Retired Members
Sadly, Bert Laver, Retired Members Secretary for the last 14 years died
on Sunday 28 February 1999. Below is Bert's last Annual Report written in
January 1999. An
appreciation
Towards
the millennium
With the reorganisation of local government and the merging
of the branches, the Retired Members Section continues to attract new members
from what used to be different unions and we are all meeting under the leadership
of UNISON, which has given all of us a desire to work together, at the same
time enjoying to the full the friendship and support of one another.
The attendance at section meetings has maintained at 62%,
the figure for the past three years. During the year there were nine committee
meetings and 10 section meetings. The meeting attracting the largest attendance
was "Sleeping around Scotland" by Miss L Alexander, who is a Hotel
Inspector.
The membership stands at 706 (402 female, 304 male) including
33 associated members.
It is with regret that we record the deaths of the following
members in 1998. Mr I Dunn, Mr J Bonnar, Mrs B McLaren, Ms M Lister and
Miss M McDonald. We were also advised of the death of Mr C Allan who died
during 1995.
Social Activities
When compiling the syllabus for the year, various speakers
are selected. Their subjects are always interesting, and there is the occasional
speaker who ensures that we all can have a good laugh. Their presence enhances
the meetings and we record our thanks.
We still enjoy the comforts of St Ann's Community Centre
for our meetings and the Hall Caretaker always ensures that everything is
in order, especially the morning coffee/tea break.We are indebted to the
Branch for paying for this and the hall.
Throughout the session there are many social activities
and outings arranged by Mrs Hilda McCoy and her assistants. Our summer outing
was to Loch Earn with a sail on the "Sir Walter Scott". The day
was bright and sunny with a cool breeze. One drawback, the "Scottish
Midges" were out for the day as well, much to the annoyance of some
of the section especially our Social Convenor.
Bowling: The interbranch bowling
match was played at Balgreen on 1 September. We received a letter of thanks
from UNISON Retired Members committee for organising the tournament which
was judged to be an outstanding success.
Other features were our usual visit to the Tattoo rehearsal
on 6 August, the Pirates of Penzance and a repeat visit to the Breadalbane
Arms Hotel, Aberfeldy for our Christmas lunch.
Conference
Our President, Mr Charles McRobb and Mr George Murdoch
represented the section at the Retired Members Annual Conference, held in
Blackpool on 13/14 October. The following report was compiled by Charles:-
Tuesday afternoon: I attended
a workshop titled "Welfare and Fund Raising". The main objective
was to obtain ideas to raise funds to support Welfare in UNISON. For example
should we appeal from all sections of UNISON for covenanted donations or
bequests or a National Welfare Day?
Consideration will also be given to advertising on television
as soon as possible because of the unhealthy state of the Fund. It should
be noted that UNISON has a full time fund raiser based at UNISON's head
office.
Branches are asked to discuss with retired members their
experiences of fund raising and to pass any useful suggestions to the fund
raiser.
The main conference on 14 October
was attended by about 300 delegates and observers, with Alison Shepherd
the presiding officer. Twenty three motions, were submitted by branches
along with one emergency motion re Finance of Retired Members.
Most of the movers spoke with great enthusiasm on their
subject. Those who opposed the motions spoke equally well creating a most
interesting conference.
21 motions were unanimously supported, one being lost re
Anti Rabies Quarantine. Motions 14-16 were concerned with the closure of
Cyprus Lodge Convalescent Home at St Annes-on-Sea.
Delegates protested very strongly to the welfare management
board decision to close the home without first contacting the membership
of UNISON.
The reason for their decision was that £250,000 was
required to upgrade the building to meet regulations, which UNISON could
not afford. The property is now for sale.
The other two convalescent homes, Knole Lodge and White
Rose Lodge, continue to operate and are always available for the use of
Retired members.
Financing of Retired Members
As retired members do not contribute by annual subscription
and in view of the membership increase to 106.000, it was suggested that
UNISON may have to reconsider the future funding of retired members.
The cost of maintaining the retired members in 1997 was
£59,111. A current one-off subscription of £10 is charged and
paid into local branch funds. Conference took the view that an annual subscription
is the only way ahead and therefore asked the National Executive Committee
to begin work on establishing an appropriate figure. This or any other decision
would require a rule change to a future Delegates Conference.
On the evening of 13 October
all delegates were cordially invited to an evening of light entertainment
followed by a dance. Most delegates attended all having a most enjoyable
evening.
Thanks: An appreciation of
all the work involved by the staff at St Giles Street in organising our
trip to Blackpool we offer our sincere thanks. We would also like to thank
Bert Laver for his good work in this connection.
(Charles McRobb, Chairperson).
Finally, the section will welcome any UNISON member who
is interested in joining after retiring from full or part time employment.
An application form can be obtained from the UNISON Office, 23 George IV
Bridge, Edinburgh. Tel. 0131 220 5655. When returning the form, a cheque
for £10, made out to UNISON City of Edinburgh Branch will ensure life
membership.
Bert Laver
Retired Members Secretary |
