Date:
Tuesday 2nd June 2026

Present:
32 members were present at the meeting.

The Branch Chair opened the meeting at 2000hrs

Apologies for absence:
Ian Whiteside, Derek Hesketh, Phil McCauley, Ken Barney,

Minutes of the Previous Meeting:
The minutes of the previous meeting were proposed by Dave Woodray and seconded by Waddy.

Matters Arising:
The chair opened the meeting and briefed members on the process and requirements of an Annual General Meeting to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper governance. It gives members the opportunity to review past financial performance, vote on key decisions, and elect a new or current leadership.

The current Committee left the room, and President Tom Barney opened the AGM, asking for nominations for any of the committee member posts. No nominations were forthcoming. It was agreed and unanimously voted upon that unless any of the existing committee members wished to stand down, the committee membership of Chair – Bruce Cargill, Treasurer - Brian Blanchard and Secretary – Brian Welsh would remain extant.

All current committee members agreed to remain in position for 2026/27

Visitors/new members:
N/A

Chairs Report:
Bruce thanked members who attended Phil Kerrigan’s funeral and passed on a thank you from his family for our attendance.

A big thanks goes out again to Cooky for his sterling commitment and attendance on behalf of the branch at so many events as our standard-bearer.

Welfare report:
Bruce contacted several members of the branch over the last few weeks and provided an update. Members sent their best wishes to all of those who are unable to attend the branch meetings.

The good news is that Kenny B was able to attend the match a few weeks ago.

It is important to make sure members are regularly contacted, and if a phone call or a quick visit can be arranged by members, this would make a massive difference for those who are unable to attend the branch meeting personally to meet with friends.

Remember that if members require additional support, it is available through the branch, where we can contact the Regimental Welfare Team, who are trained to deal with a variety of issues and cases that are more complex.

Secretary's Report:
A reminder that the date for unveiling of the Airborne Forces Statue is 31st July 2026. The statue will be in Abbey Field, adjacent to 16 Air Assault Brigade’s front gate at Merville Barracks. All Associations are encouraged to attend this event.

Regimental Commemoration Day 24-26 July 2026

The National AGM will be held at Airewas, NMA, on Saturday, 25th July. We have booked. We wish to book a lunch. We still haven’t confirmed drivers. If anybody can drive a minibus (D5 on licence), please let Alfie Brennan know, as he will have to get you verified to drive the bus if not already done so.

The minibus driver must book a parking space online.

For the Armed Forces Day on 27th June briefing. Key notes are:

• Standard bags to be dropped off in Town Hall before 12.40
• Bands and Standards step off from High Street (adjacent to Town Hall) at 13.00
• Bands and standards halt in Castle Street and play for approx 45-50 mins
• Veterans wishing to march MUST form up on the corner of Brunswick Street and await the Duke of Lancs Band to lead them into the parade back to Town Hall.
• The National Anthem will be played at approx. 13.45 and then the Duke of Lancs band will about turn and pick up veterans at the junction of Brunswick Street.
• Parade will be no more than 300m.

Unveiling of Airborne Statue – Friday 31st July 2026

Brian Welsh is collecting names for the minibus, which will leave Liverpool around teatime on Thursday, 30th July. This allows members to finish work and then travel to Colchester.
The return journey will be on Saturday, 1st August via Airborne Forces Museum, Duxford. Attendance is free for PRA members, but your PRA membership card must be shown at the door.

Accommodation is in the process of being booked and costs will be shared across those staying in Colchester.

Individuals must make sure they book their own tickets online via the PARA APP (free).

For those who are still considering applying for compensation for hearing loss, claims will be accepted upto 31st July 2026.

Those applying for TA Pensions must continue to request information from MOD records.

Brian Welsh thanked branch members for their excellent support for his charity event in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund ‘The Cateran Yomp’ in Scotland, where he achieved Gold and covered the 57 miles in 21hrs 44 minutes.

Treasurer's Report:
Reminder from Treasurer to those who have yet to pay subs. £30.00 per year or pay in instalments.
Subs can be paid via cash or cheque to Brian Blanchard or via BACS at:
Liverpool PRA Sort Code: 23-05-80
Acc No: 44716631
Ref: Subs surname.

Those wishing to travel to attend the funeral of Steve Tidmarsh will be reimbursed for their petrol money.

Christmas Dinner, the finer details have been confirmed.

The Branch have paid a £500 deposit, and the following costs apply:
Members - £50pp
Non-members - £60pp

All monies to be paid by the end of October 2026.

Future events.






















AOB:
Mick Coleman briefed members on his work with the Anglican Cathedral with regard to laying of our old standard.

He has a meeting planned in June and will provide feedback at the July branch meeting.

Lt Col Dave Macauley is laying the annual wreath at the Airborne memorial, Tatton Park, on 5 th June at 10.30.

There will be a short service followed by lunch. All are welcome, including family and friends.

Bruce brought to the attention of members that a book detailing the 10 Paras valiant defence of Oosterbeek has been loaned out. Can the person who has the book please return it to Bruce for safekeeping and redistribution to other members who may wish to read it.

Close Meeting:The 
Branch Chair closed the meeting at 21:00 hours
Date of next meeting Tuesday, 7 th July 2026 at 20.00hrs

AVCC Sports And Social Club,
Lancing Drive.
Aintree
Liverpool
Merseyside

Brian Welsh, Branch Secretary, Liverpool PRA
Approved:

Please check out the events list on the website for details of Regimental and Local events near you 
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