New BRS all hot air.

Hector · Post by **Hector** » Mon 28 Apr 2014 12:42 pm

And the scrapping of the Army being able to refuse PTP.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Mon 28 Apr 2014 9:27 pm

It seems that BRS have sorted out their web site, which seemed to be down today for maintenance. I have now had an e mail with my invite to the Meet the Committee, so I guess everyone else has too. A positive move!

As to the property issues and Cyprus Today. Maybe the reason that marian Stokes was asked for comment is because she has been fighting for years to get some help over property matter,s but of course the main organization during the past four years is the Making North Cyprus Better movement, who have managed to make inroads and worked closely with Marian and others. The BRS function fo r many years was more social and for promoting good relations between the ex pats and the locals Hence MNCBM was born.

It does seem that the new committee is starting to sort matters out, but of course, it does not answer outstanding matters to which some members would like a response. Maybe Monday's meeting will have some answers ?

Owl Lady · Post by **Owl Lady** » Wed 30 Apr 2014 9:15 am

As the poster that started this way back on the 12th April after the AGM (and yes I was there) It has strayed away from the original topic into a mud slinging match. If as is suggested there is a court case pending with the new chairman, I am sure that legally he is not allowed to discuss the matter on a public forum. I have known David for several years and am sure that he did not want the AGM to turn out the way it did. NO I am not being fed! I am sure that some who have e-mailed him personally and commented about him on here, have never met him or even know him. Perhaps if you were to go to Kamares on Monday and meet your new committee,(assuming you are a member) you could speak to him directly

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Wed 30 Apr 2014 9:35 am

Valid points Owl Lady, but there are a few folk who wished that the Chairman WOULD post on here. It is not a matter of knowing him personally, but it has more to do with the fact that he is now Chairman, and the only voice seemingly heard is that of the Vice Chairman. Also there are still those who feel that the AGM should be declared null and void on technical matters.

I think it might be a bit non productive if the Meet the Committee turned into a verbal slanging match. Surely answers could be given here, or maybe they are on the web page (I confess I have not looked. ). I think the can tha tyou opened Owl Lady has bene a means of people expressing their discontent with the AGM and of ocurse there are naturally certain personalities which will come under fire as a result of it. David Brown is not the only one.

It really is not so much a personal thing to DB, but to BRS for which people have paid money to be members and hwo feel they deserve answers.

I do hope that Monday (which of ocurse is for members only) does not turn into a battle over an Indian lunch. Mind you, I personaly feel it is a strange place to have a meeting. An Indian restaurant on Cypriot soil for a bunch of Brits. Although I guess this is what makes this place so interesting - the many 'colours' of thepeople here.

Carbotec · Post by **Carbotec** » Wed 30 Apr 2014 10:25 am

I wonder if SD turned down the chairs position knowing that if the pending case against DB is proven he would have to resign his chair, but as deputy chair he can now step up to chairs position and save the BRS once again, food for thought or not?

MoonageDaydream · Post by **MoonageDaydream** » Wed 30 Apr 2014 3:03 pm

As owners of a holiday apartment who are intending to move to Cyprus in the next 18 months, my wife and I were intending to join the BRS in June when we next went out there. I was a bit worried that it was too Kyrenia based, and a tad old-fashioned, but was prepared to give it a try. I was also impressed that the 'reform' Committee seemed to be trying to make it move with the times and be more relevant to today's north Cyprus.

Having read Marion's report in the Kib Kom times, and the various postings on this forum by those who were present, I am now convinced that the 'old guard' orchestrated a scene at the AGM in an attempt to regain control. They have now regained control, but it could prove to be a Pyrrhic victory if some members leave and new members don't join.

I have never liked Stephen Day's reputation, his column in Cyprus Today has often been full of right-wing propaganda verging on bigotry, and I know from friends in the north of England that he did not have good reputation as an MP for Cheadle (where he turned his once safe Tory seat into a marginal which he then lost in three successive elections!). Despite that I still believed that he was only one member of the BRS Committee and (I hoped) an atypical one.
It now seems that 'Cheadle's finest' was an instigator of the boorish "Prime Minister's Questions" tactics which wrecked the Society's AGM.

There is a need for an organisation that will represent European and other immigrants in North Cyprus, and I hope The Foreign Residents and Make North Cyprus Better wil be up to the task (perhaps they should consider merging to create a stronger organisation?).

Lady Penelope · Post by **Lady Penelope** » Wed 30 Apr 2014 6:42 pm

From the outside it would appear that the BRS is being administrated by people behaving like school children.

What happens now that the school bully has become Head Boy?

terry2366 · Post by **terry2366** » Wed 30 Apr 2014 7:43 pm

6 of the best for telling porkies! And throwing his toys out of the cot.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Wed 30 Apr 2014 7:57 pm

Now come on guys and gals - don't get too personal. Hopefully, the answers you want will be available TO MEMBERS on Monday. However, I am just more than a little sad, that I have been told that I may NOT report it in the press. I now have a dilemma. I go as a member to hear what is said, but I cannot share it! That seems a shame because I know there wil be many members who cannot attend, and many others, such as the posting above, who might like to hear the response of the new committee to the comments such as made above in this thread.

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Wed 30 Apr 2014 8:25 pm

Moonage daydream........

Similar position as us. Have a small place which we intend to make much more use of from next year, staying up to 6 months at a time. In advance of this we were seriously considering joining the BRS - not that we don't think we can look after ourselves and not for the social side either (Not that keen on functions where majority are expats - prefer if possible to try and blend into the local community) - BUT we thought the BRS may be a useful support mechanism for advice/help should it be needed.

Knowing nothing about the personalities involved on both the old/new committee but having followed this thread with interest and also reading up on what has happened we are now convinced that as a result of the debacle at the AGM we would not want to be anywhere near this organisation or the new people supposedly running it.

Have decided that we will join the RBL Kyrenia Branch - not looking to much at the social side but as ex army they are well known for their support. Plus also look to see if ATA and MNCB are more the type of organisations that we should be joining.

Stephen Day - Never heard of him!

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Thu 01 May 2014 5:52 am

Marions, nobody has the right to stop you reporting anything. Is the BRC now like Turkey with its take on freedom of the press? Pass it on to me via email and I'll get it published, but I will not be anywhere near that Monday meeting or any other BRS function again.

George47 · Post by **George47** » Thu 01 May 2014 6:08 am

Why on earth can't you report on the meeting Marion?

Surely the aim of this meeting is to inform members of the 'new' committee goals, and they haven't been shy of talking to the press (admittedly Cyprus Today) in the recent past. Apparently the headline screaming 'BRS in Turmoil' came directly from the new chair, David Brown, and kicked all this mess off. Maybe they are worried they can't control you and what you write?

Perhaps they have suddenly become shy, or is it all top secret stuff!? As a member who hasn't received an invitation (and has honestly given up on this committee as a bunch of ego maniacs), I am wondering if my security clearance wasn't high enough.

Or maybe we are just back to old style BRS where you are either in with the 'in' crowd, or ignored.

terry2366 · Post by **terry2366** » Thu 01 May 2014 9:07 am

As he stated most of you know me and my achievements I assume you all did in fact know him. He does seem to have a very high opinion of himself. I personally try to avoid these people who seek to promote themselves and egos on this sort of society. I think they can control what is written in cyprus today vie mr day but I did think the paper was supposed to be impartial. I would have thought if the full AGM was not finished treasurers reports etc and with only 8 people present as opposed to the large number that was originally there it would be null and void however I am not an expert and the lawyer present does not seem to be very impartial.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Thu 01 May 2014 9:43 am

It does seem odd that two journalists who are members of BRS not only attended the AGM but reportedon it, but now on something as simple and innocuous as 'Meet the committee' comes into a different category. I am very surprised. Below I have cut and pasted what I wrote, and then the response. I do this so that you can see the exact wording form both sides and the nature of the 'refusal' to allow me to report. I shall of course report in KibKom Times that I was not allowed to report, and in those circumstances I am not interested in attending. But anyway, for the record, here you are:
Me to BRS:Hi there

Thanks for getting the invite through. I guess you had some computer challenges, as the site was down today.

I will certainly come along to listen, and also to report, but count me out for food and drink (unless it is a good strong black coffee!). Hope there is enough room at the restaurant!

Changing the subject slightly, I was intrigued to read a comment that you signed up new members to BRS who had been at the AGM, but who were not members then. Did you by anychance ask how they got into the meeting. I thought there were checks and double checks, or did they find a wayto sneak in, which is rather naughty. Did they make any mention as to why they were there when not paidup members.

Just curious.

See you next Monday (D.V.) My husband may come too, but not sure yet.

From BRS to me:

Dear Marion,
Thank you for your interest in this meeting. It is not intended that this get together be reported in the press. Can I suggest you make contact with either Ann Challis or David Brown. As to the other matter I have no knowledge, again can I suggest you make conte with either Ann or David.

Kindest regards

Julia

And??????????????????????????

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Thu 01 May 2014 9:49 am

On a personal note as a member, I am a little disappointed that a club for which I paid membership for which the committee serves me, seems to be acting like a Board of Directors of a Company at which I am employed . possibly as a cleaner, or some other low rank.
Maybe I am getting a tad personal here, and I know there are hundreds of happy BRS members who cannot be bothered with all this 'boring stuff' but as one who has lived here for a while and been a member of BRS because of what it offered socially (my main interest in joining), I feel very saddened and disappointed at the turn that has been taken. Of course I don't have to be a member, and of course it is representative of a 'handful' of people compared to the size of the population. However as a journalist who has followed BRS activities for several years, I am deeply sad that the organization is now trying to keep everything 'hugger mugger' .
I found the previous committee to be warm and reaching out to the membership - at the moment I do not feel that warmth.

I may not matter as an individual, of course, but I know there are many other members who feel the same.

Art · Post by **Art** » Thu 01 May 2014 10:08 am

Perhaps they don't trust you Marion's?

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Thu 01 May 2014 10:13 am

"It is not intended that this get together be reported in the press."

Well, there goes freedom of speech then, getting more like a Government all the time.

Wonder if there will be anything on Wikileaks - lol.

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Thu 01 May 2014 1:04 pm

Waddo, whilst I respect your views on not wanting 'an organisation' to support expats views to the TRNC Government et al. I am 100% behind your view on freedom of speech. Nobody on the BRS Committee has the authority to stifle debate/reporting - its a members organisation for crying out loud. If the BRS rules prevent reporting, they must be changed - now. Perhaps the BRS PRO would comment? Marions, my offer still stands.

Carbotec · Post by **Carbotec** » Thu 01 May 2014 3:46 pm

Dearest Marion,

Neither my partner or I are available to go to Mondays Meet The New Committee, I feel as a paid up member of the society I have every right to know what is being discussed. Please change your mind and go and report back to all BRS members who for what ever reason could not make the meeting. I know plenty of people who have not even had their invitations, is this selective invites?

By the way, WHO is PAYING for this event, THE MEMBERS??? This is not a scheduled event in this years calendar??

I sincerely hope the committee buy their own tickets!!

Regards

Carbotec · Post by **Carbotec** » Thu 01 May 2014 4:04 pm

I have heard about an email sent by the BRS chairperson, as a member AM I NOT ALSO entitled to more CONFIDENTIAL FACTS - absolutely disgraceful

From: David Brown
Date: 05/01/14 17:04:32
To: marions@kibrisonline.com
Cc: Ann Challis
Subject: MEET THE COMMITTEE

Marion

I have just been informed that you have published on KIBKOM the fact that you have not been allowed to report on the "Meet the Committee" get together that we are holding next Monday. Quite rightly, our events co-ordinator asked that you submit a request for you to report the get together, to either Ann Challis or myself .It has always been BRS policy to invite or decline press coverage. It was our intention to have a meeting free of any comment from any news group. You have chosen to disregard such a request and simply print a complete distortion of the truth.

I hope that you have the good grace to apologise for not recognising our request for non-publicity and for not making contact with Ann or myself. Is it perhaps expecting too much for you to print this response?

As a member, you are entitled to attend but not in your capacity as a journalist. We had hoped that our new committee would have had an opportunity to meet you and impart some of the more confidential facts regarding recent events but it would appear that your agenda is not one of wanting the truth but merely to cause dissension within the Society.

David Brown

George47 · Post by **George47** » Thu 01 May 2014 4:20 pm

<<-- Post Removed - Please read forum rules http://www.kibkom.com/KIBKOM_FORUM_RULES.pdf -->>

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Thu 01 May 2014 4:31 pm

'Now then George' as Joyce Grenfell used to say. I have approved your post, but he careful you don't get into hot water!!!! One of the rules is not to get too personal or say rude things. It may be that my boss will feel this is better deleted or edited, but as I say, I have allowed it for now. |I appreciate how you feel, but we must stick to the rules.

"Be Polite Rudeness will not be tolerated. You may challenge others' points of view and opinions, but do so respectfully and thoughtfully without insult and personal attack. Any member being intentionally unpleasant or disruptive will be banned without warning."

Will wait for Soner to make the final decision on this!

terry2366 · Post by **terry2366** » Thu 01 May 2014 4:38 pm

Confidential facts regarding recent events ? Will this include the committee report involving yourself and the member you tried to get thrown out and the police caution issued to him? Surely now you ca eject him IF it's true. To me it smacks of corruption and such an arrogant stance on Marion's I have not seen you should be ashamed of yourself!

me&him · Post by **me&him** » Thu 01 May 2014 4:39 pm

Things do seem to be getting worse...and worse...and worse....

Is everyone who is going on Monday having to take an oath of secrecy? Everyone will talk about it afterwards - I would think it better to have someone report the facts, rather than making it all more mysterious than it is.

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Thu 01 May 2014 4:50 pm

How very strange this all is. Two weeks on from the AGM and still things appear to be confused and mixed messages being sent out.

I would have thought that the supposed get together of BRS members to "Meet the Committee" would have ben an ideal opportunity for a few wounds to be healed and a chance for the new incumbants to get across their message as to how they intend to move forward, in a spirit of openness and honesty.

As its is, it appears some members seem not to have been invited and there is block on reporting anything about the meeting. Surely members who do attend would be asking some hard questions as to why this is and would want to understand the reasoning behind the decision.

Cannot really see how they can stop anyone who has been invited to the meeting and does attend writing a summary and distributing it via email or social media. Bit cloak and dagger!

Owl Lady · Post by **Owl Lady** » Thu 01 May 2014 5:00 pm

Carbotec ( posting 69) I have just asked your question, no tickets are required by members and the committee are paying for their own food, the rest is raised by sponsors. Any other question can be directed to the chairman himself.

Hutch · Post by **Hutch** » Thu 01 May 2014 5:10 pm

I like George47 very much xx

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Thu 01 May 2014 5:15 pm

The following has just been received by me, and as you see it contains the request "Is it perhaps expecting too much of you to print this response" with which I am complying. No further comment. (but you may!)

"Marion

I have just been informed that you have published on KIBKOM the fact that you have not been allowed to report on the "Meet the Committee" get together that we are holding next Monday. Quite rightly, our events co-ordinator asked that you submit a request for you to report the get together, to either Ann Challis or myself .It has always been BRS policy to invite or decline press coverage. It was our intention to have a meeting free of any comment from any news group. You have chosen to disregard such a request and simply print a complete distortion of the truth.

I hope that you have the good grace to apologise for not recognising our request for non-publicity and for not making contact with Ann or myself. Is it perhaps expecting too much for you to print this response?

As a member, you are entitled to attend but not in your capacity as a journalist. We had hoped that our new committee would have had an opportunity to meet you and impart some of the more confidential facts regarding recent events but it would appear that your agenda is not one of wanting the truth but merely to cause dissension within the Society.

David Brown"

me&him · Post by **me&him** » Thu 01 May 2014 5:34 pm

Marion, I think you are displaying exceptional restraint in not commenting. I don't think I would be quite so controlled!

Owl Lady · Post by **Owl Lady** » Thu 01 May 2014 5:37 pm

Marion how come Carbotec posted a copy of this e-mail TO YOU over 2 hours ago??Confused!!

terry2366 · Post by **terry2366** » Thu 01 May 2014 5:58 pm

She was most likely sitting trying to calm Dow before answering such an arrogant email.

Hutch · Post by **Hutch** » Thu 01 May 2014 6:12 pm

Owl lady, don't be confused, we are just friends of Marion who at the time was too busy spitting feathers!

My advice to everyone is to be patient, watch, wait and you will not be disappointed !

What comes around goes around!

As SD is fond of quoting, the BRS is bigger than any one committee member !

elizabeth · Post by **elizabeth** » Thu 01 May 2014 6:16 pm

[quote="George47"]What an arrogant little prat this David Brown is showing himself to be!

A touch of 'little man' syndrome?[/quote

well said Sir, my thoughts exactly

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Thu 01 May 2014 6:26 pm

Sorry about the time warp. Not quite spitting feathers but although Carbotec posted it, I felt that I should, otherwise it might be misunderstood . By that I mean, that I was using someone else, and that is never my intention. I have complied with Mr Brown's request, - and as the Americans would say 'period'

Obviously in the current circumstances, if I can't do my job properly, there is no need for me to attend the meeting, but I wonder if other media will be doing so,.
.
Wearing another hat as a Moderator, it may well be that the time has come t o lock this thread but I will leave it open (as other Moderators are also carefully watching that this does not get out of hand) just in case there are any sensible further comments which oculd be made.

By the way Owl Lady, I love you as a person, but I feel that one of the committee should have responded and that there is no need for you to be the messenger girl. No offense meant, but it really was up to someone on the committee to respond.

As this is entitled 'all hot air' I do feel that perhaps there is now enough of it generated to fill a balloon that will fly off into the sunset, leaving us all behind to get on with other thing sin our live.s I just hope that the BRS becomes something of benefit to the majority of its members and perhaps concentrates on this reason for its existence "

"a) To foster friendly and harmonious relations with the people of Cyprus."

Owl Lady · Post by **Owl Lady** » Thu 01 May 2014 7:02 pm

Marion I have sent you an e-mail,

meldy · Post by **meldy** » Thu 01 May 2014 7:03 pm

Is it only the chosen few who have received an invitation email to Monday's event? My husband and I certainly haven't.

PapaBravo · Post by **PapaBravo** » Thu 01 May 2014 7:21 pm

Having seen the document in the link at Msg 35 from Marions, and the email barring Marion from reporting anything at the 'Meet the Committee' event on Monday, I am concerned about some of the members on the new BRS Committee. In the link, there is doubt being cast on the veracity of the Chairman and it seems to me that he should be given the opportunity to explain his side of the 'assault' saga. If he is unwilling to do so, he should explain why, and if there is no satisfactory explanation then, in my view, he is not fit to hold the post of Chairman. So how does one 'sack' an elected committee member? I have read comments in the blogs about an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). I do not know how this could be brought about, but I do know that I am now having doubts some of the Committee Members who I voted for.

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Thu 01 May 2014 7:40 pm

I quote BRS Rules on EGMs. No 9. "An Extraordinary General Meeting may be called at the discretion of the Committee or upon the receipt by the Honorary Secretary of a requisition signed by not less than 10 (ten) members of the Society. Any such meeting shall be held within 42 (forty-two) days of the receipt of the requisition. All provisions of Rule 8 shall apply also at an Extraordinary General Meeting. No other business whatsoever shall be transacted at the Extraordinary General Meeting other than that specified in the agenda for the meeting."

Best get a comprehensive agenda fashioned, including couples serving on the Committee and press release censorship of members, neither of which appear in the Rules. The BRS has become a dictatorship!

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Thu 01 May 2014 7:46 pm

ps I cannot find any mention of the policy on "press releases" in the BRS Rules either, despite the new Chairman's statement to Marions in his email to her.

silverfox1 · Post by **silverfox1** » Fri 02 May 2014 7:51 am

Its very simple really. It should not be a "meet the committee meeting" it should be a "remove the current chairman meeting'!!

terry2366 · Post by **terry2366** » Fri 02 May 2014 8:11 am

Can somebody help me with this there were about 300 at the start of the AGM but about 15 at the end what were the numbers of people who voted as obviously not all of the positions were filled . Did they vote themselves in ?

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Fri 02 May 2014 8:19 am

Ref msg 91/91 above. I would guess, terry2366, they did. Having left the AGM in disgust at 1230, I could not answer your question. Perhaps the current committee could/should comment?

Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Join us