Chairman’s Report at the AGM on Monday 13th October 2008:
As we round off another year of the Local Supporters’ Group, I would like to thank you all once again for your continued support at events and evening lectures through the year.
These included our usual Autumn Lunch at Langford Lakes last October when we were lucky to have a lovely sunny day. It always proves a popular event and was well supported, making about £360, from the lunch and produce.
The January bird watch at the Lakes was replaced with an outing in February to the Shapwick Nature Reserve which was led by Frank Lowe. We are always so grateful to Frank for his wisdom and knowledge (particularly his ability to identify calls of every bird heard!) and the day was a big success.
We have been treated to a good variety of talks and slides, ably organised for us by David Hogbin. David is standing down from the committee this year and so we need to fill his post. I am sure you would all like me to thank him for his thorough and meticulous research in finding speakers for us. We now look forward to another season of lectures which David has already organized.
Anne Sawyer has also decided to leave our committee. Her contribution has been immeasurable. She and her husband David started the group in the early 1970’s and Anne has been on the committee ever since. Her work and knowledge concerning the Smallbrook Reserve has been unfailing over the years and happily for us, she is going to remain a consultant in that capacity. We owe Anne an enormous debt of gratitude for her years of commitment to the Group and the Reserve.
We are also losing both the Chaundys. Having handed over the job of Treasurer last year, Christopher is now standing down. He has also helped us greatly by setting up the sound system at every lecture, which has made such a difference to both speakers and audience, so we hope that will be able to continue. The system is kindly lent to us by the U3A.
Jennifer Chaundy is also leaving after several years and has helped, with Christopher, in holding coffee mornings in their lovely garden, in organizing the coffee rota and various other committee jobs, including previously being Speaker Secretary. We would like to thank them both, together with all the committee for their hard work and help.
We have also lost Tricia Coombe, who has left Warminster. She was an invaluable member due to her voluntary work at the Devizes Headquarters of the Trust, providing a great link for us.
Clive Thomas and John Walpole continue with their tireless work in Smallbrook Reserve and they are always grateful for volunteers any Tuesday. We could not do without them and I thank them for all that they do.
Victoria Coombes and Isabel Buckingham are willing to remain on the committee as Secretary and Treasurer respectively and I would like to thank them both for their efficient help and support throughout the year.
With all these committee losses, we badly need more assistance. The evening lectures and events do need a good team of people to make them work. Please give it some thought and if you feel you could give us some of your time, come forward to offer your help. You do not need to be a committee member to do this.
We would like it to remain the friendly, social gathering that has been established, to enable us all to indulge our interest in wildlife.
After five years as Chairman I am standing down. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that someone will willingly take my place. I shall of course continue to support the group and look forward to seeing you all during the coming year.
Thank you again for attending our events and lectures – please help to keep the group going by offering your services!
Heather Vine.