1. Minutes of 2010 AGM
The minutes were accepted as a true record by those present. Proposer: John Prestage, seconder Julie Peeling
2. Treasurer’s Report
Copies of the accounts were circulated and Neville gave a brief summary. There was a net surplus of £140 and £1,970 in the bank at the end of the financial year 31 March 2011. It was noted that the money in the bank was in line with RSPB requirements; and that £860 had been donated to the RSPB. There were no questions. Ted Connell, seconded by Elaine Egalton proposed the accounts be approved and members unanimously agreed.
3. Group Leader’s report
In his first report as leader Jeff said that the success of the group could only be judged by the numbers of people participating in the various events planned. He was pleased therefore to report that the programme of walks and talks, including 2 coach trips to Minsmere and Pulborough, had been as popular as ever. Members of the group had also continued to support the RSPB on the North Kent marshes with Thursday and Friday working groups, providing help at the wildlife fair and undertaking various surveys and other duties for the RSPB.
A particular success was the transfer of Tuesday afternoon talks to Woodville Halls attracting large audiences. Wednesday evening meetings had seen a decline in numbers but the committee was determined to keep these meetings going and would continue to arrange the usual high quality speakers.
Jeff thanked the committee and all those volunteers working behind the scenes for their contribution to the group’s continuing success.
4. Election of Committee
The committee had agreed to continue with some changes. Sally had agreed to take over the role as publicity officer replacing Malcolm who had stood down. Sandy had stood down as secretary. Both Sandy and Malcolm were thanked for their hard work on behalf of the group.
Jeff said new committee members would be very welcome.
Jeff proposed approval of the committee and members present agreed unanimously
5. AOB
The committee arranged events that people had said they enjoyed; if there was any additional event that members would like included in the programme they were asked to let members of the committee know.
There were no other items of business and the AGM was declared closed.
After the main business of the AGM, Rolf Williams the RSPB’s Communications Officer for Kent gave an update on all the developments on the North Kent reserves. Rolf then gave an entertaining talk about his experiences in the Iraq marshes where in 2008 he was deployed aboard HMS Chatham protecting Iraq’s oil platforms from terrorist attack. The platforms were festooned with migrating birds and Rolf’s photographic record of these birds and the background to the Task Force’s role there made for an interesting and stimulating talk.
In the interval, members enjoyed tea & cakes kindly provided by Penny & Pat.