1. Chairman – The Chairman opened the meeting at 1029 and proceeded to cover a few salient points. It was noted this was the 125th Anniversary of the Submarine Service and as such the AGM was also combined with a Gala Dinner to celebrate
the 125 years of Submarines. TSF was discussed and although the organisation does not exist in its original guise, it was discussed as a success having donated circa £100,000 to the SA over the past few years. The TSF is now believed to be
under the umbrella of the RNRMC. Noting this it was mentioned that going forward although a grant would be applied for there are no guarantees we would get it. This led onto future funding and the possibility of subscriptions being re-
introduced. The Chairman also mentioned that the SA was the only organisation that had stopped subscriptions whereas the WRS & Friends had continued to collect subscription, these are also charitable organisations. Charitable Status for
the SA was also discussed and would be covered during the meeting. The Thetis memorial held on Friday 20 March 2026 with the Mayor & Mayoress was also back briefed and was an enjoyable event.
 

2. President’s Address Cdre Jim Perks CBE RN Ret’d – The President welcomed all to the meeting, wishing everyone a fun filled weekend and an enjoyable time in Liverpool.

• Secretaries’ Reports – The Secretary re-iterated some of the points covered by the Chairman. It was noted we are all here for the same reason, to discuss the SA and how we can look at new positive ways/ideas to progress forward. Attendance Sheet – This was passed out for all to sign with 57 members attending.

• Minutes of the 2025 AGM - Proposer and Seconder – These were Proposed and Seconded by Andy Bain & Mark Pugh.

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3. Overview of the last 12 months – The SAC Secretary mentioned how the SAC had held F2F Mtgs with both Morecambe and West Riding, with local SA Branches also attending including Barrow, Manchester, Liverpool, Blackpool, Leicester and
Rutland. The purpose of the F2F Mtgs is for the SAC to expand in person communications with SA Branch members. The next F2F is potentially going to be Lincoln in July 26 which will coincide with a Military v Cancer Event allowing the SAC to promote/re inform people of the SA. Looking further ahead it is hope to engage with the NE SA Branches and plan a F2F Mtg on their turf.

4. Vice Chairman’s Report – The VC has been hugely proactive driving the new website forward. He alluded to the issues with the previous webmaster and why we are where we are with the website and Membership Database. The question was raised how do we prevent this going forward? The answer is more SAC members will have access to the website and the Membership Database preventing 1 person being a single point of failure. The SAC Chairman, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Membership Secretary will have access to the Database as required.

5. Charitable Status – Craig Fulton (Director at the Charity Governance Guide) gave a good presentation via PowerPoint on the Process, Pros & Cons of the SA becoming a Charity. PowerPoint Presentation attached in this email. by Craig Fulton.

6. Treasurer’s Report.

• Treasurers report and year end accounts – These were discussed and are attached to the email sent to all branches. The Treasurer also stated that we still have circa 2years operating costs within the Association which was well received by all.

• Explanation of the Operational Funding – The Treasurer gave a brief description regarding Operational Costs and Funding. This was done to support proposals that were put forward by the Barrow Branch but addressed in the Guidelines. The Operational Costs are those which the SAC deal with as general D2D Business, ie payment for Nov Ceremonies (Temple Gardens), travel, etc…

 

7. Membership Secretary – The Membership Secretary could not make the event and sent his apology by proxy. The Secretary covered the topic and briefed that 1337 members had provided Data for the new Membership Database. These members came from 32 branches. It was disappointing to note that there are still 9/10 branches that have not provided any data despite being hastened. Another hastener will go out and then any issues will be discussed at the next SAC Online Mtg. A question raised with the Database was will people have the option to have their details available to be searched or held private, subject to a member’s
choice? The answer is a resounding yes.

8. Gin & Rum Update – Paul Swaby has been the backbone driving this venture. Once all products have been sold, the SA will have made a considerable profit. The Rum and Gin are bespoke products, celebrating the SA and the 125th  Submarine
Service Anniversary. Bottles were passed around the SA members to view. Paul provided a detailed dit on their flavour notes. The Gin is a First Edition, and the Rum is a Limited Edition. There is potential for a second run of the Gin, should it prove to be popular. Costs per bottle, including postage and packaging, were covered. Members were informed that some Gin and Rum had been delivered to the hotel, for sale on completion of the AGM. Future sales would be via the online SA Shop, hosted on the SA Website, once it is up and running (hopefully by the end of the month). The distillery will send fulfilment forms to the Secretary so
orders can be processed and passed back to the Distillery for distribution to the recipients.

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9. Election of New Committee Members - 2 positions to be advertised post the AGM – These will be for a Slops Bosun and an Assistant Membership Secretary, email to follow post the AGM Minutes. We do have a potential volunteer for Slops
Bosun.

10. Proposals, Voting & Results – NIL for 2026 AGM – Members were briefed that Barrow did submit proposals but these were withdrawn, noting pragmatism and common sense. Barrow Branch were thanked for their support as the proposals were addressed within the Guidelines issued in Jan 2026. The Operational Costing query may require some more detail in the future.

11. Any ?’s / AOB

• The Barrow Branch Rep highlighted that the Branch were investigating Freedom of the City to celebrate the 125th  Anniversary of the Submarine Service and the commissioning of our first Submarine, Holland 1 which was launched from Vickers in Barrow on the 2nd  of October 1901. Details will be sent to all Branches as the program develops.

• Blue Plaque – It is intended for the next Blue Plaque event to be in Dover on the 6 June 2026. It is requested that any Branches that can support with Standard Bearer do so. If any Branches can let the SAC Secretary know details will be passed to organiser.

• ISA – Ian Vickers gave a dit on the International Submariners Association and the upcoming events in April 26 including the Dundee Memorial and Gala Dinner in Edinburgh. Anyone wishing to join the ISA should contact Ian Vickers or one of his Team. Anyone interested, please feel free to contact the SAC Secretary and I will link you with Ian Vickers or Ron Rietveld.

• Clive Lee raised the question wrt Commander in Chief being invited to the 125 November Ceremonies, this has already been actioned and only with time we will know who the attendees will be.

• Mark Pugh (SAC Social Sec) briefed the weekend events and also mentioned the 2027 AGM and two possible locations Derby and Leeds. It is highly likely to be Derby which will coincide with the 25th Anniversary of the Freedom of the City. Once more details are known they will be emailed to all branches.