by President Duke Reid
Summer and Fall 2011
have come and gone and we at 888 Wing can look back on a busy season with much work done and many Wing activities enjoyed.
Unfortunately, on Saturday, 5th of November, we had to bid farewell to member
and good friend Roger MacNeil. His memorial service, held at the Wing, was well
attended by his family and many friends. Thank you to Tom Miles and Don McNabb
for stepping forward and officiating in a most capable way in the absence of the incumbents who were unavailable.
The Battle of Britain Parade, because of inclement weather, took place inside
the 19 Wing, St. Michael’s and All Angels Church, with a smaller number of Wing members taking active part in the service.
The 11th of November Parade in Comox was well attended by 888 Wing members. In Courtenay, our ensign was carried in the Legion Branch 17 Colour Party and a few
Wing members paraded with Branch 17. A larger group of 888 Wing members attended
the breakfast. We laid a wreath on behalf of 888 Wing and the Air Force Association
of Canada.
A special thanks go out to the ladies who prepared and served a delicious
lunch following all of the subject services.
This past Spring and Summer we spent over ten thousand dollars ($10,000)
on repairs, replacements and upgrading of our buildings and outside parking lot. This
was deemed necessary to maintain our infrastructure in a safe and fully functional capacity that is essential to the Wing’s
operation. This should be an easy task but it must be remembered that taxes,
utilities, insurance wages and even maintenance have increased significantly over the past few years. Our funds come from only two sources – Membership Fees and profits from the bar. Three quarters of our membership fees go to National. We have
not had a bar price increase for over two and a half years. We must maintain
a margin of profit from our bar prices and at this time we are under that figure. I
have asked the Treasurer, in close co-operation with the Wing Manager, to investigate our pricing as it pertains to our historic
margin of profit and submit a recommendation to the Executive for increases where warranted, early in the new year. I ask all members to be understanding, as we, the Executive, strive to ensure the Wing maintains a strong
financial foundation.
It seems early to do so, but since this will be the last Contrails before
the Christmas season, Audrey and I extend to you and yours, our Best Wishes for the Holiday Season and Health and Happiness
in 2012.
PER ARDUA AD ASTRA
