What is the Marconi Veterans Association – What do they do?
The following is an attempt to put you in the picture.
The Marconi Veterans Association was formed in 1928 by our founder Marchese Gugliemo Marconi, to recognise the loyalty of staff who a had completed 25 years with the Company. The first event was a reunion and lunch: hosted by our founder and held at one of London Hotels.
Each year a similar event took place and with the growing number of completing 25 years service, larger accommodation was needed for the Re-Union and Annual Lunch. The event has proved so popular the number of participants attending each year has been limited to 250.
In the early days, the Re-Union and Annual Lunch was organised by a secretary from the Company’s London Office as part of her normal duties. Nowadays the task of keeping records, writing letters and the organisation of this event has to be undertaken by a part-time but nevertheless busy Secretary with help not only in kind, but also financially from the Marconi Companies here in Chelmsford and at Stanmore.
To ensure the organisation of the annual event runs smoothly and proper care of finances takes place, a Marconi Veterans Association Committee was formed, with meetings taking place approximately four times per year. Each member of the committee contributes to the annual event in some way or another. The current Committee members are detailed later in this Newsletter.
Committee members are nominated by Marconi Veterans or by members of the Marconi Veterans Association Committee. As far as is possible, Marconi Veterans on the Committee, either in service or retired, represent the area where they are or have been employed, to ensure a cross section of representation.
A proper constitution has been drawn up and an Annual General Meeting takes place at the main function of the organisation i.e. the Annual Re-Union and Lunch.
If any of you would like to become members of the Marconi Veterans Association Committee, please contact the Secretary who will be pleased to put all nominations in front of the current Committee for consideration.
Meetings usually take place at The Marconi Bowls Club at Waterhouse Lane, as space in any of the Company premises is usually not available. The Secretary occupies a small office at BAE SYSTEMS, Research Centre, West Hanningfield Road, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, where all correspondence and other requirements are handled.
The reason that the Annual Re-Union and Lunch takes place in Chelmsford is because most of the active Marconi Veterans live in this area, as well as most of the Marconi Veterans Committee. We are fortunate to be able to use the Marconi Athletic and Social Club as our main venue for the Annual Re Union and Lunch.