Committee Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting held on 2 October 2007 at 9 Frosterley Close, Newton Hall, Durham
Present: D Gibson, J Hogg, R Logan, R
Cowen, D Sowerbutts
In Attendance: Carol Bamber
1. Apologies:
None
2. Minutes of last meeting
Accepted.
3. Matters arising
» Richard mentioned he was writing a feature for the Bowburn Interchange on a regular basis and produced a copy of the latest edition for information.
» With regard to set aside, he also produced the latest two copies of the Saturday Journal letters page which had letters relating to set aside. One correspondent was very critical of RSPB but the responses were critical of him. There had been a previous letter also critical of RSPB about two weeks previously. Carol agreed to see whether any response had been done in respect of these.
» Richard noted that the set aside provision for next year was set at 0%. Carol produced a draft press release concerning RSPB's response to this - Richard suggested that set aside had not at this stage been abolished, notwithstanding the above. He mentioned that he considered that there was support for RSPB to stand firm in any future negotiations relating to set aside or equivalent type of land that would help to ensure better protection during the nesting season. Richard noted that he was not aware of any development re the Hawthorn Wind Farm, but noted there was now interest in a similar proposal at Cassop Moor, which could affect Cassop Vale. Any developments on this would also require a watching brief. He also questioned whether the RSPB should actively support the wind industry without the members voting in favour of this. He agreed to provide Carol with some evidence relating to this support.
» We had agreed that 17 May trip would be to Wheldrake and the Minutes in this respect were correct. However, we had previously discussed that this should be to Geltsdale and it was agreed that Geltsdale should in fact feature in the Programme.
4. Correspondence
There was no specific correspondence but it was noted that a number of telephone calls had been received relating to birds (particularly greenfinches) suffering from disease [trichomoniasis] in gardens. There had been recent advice about this in bird publications, but previously it had been assumed the disease affected birds in the South rather than the North of the country. This may need stopping feeding for 2 to 3 weeks and sterilising feeders. We were concerned that this disease may be spreading and taking a hold in the North.
5. Carol
Carol had been welcomed to the Group and outlined her role as Volunteer Officer for Local Groups. She mentioned that the North Area now covered the whole of the north of England from Chester to the Scottish Border and covered 35 Local Groups. Kirsten had been responsible for all of them, but it was considered too much and Carol is now responsible for 28. Her aim is to get to know us, support what we do and share best practices among the Groups. She is hoping to arrange a get together for the North East Local Groups next April.
She thanked David G for the Annual Report and said she would like to receive copies of Newsletters, Event Programmes and Minutes.
6. Holy Island
David S mentioned at present that there were 18 who had booked. It was noted that this was below the break even point of about 25 - it was hoped there would be some late bookings.
7. Speakers
Julie said that Noel Jackson had confirmed he could attend the December talk which would be about the Galapagos.
8. Winter Field Trip
A permit was required for visiting Potteric Carr. So far we had had no response after our request for one but at this stage this may not be unusual. We assume it will be OK but Julie will follow up.
9. AOB
» Ray expressed concern that 30% of members still had not paid their subscription. He would send a final, final reminder.
» Carol thanked us for our donation to RSPB. David S did mention that although this had been a regular donation, if membership did drop we could not guarantee future donations at least of a similar size.
» She also asked about committee members. It was mentioned that it was difficult to get further volunteers. Carol also asked about letter drops or targeting members. This was discussed for a while but the success of such actions was questioned. She congratulated Julie on the web site and its links. The RSPB web site was mentioned and Julie mentioned she had recently upgraded the Durham Site and was happy to maintain her own. Carol mentioned there were similar sites for other Groups, but that "eventually" RSPB would like all Groups to link to the Corporate Site.
» David G mentioned that we received about the right number of News and Views.
» Training is an issue. Some is proposed for Treasurers at the Lodge, but should training spread throughout the country. This may be expensive - co-operating with other charities was mentioned. This however is an important issue for Committee Members. David G mentioned his training as Leader at Abernethy which he found rewarding.
» Carol also mentioned Future Directions IV. This is a booklet outlining the aims of RSPB for the next 5 years and would help Local Groups to specify their goals. She agreed to send us some copies and any existing Local Group documentation that may act as a precedent. Richard agreed to study it and draft any document that may be required.
» Digital Projectors were mentioned, especially as speakers in the future may regularly want them. At present we could borrow one from Regional Office but when Saltholme opens this may be required there. Carol suggested we consider an "Award for All" Grant. It was noted this may require us to specify our community engagement, but it should be investigated. It may be advisable to link with another Local Group to make a joint application.
» It was agreed to mention any function or weekend away at the next meeting to see if there was any interest in this.
10. Date of next meeting
8 January 2008 at 9 Frosterley Close.
|
