BRS AGM this Saturday

RickF64


Joined: 07/01/2009
Posts: 173

Message Posted:
24/03/2009 22:02

BRS AGM this Saturday 28th March, 11:00 at the Pia Bella Hotel, Girne.



It's your society and if you want a say in how it's being run and by whom, then come along and vote.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 13:31

British Residents Society yes go and vote (unhappily I am back in the UK or I would).



It seems that people are trying to make the BRS more political which was not the reason it was formed, nor is it the reason it exists.



It was as a self help organisation for British Residents in the TRNC who needed social contact and also often advice or assistance the subscriptions were kept low so that older residents would not be cut off in their time of need. It is run by volunteers and is not able to assist "non members" as it did in the past as the people on the committee and in the know can't afford enough time as it is. It is respected locally as it knows the strings and it works on the Cypriot Yavas Yavas principle of slowly slowly catchee monkey



I and many others joined it to be helped if needed and to help others but not for political reasons.



I do feel that if people want political things they should either create their own political society or maybe help/join the HBPG

jimm127


Joined: 26/02/2008
Posts: 280

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 14:21

Flightholiday

I am sorry that you seem to have totally misunderstood the reason that candidates are standing for the BRS committee and the reasons behind the resolutions.

In no way is any of this "political", it is merely an attempt to bring accountability and openness and a feeling of inclusion to the membership.

You are right that it is an entirely voluntary society and this was part of the motivation to put new blood into the committee and help ease the load that has been carried by a dedicated few in the past.

To believe that there is any other agenda than to help drive the BRS forward misrepresents the situation, the candidates and the resolutions.

I do agree with the point about subscriptions and have suggested that they may be lowered, but the current committee will obviously make their recommendations to the AGM.

I hope that as manyof the members as possible will turn up and have their say. The BRS is after all THEIR society

niftyduo


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 230

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 16:33

New blood, new ideas may be the way forward. I shall be reading the manifestos with an open mind and voting on my judgement.

Aslan


Joined: 23/06/2008
Posts: 757

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 16:54

In the Red corner







and







In the Blue corner

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 21:06

If some new blood comes in to replace the Raj I and many hundreds of others will join.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11280

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 21:16

RE msg 6, cyprusishome > If some new blood comes in to replace the Raj I and many hundreds of others will join. <



===> Ah, yes! That's what they usally say in "Letters to the Editor". "I and many *hundreds* of others"...



So: *Fifty*, no *ten* names, please?

Cyprusquest


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 428

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 21:30

Msg 3 - if you go in mob handed you may well lose all the experienced members who have worked hard over the years.



Just try for two new members each AGM and in a short while things will change.



What are you trying to move the BRS forward to?

If you are one of the new breed tell us what you want to do.



Msg 6 - I think that new blood might be good but not a take over or a massacre. There are not so many 100's of British Residents living in North Cyprus who would join for the sake of joining!

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11280

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 21:39

RE msg 8, Cyprusquest: I wish I had said it. A cool reply and so true.

jimm127


Joined: 26/02/2008
Posts: 280

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 21:54

The nomination of new members for the committee is in no way a take over and is not intended as a masacre! We have, at every stage in the process of submitting nominations and resolutions, kept the current committee constantly informed of our position, indeed we have had two formal meetings with senior committee members as well as other informal contacts. Everything has been open and above board. The number of nominations was decided to ensure that an election would have to take place thereby giving committee members old or new a proper mandate to act for the Society.

We are pleased that several of our suggestions have already been looked at by the current committee and this is truely the purpose. The committee need to be aware of the needs of all of the expats living here and be seen to represent them all. The perception has been previously that it was an exclusive club. I for one, do not believe that is true, but the perception still exists TBC

jimm127


Joined: 26/02/2008
Posts: 280

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 22:03

and it may be that without "new blood" the membership and future potential membership, may not believe that change is possible.

The BRS needs to lead in the matter of representing the expat interests here, as well as having the contacts and data bases that enable it to give advice. It also needs to continue to provide that very necessary social function that has enabled many lasting friendships to be created. However it also needs to be responsive to its membership and not as out of touch as it has percieved to have been.

If all 10 current committee members are re=elected then that is the will of the membership, and the committee have already have had the assurance that they will receive the full backing of the other nominees.

As i said previously, the BRS belongs to the membership, and the membership are entitled to express their view.

See you all on Saturday.

Cyprusquest


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 428

Message Posted:
25/03/2009 23:27

Msg 11 - well phrased but looking at it and taking certain phrases out and I read:



The BRS needs to lead in the matter of representing the expat interests here, as - - sounds like this is external politics to me



However it also needs to be responsive to its membership and not as out of touch as it has percieved to have been. - - sounds divisive to me



the membership are entitled to express their view. - - feels to me like you are trying to steer the memberships view - - that is being political within the BRS or just expressing yours over the roof tops.



Learn from Msg 2 - YAVAS YAVAS

Mountainman


Joined: 23/03/2009
Posts: 4

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 01:07

Is this why the Chairman at last year's meeting did not allow questions from the floor?

Hippo


Joined: 02/02/2007
Posts: 2070

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 04:52

I dont know what all the winging is about -you stand for post members decide if they want you-if you win the vote you get in if you dont ,you dont.



What would be usefull is a decleration by any candidate of their manifesto.

If change is needed then what form these changes may take.



Then the members can make an informed decision.

scruffdog


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 742

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 09:02

Cyprusquest, my husband and I have been to the hut 3 times in 3 yrs. . Each time were 2 queues with committee members heading them. EVERY time the 2 have argued over information given to poor expats, they then leave confused & wondering what the meeting was about - we had the same experience. We are in our 4th year, have never received an e-mail newsletter. Their site is more interested in promoting their 'trips', (which are not BRS) than info for newcomers. On the notice board should be 112 and what they do, environment number to report flytipping. Clubs, events that expats whould be interested in. This club should let us know what we can do, who we can contact in an emergency etc & they don't. We had to ask neighbours, re Muktars letter, you need from day one, where police, land registry etc are, why no maps? I can go on and on it comes down to good quality correct information. The problem is committee have been here so long they have lost touch with immigration procedures.

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 10:48

Message 15; They are volunteers who give freely of their time for no financial reward.

All the things you mention that they should do are time consuming and truth be told they are things that could and should be found out by any individual.

Fly tipping, see your muktar, 112, talk to them, events, read the paper.



Police, land registry etc, ask someone. Immigration procedures, they change daily ask at Girne police.



All of the points you mention can be sorted on this board.



The BRS cannot presume to run roughshod over local politicians.



Finally; read message 2.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 11:49

Msg 14



Yes Yes to:



What would be usefull is a decleration by any candidate of their manifesto.



If change is needed then what form these changes may take.



Then the members can make an informed decision.



BTW an extra thought

It is a pity that some sort of postal voting that is secure and can't be abused or "hacked" can't be easily organised - even T Blair could not get that one properly sorted so we can't ask the BRS can we. The alternative might be proxy votes but that coulkd be easily abused too.

scruffdog


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 742

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 14:35

Msg 16 10 members on a committee and you say they are volunteers - correct, but what do they do and is the point of the BRS? Why do we pay £10 each a year for membership? I thought obviously incorrectly, that the BRS were there to represent the Expats advise them on what to expect when they live here and where everything is - how silly of me.

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 16:58

I have to say that if this organisation wishes to be and continue as the British Residents Association and charge membership; whilst it's committee is giving their time laudably free, is it not setting a high expectation just in it's name?



Is it really too much in this day and age to have a website that gives useful information? What's the point if the advice is that they should have asked someone already i.e their muktah. I did join the BRS and also gave my email address. I have never received a newsletter or been asked to renew membership despite my emailing via the website. I have visited Pegasus on a Friday morning but gave up waiting.



I appreciate the devastating loss of two of its main members which hasn't helped. If there are those that can forward the BRS and it's aims and objectives, good luck to them.



PS Why can't important meetings like the AGM not be held during a time when more people are likely to be in NC i.e Easter, summer, Sept?

Cyprusquest


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 428

Message Posted:
26/03/2009 21:38

Msg 18 How silly of you - to expect £10.00 membership to cover peoples phone calls, paperwork being printed and given to members the costs of things like the hut and the location of the AGM etc. You would pay that for a meal out would you not?



Msg 19 By paragraph



1. The name British Residents Assocaition - it says what it is - an association of Kyrenia Residents who have gone to live there from Britain



2. With regards to the web site have you offered to help and give your time or money to improve the information it offers?



3. Hector - why not try to assist "forward the BRS and it's aims and objectives" I am sure you could but how much time could/would you give?



4. The name British Residents Association - it says what it is - an association of Kyrenia Residents who have gone to live there from Britain. So it would have originaly held its AGM to fit in with when the original British Residents set the BRS up not for the many part time residents who are also members.

RickF64


Joined: 07/01/2009
Posts: 173

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 00:16

Re: message 20, why only 'Kyrenia Residents' this is the British Residents Society and is therefore duty bound to represent the BRS members wherever they may reside in the TRNC.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 01:28

Msg 20 Because I believe that is the formal title for the BRS (I might be wrong).



I am not familiar with the constitution so could not say if it duty bound to do anything. I am sure some new things might evolve on Saturday.



There are two other associations based in North Cyprus that might warrant being discussed the TFR and the Anglo Turkish.



There must be some things that are being asked of the BRS that they can help on also.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 01:29

The Foreign Residents (TFR)



This organisation has been running for over 10 years, and welcomes all nationalities to its ranks. Many of its activities are similar to the BRS’s, and in addition they have made some valuable contributions to the community by organising schemes to manage the foreign cemeteries in North Cyprus.



They have also provided invaluable support to residents who have experienced the stressful situation of having to organise funerals in North Cyprus, as well as the repatriation of loved ones who have passed away.



There are around 35 full time members at the time of writing, and if you would like to become a member or you require more information you can contact them via Heinz Nauroth on +90 (0)533 677 3076 .





Posting edited

Hi Tom

Johns number has been removed as he has been hospitalized and will not be able to respond. AJ

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 01:31

This and the quote in Msg 23 are from http://essentialcyprus.com/foreign-residents-associations-north-cyprus/



Anglo Turkish-Association



Again this organisation is very prominent in the community and holds regular activities that are open to members and non-members alike. Some of the things that they can provide and organise are Turkish language courses, trips and cultural events, talks and discussions with presentations on various topics of interest such as North Cyprus birds and flowers, and local art exhibitions and so on.



They are represented by the local Turkish Cypriot community as well as having expat liaison personnel who can provide detailed information should you require. If you would like to know more about the organisation, how you can get involved or to find out what’s on you can call Tulen Saner on +90 (0)533 848 2000

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 03:47

Scruffdog; Read message 20;



Being slightly pedantic what do you get for your tenner?



One example; In my case over £100 off car insurance.



In a lot of cases, people from all over the island travelling to Lefkosa to donate blood in an emergency including myself and the other half.



Access to quality advice, if you can`t get to see them at Pegasos or the hut give them a ring.



Finally; they are not just a Kyrenia society they are also well represented in the Karpaz and Gazimagusa where they have done good things at Yeni Erenkoy hastanesi. Similarly many Kyrenia and Lefkosa hospitals and other causes have been endowed by them.



That`s where your tenner goes!

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 07:25

I am sadddened to hear so much criticism of the BRS on this forum. People seem to forget that they are a bunch of volunteers who gladly and freely give up so much of their time to help when and where they can.



I have nothing to do with the society other than donate my £10 per year and receive discounts from both my house and car insurance via Iktisatbank as a result of being a member.



When and if I get information, as I did when completing my final residency as one example, I went to the hut and gave them the information I had gained whilst going through the process. This is often the only way they can update their records because, as we all know things change daily here. They were most grateful for this.



I have never received an email or newsletter from them but am I concerned? No is the answer. In my own small way make contributions to the society and will continue to do so but how many people on here do the same?



Yes, I do think they could promote themselves a bit

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 07:26

.. and they did do recently in an article in the Property magazine and it did show what they do and can help people with.



Instead of posting negatives remarks about them, how about using individual talents out there to help them?

scruffdog


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 742

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 10:06

We offered information when they were argueing on an occasion when we had got our driving licence to be met with, I have not heard that before must get it confirmed before I pass it on - we had just gone through procedure, hardly going to give duff info. Why don't they ask for help, there are hundreds out here who would be only too willing to help them ie computer wise etc? I am not posting negative remarks only stating facts and asking questions which have not been answered. What does the BRS stand for (not just British Residents Society?)

Cyprusquest


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 428

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 18:16

regarding Messages 8 + 14 + 17

"What are you trying to move the BRS forward to?

If you are one of the new breed tell us what you want to do."



"What would be usefull is a decleration by any candidate of their manifesto.

If change is needed then what form these changes may take. "





No repsonses that I've seen from the new candidates - does this mean that they have no real manifesto, just in it to try to disrupt things or maybe do they have such a full agenda that they might have good ideas but no time to assist so - should step back anyway before Saturday?



The BRS needs your support to survive and benefit everyone - time and money, not being devisive

dozza67


Joined: 11/07/2008
Posts: 607

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 18:31

We also are sad to hear the criticism. You make it sound like £10 a year is a lot of money. It isn't for goodness sake. You can more than make that £10 up by shopping at some the places that offer discounts to BRS card holders, even have meals and get discounts. All the gob-s***es that are doing so much shouting. Why don't you offer your services and spend 2/3 days a week running round shops and restaurants trying to get discounts for unworthy miserable trouble makers as well as seeing politicians about trying to make life easier for us immigrants. When we first came here we were paying £500+ for medicals and being put through the mill big time. BRS persuaded the government to make it easier for us as well as pay the same money as any other immigrant. That has saved you years and years of £10's

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 18:43

With the AGM coming up, for those who have negative reports on the BRS, now is your chance to do something and say something. I for one have saved money just as dozza67 has and for the information I have gained and the financial savings I am pleased to forward my £10 every year. This is now less than the cost of meal out in most places.

doddies


Joined: 16/02/2009
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 20:38

Re message 25 newscoop.

£100 off car insurance? not being nosey but what car do you have and what is the insurance cost without discount?

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
27/03/2009 21:16

A Bentley?

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
28/03/2009 20:09

Any News for us non expat's?



(Members who are absent in the UK)

come_on_aylin


Joined: 14/06/2008
Posts: 908

Message Posted:
28/03/2009 22:00

New committee: Morton Coles (Chair), Stephen Day (Vice Chair), Julia Price, Brenda Green, Prue Lundie, Colin Mulcahy, Pat Holmes, John Oram, Mike Maternaghan & John Wyn Roberts.



Meeting started late (11.35) due to the volume of attendees (300+) and finished around 15.30.

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
29/03/2009 11:01

How many new committee members were voted on.

scruffdog


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 742

Message Posted:
29/03/2009 11:11

There were 4 new members, Morton Coles and Colin Mulacahy they had been co-opted on during the year and John Wyn Roberts and Stephen Day completely new to the committee. One comment I would like to make the ex chairlady in all fairness to herself and the BRS should have stood down and let an able bodied person take over and help 100%. By her own admission her docotor has told her to rest, (she admitted she had to rely on other members during her term), this she should do for her and her husbands sake, she could still use her vast experience to help the committe, but her health is paramount.

scruffdog


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 742

Message Posted:
29/03/2009 11:45

There were 4 new members, Morton Coles and Colin Mulacahy they had been co-opted on during the year and John Wyn Roberts and Stephen Day completely new to the committee. One comment I would like to make the ex chairlady in all fairness to herself and the BRS should have stood down and let an able bodied person take over and help 100%. By her own admission her docotor has told her to rest, (she admitted she had to rely on other members during her term), this she should do for her and her families sake, she could still use her vast experience to help the committe, but her health is paramount.

petez


Joined: 04/12/2008
Posts: 560

Message Posted:
29/03/2009 12:22

Re msg 12



2. With regards to the web site have you offered to help and give your time or money to improve the information it offers?





Cyprusquest, i offered to freely publicise

the society on my site, (they declined my offer) and were unwilling to even do a small interview.



I also offered them help with their website (for free) on this forum, and by contacting them.

(I never even got a reply.)



It seems to me, they are quite happy to plod along as they are, which may well end up being the reason people stop renewing their membership.

Lets hope the new committee make some positive changes

My offer of help still stands. email pete@lincguide.com

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
29/03/2009 12:32

Can I just ask what this committee actually does ...this is a serious question so no daft replies...thank you.

scruffdog


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 742

Message Posted:
29/03/2009 13:33

This is what I asked way back up the line but did not get an answer. From the AGM, disecting the chairpersons report, they topped 100 blood donors, nothing else was declared as effective work. Last AGM it was noted discrimination between expats and locals, this is worse than last year, so they were not effective here. The figures do not add up on the Income/Expenditure account, no exchange rate declared, different ones used throughout account. The committee needs to be effective and ask for help if needed, there are over 1000 members surely we can help, so new committe prove you are not a clique, get us involved with fund raising, updating computers etc.

scruffdog


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 742

Message Posted:
30/03/2009 17:52

Deecyprus4, 24hrs since your request and no one has been able to answer, does that not tell you something?

RickF64


Joined: 07/01/2009
Posts: 173

Message Posted:
30/03/2009 19:25

Your BRS committee has now gained some 'new blood' thanks to all of the members who turned up and voted. An excellent result IMHO.

Now let's give these elected people, our representatives, a little time and loads of support and encouragement to get on and do the job on our behalf.

If you have any constructive suggestions of what you would like them to do for you and the wider membership, then contact them and let them know.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
31/03/2009 13:47

Msg 41 & Msg 43



I do not know if any of the BRS committee look at Cyprus44 do either of you? If they do could they talk in a public forum such as C44 on behalf of the BRS etc.



Why not try the revamped committe before having a go? If it was me and I had a grouse I would give them at least three months and then approach them directly.