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A most interesting day - I think the end is in sight as far as the bank situation is concerned. Whilst I was eating breakfast Mrs Gippings interrupted to tell me that I had a visitor. This was most strange because usually she will only admit visitors between the hours of three and half-past four, and only then if they take tea in the lounge (at their own expense, naturally). Leaving a rather withered sausage end and a slice of meagrely buttered national loaf (my loss is the pigs' gain no doubt) I went through to the lounge and there I encountered Wilson - with bowler hat, furled umbrella and briefcase, looking something like a bank manager. He explained that there were some documents to be signed, before the transfer from Delhi can take place, which he had with him. I can now expect to gain access to my funds in about five days which will be a great relief.
This news, however is as nothing to the events in the Church Hall later. As I confidently predicted the attempts by the vicar so far to establish the Ex-Servicemen's fund have been a shambles. He had formed a most unlikely committee consisting of: the vicar himself, the verger and Mrs Yeatman, a larcenous brute by the name of Roseby who is an associate of young Walker, Mr Gordon the town clerk, Wilson and a young woman, Miss Simpson, about whom I know nothing, though I would hazard a guess that Wilson is more closely connected with her.
Very unwisely, in my view, Wilson had been made treasurer whilst the verger was secretary and Miss Simpson was publicity officer. I wasted no time in expressing my view that the whole committee needed to be slimmed down to a small number of practical men.
This provoked rather a strong reaction, particularly from the two ladies and a long debate ensued. I will not record the cut and thrust of the argument but suffice it to say that my committee, although it is not formed quite as I would wish, is a good deal more promising. It consists of: myself, Chairman and executive officer; the Vicar, providing pastoral care and dealing with church issues; Mr Gordon, secretary; Miss Simpson who works on the Eastgate Gazette and continues to be publicity officer; and finally Mr Jones who I insisted join us as a special advisor due to his long experience of veterans associations and his no-nonsense approach to problem solving.
The was, of course, a good deal of grumbling from those displaced (except Wilson who seemed very sanguine, if not a little relieved) but that was soon quelled when I suggested establishing a sub-group to look at community fund-raising under the direction of Mr Jones. I think that with Jones' direction they should be able to cope with the collection of jumble and maybe the odd tombola without making too much of a mess of things.
I shall use my financial experience and act as treasurer and I have requested each member of the committee to produce a report for this time next week assessing the current situation. I myself will concentrate on reviewing our finances and establishing a new strategy.
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