Jersey Friends of Air Search 

President's Report 2006

President’s Report for the year 1^st July 2005 – 30^th June 2006  

It is always difficult to know how to commence an Annual Report, so before putting pen to paper (or its modern equivalent!) I took the opportunity to read through last year’s Report, which contained the following paragraph: 

“I am pleased to report that, in my view, we have broadly achieved the objectives (of the agreed Strategy) and I would suggest that the awareness in Jersey of CIAS has been increased through our own 25^th Anniversary events and our participation in events organised by others to raise funds for Air Search.” 

My underlying concern when reporting last year was that it would be difficult to follow the level of fundraising previously achieved, as the unique opportunities of the 25^th Anniversary of CIAS would not repeat themselves. Thus our fundraising proceeds could possibly show a decrease. However we have managed to improve on last year! Thus, I am pleased to report that we have raised from all sources, the magnificent sum of £37,648, against last year’s total of £32,085. An increase of 17.33% - which would have been slightly higher if a donation of £1,000 from a Jersey Family Trust had not been sent direct to Guernsey! However, to interfere with this arrangement might forfeit it and most important, we share the same objective as the Guernsey Friends, as stated in our Accounts which is:- 

 “To act as a fundraiser for the Trustees of Channel Islands Air Search (CIAS) and to represent and coordinate the Jersey activities of CIAS. This objective is achieved by numerous fund raising activities, the proceeds of which are transferred to CIAS” 

A brief resume of some of last year’s activities now follows: 

• July 9^th saw us involved in ‘Distinctly Maritime’, organised by Jersey Harbours. During the festivities, a cheque was presented by Mike Stevens for £350 on behalf of the St Helier Boat Owners Association. This donation is given as an example of many received during the financial year, and whilst it will not be possible to acknowledge every one here, all have been acknowledged with letters of thanks.
• August 18^th commemorated the naming of Jersey Clipper with a flyover by Lions Pride and our stand prominent in the VIP tent! The then skipper, Mark Taylor, presented a cheque for £250, a generous gesture bearing in mind that the crew fund is designated for crew ‘treats’ and that all pay for their passage.
• September saw a cheque for £304 arrive from Rozel Boat Owners Association. Another excellent example of a generous donation from a small association, raised at their annual BBQ.
• September/October was allocated to CIAS for the fountain collection at Jersey Airport, which achieved a total of £ 280. So as well as fundraising, our descriptive board in front of the Fountain helped to raise awareness.
• October 30th 2005 and April 30th 2006 marked the mainstay of our fundraising, the renowned Air Search lunches at Jersey Pottery. Unfortunately, our Patron, the then Lieutenant Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire and Lady Cheshire were unable to join us in October due to his hospitalisation, but despite this, record sums were raised. Ron Baudet, committee member and organiser, continues to maintain the excellent standards of food, prizes and ambiance, which make these lunches an enjoyable social occasion.
• November marked an event that was to have a number of spin offs. I spoke at the Jersey Methodist Ladies Luncheon Club – some 85 of their members attended, from which several other speaking engagements arose.
• December meant that Christmas was looming and we attended the Airport Charity Christmas Bazaar, thanks to the introduction by Airport Chaplain and committee member, The Revd. Christopher Buckley. December also saw us as a beneficiary of the St Saviour’s Christmas Concert by Les Conteurs Singers and a welcome cheque for £750. The proceeds for the evening being split 50/50 with the Parish Fund. Tickets for this event are sold out months in advance!
• February had us involved with stand and Moneyspinner at Planet Jersey, a three day Environmental interactive exhibition and conference at Trinity.
• February 23^rd marked a lunchtime reception at St Helier YC to say farewell to our Patron and Lady Cheshire. Chairman of Trustees, Derek Short presented an inscribed plaque to Sir John and Ron Baudet’s wife Lynn presented flowers to Lady Sam Cheshire.
• April 5^th was an evening Reception by RCIYC to thank the emergency services and Harbours which was attended Jersey Friends committee members on behalf of the Operational members of CIAS.
• June 10^th heralded a new event organised by the St Brelade’s Bay Boat Owners Association – a Car Boat Sale! Held on the beach, this allowed us to participate and to sell off some of our clothing stock.
• June also saw the arrival of our new Patron, His Excellency Lieutenant General Andrew Ridgway CB CBE, Lieutenant Governor of Jersey to whom a warm welcome.
• June 24^th. The Itex/Rotary de La Manche Island Walk, for which this year CIAS are a nominated ‘potter’ sharing the remaining funds with other ‘potters’ after the three main charities have received their donations.

Now - in brief – the committee activity!  

·         Your committee launched a membership recruitment drive with a new membership leaflet in the autumn of 2005.

·         October saw the arrival of our Moneyspinner, to complement our stand at Elizabeth Harbour, which is easily transported to events. This has proved to be a good investment, with around £20 per month being collected, in addition to amounts placed in it at events.

·         We (or rather Sarah Price!) produced a Newsletter in September to assist membership recruitment and most important, to keep the current membership informed.

·         CIAS Christmas cards were produced using a photo of La Corbiere by the late Captain Ron Taylor. His widow Gill donated £100 and the cards were a sell out.

·         Roger Leonard, Club Liaison, has done a fantastic job with both RCIYC and St Helier YC in having our membership application forms included with their circulations and articles in each of their publications. Also, his excellent and informed interaction with the boat owner’s associations.

·         At the suggestion of Graham Talbot, a new car disk was designed by Philip Jeune and approved by committee, which was also welcomed by Guernsey. These have been invaluable for members and as selective handouts.

·         2006 saw the launching of the CIAS & Jersey Harbours Challenge (SOLAS V) Cup. This unique yachting event has been championed by committee member Sarah Price, whose contributions to the overall effort of the committee are appreciated.

·         Ron Baudet proposed a Corporate Golf Day at La Moye Golf Club and this has been listed as an option for 2006/7 following written advice and outline details received from La Moye.

·         During the latter part of the year, your President has been involved with Philip Jeune and trustee Ian Larby in bringing forward for comment and trustee approval, proposals for an approved CIAS logo and letterhead. 

Space precludes all initiatives being mentioned, these are a few examples. 

Conclusion: It remains for me to thank our Secretary Ron McLean and Treasurer John Wetherall for their specific input and to all committee members for their involvement and support. Also, my special thanks to the Membership Co-ordinator Graham Talbot and Collection Box Co-ordinator Brian Ahier (who succeeded Richard Haycock during the year) and his team for their continuing efforts. The unsung hero of our committee, Philip Jeune, Press & Public Relations Officer, has worked tirelessly in producing proofs for leaflets, display boards, car stickers, logos etc in addition to ensuring our name is mentioned at every opportunity. 

During the year, we have welcomed Rosemarie Langlois to committee and she has already worked with Ron at St Brelade’s Parish Hall when a coffee morning for CIAS was organised by the Women’s Institute. Thanks also to Bill Tanner, a stalwart of Air Search in its formative years, who helped me at this years ‘Distinctly Maritime’. A special thanks to my wife, Val for her support and assistance with manning the stand at various functions and assisting with fund raising activities. Thanks also to my daughter Louise who assisted at this year’s Itex Walk check-in, from which CIAS will benefit in September. 

Our membership subscriptions increased from £4955 last year to £6119 this year (+23.5%) and overall, the message appears to be that the level of awareness and support bodes well for 2006/7. I am therefore pleased to present this Report. 

Captain Brian Nibbs RD*

President, Jersey Friends of Air Search                                                                August 2006

Channel Island Weather

Latest Satellite photo

Local Tides

The Queen's award for Voluntary Service 2005

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Celebrating 25 Years ] [ About us ] [ Aircraft Data ] [ Guernsey Friends ] [ Links ] [ News Room ] [ Operations ] [ Photo Gallery ] [ RAF Helicopters ] [ RNLI ] [ Support / Donations ]

Please email us if you require more information about the work of the charity. Registered Charity in Jersey (no. 104) and Guernsey (no. 53)

 Copyright © 2002-2008 Channel Islands Air Search. Designed by Ivor Bisson.