Goodbye? Hello! to Elizabeth

Elizabeth Grayson leaning on a display table in the Secrets of Radar Museum, August, 2022. Used with permission.

Sometimes a summer job contract or university intern really clicks with us and our mission and over the years we’ve had several employment contract staff and interns return to us or stay on as volunteers, sometimes for several years.

We are delighted to announce that following the conclusion of her summer Young Canada Works contract, during the Annual General Meeting, Elizabeth Grayson stood for election to the Board of Directors. She was unopposed and the membership unanimously accepted her election. She has taken on the job of handling memberships, among other things, and we couldn’t be happier.

During her three-month summer contract, Elizabeth worked diligently to catalogue, cull, and house several archival collections, attended museum network events, and developed her own interpretive approach to our exhibit material to provide excellent tours. Elizabeth is in the process of completing a Bachelors in Museum Studies at Western University and is brimming with ideas and enthusiasm. Welcome aboard, Elizabeth. We hope you enjoy your term on the Board!

Annual General Meeting Summary

Thank you to our members who attended in person, and to those who sent in their Proxy votes. Our meeting, which was held on site with social distancing protocols in place August 20, 2021, was an enjoyable and positive event. In spite of the challenges caused by a global pandemic that lead to restrictions and closures, over all the year April 1, 2020-March 31, 2021 was strong. Our finances are healthier and our community involvement on multiple platforms has increased. Steve Bourdeau reported on the activities of the Museum, Dan Steinhaur reported on the finances, which were accepted. Maya Hirschman reported on the Museum’s acquisitions, and gave a short talk about her PhD research which is interested in SORM and the veterans who founded it. Of significance, a motion was made and approved to raise the membership fees in 2022, which have not increased since 2006. More information on that will follow in the forthcoming Autumn newsletter. All members of the executive stood for re-election and have returned for another two-year term. The Board is looking for two additional members to assist with memberships and fundraising. If you have interest, please contact us to learn more. Your current Board of Directors is Steve Bourdeau (President), Dan Steinhaur P.Eng (Treasurer), Dr. Paul Joe, and Maya Hirschman MA.

Notice of Annual General Meeting: August 20, 2021

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of The Secrets of Radar Museum will be held on Tuesday August 20, 2021 at 6:00pm at The Secrets of Radar Museum 2155B Crumlin Side Road, London, Ontario.

BUSINESS OF THE MEETING:

1. REPORTS and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2021.

2. ELECTION / RE-APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS

3. ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY TRANSPIRE.

PROXY FORM

Being a member in good standing of The Secrets of Radar Museum, I appoint Steve Bourdeau, Chairperson of the Meeting, or another member if listed below, as my proxy to act generally at the meeting on my behalf and vote in accordance with the directions given at the General Meeting of The Secrets of Radar Museum on August 20, 2021.

Please print the name of your proxy:____________________________________________________

Signed:________________________________ Dated:______________________________________

Please detach and mail to: The Secrets of Radar Museum

2155b Crumlin Side Road, London, On, N5V 3Z9

Or email digital version to: info@secretsofradar.com

Our President's AGM 2018 Address

Grand Reopening, September 16, 2017.                                                      Photo: C. Lippert

Dear Members, Staff, Volunteers, and Sponsors,

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Secrets of Radar Museum I extend warm greetings to you all. It is with deep and sincere gratitude that I thank you for your ongoing commitment to keep the museum and the incredible story it tells alive. Since taking over from past president Mr. Peter Garland, I have learned a lot about the very slim margin upon which we stake our existence. I have learned that through sheer will and determination we can persevere and continue to tell our story. The going can be very tough for a small museum, but I have seen camaraderie, collaboration, cooperation, generosity, patience and understanding from all of you. For that I am grateful. We could not exist without all of those positive attributes which you have shown us in spades.

The 2017-2018 Fiscal Year saw us faced with the loss of our home and the Herculean task of moving an entire museum. Though the generous support and volunteerism of members of The 427 Wing of the Royal Canadian Airforce Association and the London Amateur Radio Club, we were able to move into our new location. We are looking forward to building on the synergy of being in an aviation district with several like-minded museums and groups. Early signs are promising as our number of visitors has increased in the first months of 2018 over last year.

Through financial support from the London Heritage Council we received funding to develop a new strategic plan. The Board of Directors put in the overtime needed throughout the longest and coldest winter in recent memory to collaborate and set a path forward that will see the museum continue to develop, modernize, focus, and become more accessible. Our hope is to find others who share in our vision who can make contributions as museum members, board members, and sponsors to help us achieve our short and long-term goals.

Together we have survived a very challenging year and it is my pleasure to continue to work with you and for you toward a brighter future.

Sincerely,

Corbin Lippert, President