November :-  Sailing into the Electronic Age
January:-  “Crossing the Biscay
February. Shrimper‘s East Coast Rally 2023

Social Events & Quiz Events

April SOCA Fitting Out Lunch
June, An informal drinks and chat at the RNA in Welwyn Garden City.
July. A walk followed by a meal at Stewart and Tanya’s.
August. Summer BBQ at Richard and Norma’s house.
September. Due to technical issues the planned presentation was moved to the October meeting. In its place the attendees held a social at the RNA.
November.  2023 Laying Up Lunch
December. SOCA 2023 Photo Competition

Sailing in Company

May Sailing Weekend (East Coast).
Spring Bank Holiday cruise held in conjunction with NOSCA on the East Coast with dinner at Walton and Frinton yacht club.
September Sailing Weekend (Solent).
This event was effectively cancelled due to bad weather. Two of SOCA’s south coast yachts ventured out but then returned to home ports without meeting up.

Links with BOSG & NOSCA

Gliding Event July 23 organised by BOSG
Website Link to NOSCA Newsletter
Attendance at Sailing events
BOSG members becoming Country members of SOCA.

Trophies

Astrolabe :- for members presentation to the club


Presented to Terry for his presentation
Sailing in the Greek Islands 2022
The Sporades Flotilla

Joseph Evanson Trophy :-  best log / navigation


Presented to Paul Bragg who gave a talk on “Crossing the Biscay“ a trip to Spain in July returning to France in August 2023.

 

Kelphil Bell :- for outstanding contribution to the club

 

Presented to Alex Nicholas for his outstanding contribution over 40 years of membership.




Commodore’s Cup :- Awarded at the discretion of the Commodore


Presented to Geff Briant for all the hard work in keeping the website up to date and topical.

 

 

The Commodore then ran the 2024 AGM, going through Apologies, 2023 Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, finalising with the election of new officers.

The new  Flag Officers for 2024  endorsed by the membership at the AGM.

Geff Briant elected as Commodore
Terry Branson as Vice Commodore
Stewart Warren as Rear Commodore

The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming events.
“Future Events”

Thursday 11th April. Dave Arnold will give a talk on his trip to the Southern Oceans including the Falklands.


Saturday the 13th of April 2024 SOCA will be holding a celebration lunch to mark the 40th Anniversary of its inception.

 

Thursday 16th May. Sailing in the Greek Islands 2023. A talk will be given by Terry with Stewart providing additional anecdotes. A talk that is bound to be enjoyable and humorous.

Commodore’s Autumn Statement

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Andrew
All, 
 
It’s been another interesting sailing season, and as usual numbers at the summer monthly meetings have been low, reflecting everyone’s nautical activities. However with the shortening nights and the run into end of year it’s time to catch up on future events. 
 
 

10th-July-Honfleur-in-Dunkirk

 
 


In October your HONFLEUR crew will present a short slide show off their recent “expeditionary force” to the continent... all is well, the natives are friendly, and the required paperwork proved to be no hindrance. 



 
 
In November we are experimenting with a Zoom presentation by Jeremy Batch.Jeremy has recently retired from the Cruising Association after 23 years service.
Come along to the RNA and have a beer whilst listening to Jeremy, or join from home.
 
The traditional Photo Comp will be held in December – only digital entries, details soon. 
 
Soca is 40 next year and the RNLI will be 200. We plan a very very short AGM in March followed by a SOCA 40th party – with accompanying photo show….. dig out your old pics please. 
RNLI…? We’ll think of something. 
 
The Laying Up Supper will be held at the Station Arms Pub in Knebworth on either 4th or 11th November.
Details later, keep you all posted. 
 
See you Thursday

SOCA 2023 Annual Review & AGM

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SOCA 2023 Annual Review & AGM was held on
Thursday 10th March at RNA Welwyn Garden City

Despite the atrocious weather the club managed to successfully hold the 2023 AGM which was a relaxed, social evening which gave the retiring Commodore the chance to look back at the past year and for the new Commodore to discuss plans for the next season.



The meeting commenced with the Commodore’s review of the past year followed by the presentation of the club’s trophies.
Below are extracts from f the slides used by the Commodore for his review of the year.

“Talks / Presentations”

“Social Events & Quiz Events”

  • April SOCA Fitting Out Lunch at the Crown Aston End.
  • April QUIZ NIGHT. Started with a paper/oral based Quiz (Nautical based) followed by a group discussion on planned sailing/boating for the 2022 season
  • June Fish & Chip Night June Social at RNA Included a group quiz on “Night Lights”
  • July Social at RNA Welwyn Garden City
  • August A social evening held at Tanya and Stewart’s house. The food provided by Stewart and Tanya was much appreciated by all.
  • November The 2022 laying up lunch was held at The Chequers, Bragbury End.
  • December SOCA 2022 Photo Competition Winners were Terry, George, Paul, Tanya, Stewart & Geff, a selection from the entries will form the basis of next year’s calendar 2024.
    A raffle was held which made a healthy boost to the funds for the Commodores Charity.

“Sailing in Company”

  • May 28-29 May Sailing Weekend (East Coast).


    The East Coast rally was arranged based at Foxes Marina,
    River Orwell for berthing and dinner on Saturday 28th May.




  • September SOCA South Coast Sailing Weekend

    SOCA Barbecue at Hythe

    A very enjoyable and well supported sailing event was held mid September.
    It started for most from Hythe Marina on Saturday 10th September,
    Cowes on Sunday 11th September. whereas some of the boats had
    congregated from further afield.
    Attending craft were Ariel Spirit (from Hythe),
    Hypertonic (from Southsea), Jetstream (from Port Solent),
    Saluki (from Chatham)
    & Skylark the smallest and travelled the furthest (from River Crouch).

“Other Events”

“Paul Redd”

 

The 2022 Trophy Awards were as follows

Astrolable
The Astrolabe Trophy (donated to the club by Roy Maynard) for a member’s presentation at a club evening.
 Awarded to Ashley Cato, Barton Turf Adventure Centre for the best attended presentation of the year.
 
See the relevant post by clicking here.
 
Joseph Evanson Trophy 

The Joseph Evanson Trophy awarded for the best log / navigation log description during the year. 

This was awarded to Alan Wolfe,  for his 1 man and a dog trip on Hypertonic  to the Solent.  A description of this can be found in the post 

South Coast Cruising in Company  which details Hypertonic’s Trip to the Solent

Kelphil Bell 
The Kelphil Bell is one of the oldest awards within the club. It was awarded by the Commodore to Geff Briant, for his work on the amazing club website, club talks and assistance with technology.


Commodore’s Cup :- Awarded at the discretion of the Commodore to John Gardener, for his extensive cruising on Shrimper Skylark.


John could not attend the meeting so the cup will be presented to him by the Vice Commodore at the next opportunity.



Following the award of the Trophies, The 2022 Commodore stood down and the President, the previous Commodore, asked for nominations for the 2023 Commodore.
Andrew Davidson was appointed who chaired the rest of the AGM which started with the appointment of new officers. Then the minutes of the 2022 AGM and the Treasurer’s report were approved .

Then the officers for 2023 were elected.

The new  Flag Officers for 2023 
endorsed by the membership at the AGM.
2022 Commodore is  Andrew (Right)
Vice Commodore is Geff (Centre)
Rea Commodore is Terry (Left)

The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming events.

“Future Events”

  • SOCA Fitting Out Lunch Saturday 1st April
    Arranged for lunchtime, 13:00 at The Station Pub at Knebworth.
    Details to be sent out before start of March when the spring menu is announced.

  • Sailing in the Greek Islands 2022 Thursday 13th April
    A talk by Terry on the flotilla sailing holiday that was enjoyed by various SOCA members.

  • The Wooden World’ – the inner life of the 18th century navy.
    Thursday 11    th May RNA Welwyn Garden City




    Presented by local Author Phillip Allan



Followed by a reminder of the club’s Ruby (40 years) celebration

“Founded in 1984”

  • SOCA was first formally launched on 8th March 1984.
  • The Committee has decided to celebrate the 40 year Anniversary of SOCA.
  • There is already a web page set up for this on the SOCA Website “History”

2022 Annual Review and AGM

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SOCA 2022 Annual Review & AGM held on
Thursday 10th March Live at RNA Welwyn Garden City

This was a relaxed, social evening which gives members a chance to look back at the past year and discuss plans for the next season.
Commencing with the Commodores review of the past year and presentation of trophies the club AGM then followed.

The 2022 Trophy Awards were as follows

Kelphil Bell Awarded for the most support to the club.

The Kelphil Bell is one of the oldest awards within the club. It was awarded by the Commodore to Deborah for her support over many years.

Kelphil Bell awarded to Deborah

Joseph Evanson Trophy awarded for best log

The Joseph Evanson Trophy was awarded to Andrew for his adventures in when he helped Ray bring home “Miss Behaving” from Gibraltar.
Joseph Evanson was a founding member of SOCA, the first Vp and Treasurer,

Joseph Evanson Trophy awarded to Andrew

Astrolabe Trophy awarded for most attended presentation

The Astrolabe Trophy (donated to the club by Roy Maynard) for a member’s presentation at a club evening. The Astrolabe Trophy this year was awarded to Andrew for the epic presentation that described the journey and mishaps  in bringing “Miss Behaving” back from Gilbrator with Ray and other helpers . This was a marathon presentation that lasted “over a month!!“. Started at the January meeting there was so much to cover it concluded at start of  the Febrauary meeting.

Astrolable awarded to Andrew

The Commodore’s Cup 

The Commodore’s Cup is presented entirely at the outgoing Commodore’s discretion.
This year it was awarded to Paul for his services to the club and his willingness to do numerous presentations. This year he regaled us with an ultra high tech presentation which future members will struggle to surpass. Unfortunately Paul could not attend the presentation evening so it will be awarded to him at a future event.

The Commodore’s Cup 
Awarded to Paul, who unfortuanately
could not attend the presentation evening.

2022 Flag Officers: Rear, Commodore and Vice

The new  Flag Officers for 2022 
endorsed by the membership at the AGM.

2022 Commodore is  Alex
Vice Commodore is Andrew
Rea Commodore is Geff

New Flag Officers for 2022