Committee Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting held on 1 April 2008 at 9 Frosterley Close, Newton Hall, Durham
Present: D Gibson, J Hogg, R Logan, R
Cowen, D Sowerbutts
1. Apologies:
None
2. Minutes of last meeting
Accepted.
3. Matters arising
» Ray said there had been a net loss of 3 members which now numbered 98.
» It was agreed that the day out to Potteric Carr had been a good visit, with most people seeing at least one Bittern. Unfortunately no member saw the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker that was reported there in the morning.
» David G mentioned he was going to Norfolk soon and would make enquiries re dates and costs for a weekend away.
» Ray mentioned there was parking at Lintzford Mill that would be suitable for the proposed Pont Burn visit.
» The following was agreed for further field trips:
- 4 July for nightjar visit
- 9 August for Teesmouth
(Departure times to be announced in next Newsletter)
» This raised a question about the opening of Saltholme. David G mentioned he had received a complaint that the opening had been further postponed. It was agreed we should check the position with Regional Office and ask what arrangements there were for Local Groups to attend.
» Richard mentioned he had written to Easington Council re the TV and Film Studio close to Hawthorn Dene, albeit on behalf of CPRE.
4. Correspondence
David mentioned Saltholme News been received which dealt with progress, but did not mention delay mentioned above.
5. AGM
» Agreed to show DVD of Titchwell as entertainment.
» David S produced the Accounts which showed a balance of £1100.00, less than last year. It was agreed the donation this year should be £300.00.
» Two projects, Coquet Island and Campfield Marsh were considered. It was decided to recommend Campfield should be the beneficiary.
» David explained that the apparent difference between this year and last for the cost of Newsletters was explained because this year we had paid for 5 issues as opposed to 3 last year.
6. Speakers
David G mentioned some last minute progress on this issue with a provisional schedule as follows:
» October - Roy Dennis on Ospreys. It was agreed that if this is confirmed we should advertise it further afield.
» November - Martin Kirby re conservation.
» December - Adam Eagle on DWT development.
» January - David Steel re the Farne Islands.
» February - John Edwards of Hawk and Owl Trust.
» March - Noel Jackson on the Galapagos.
At present only Noel is confirmed but it is hoped the others are realistic prospects.
Sarah Dullage from Blacktoft has also expressed an interest in giving a talk.
7. Geltsdale
There are only eight confirmed names at present which makes it difficult to book a minibus. Agreed to mention it at AGM when decision must be made as to whether to travel by car or minibus.
8. Next Step
Agreed this was an excellent document but unfortunately a bit ambitious for a small group such as our own. David G agreed to try to get some more copies for the AGM.
However it was agreed there may be scope for voluntary work at Saltholme once it opened and we should contact them to obtain information as to what they may want.
9. AOB
David G has obtained a Grant Application form and would circulate for comment. One idea was to apply for a digital projector which may be required more frequently for speakers.
Richard mentioned that the RSPB had now produced a wind farm map for Cumbria and hoped to produce more soon. However, it appears maps in the pipeline are for the North West in Lancs and Cumbria.
Richard also mentioned that RSPB had arranged a petition in respect of biofuels and it was agreed to mention this at the AGM.
10. Date of next meeting
8 July 2008 at 9 Frosterley Close.
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