Minutes of the Committee Meeting

Thursday 18th February 2010

Burns Pet Nutrition 7.15

1)    Present were Rob Hunt, Gary Harper, Julie Evans, Terry Wells, and Owen Harris. Apologies were received from Wendell Thomas and Beth Harris.

2)    The Minutes of the meeting held on the 26th November were approved.

3)    These were also approved for posting on the website.

4)    Matters Arising

There were none that were not on the substantive agenda.

5)    Conservation Matters

a)    Coedbach

The possibility of a reapplication for planning permission for a Power Station on the Coedbach site was noted.  It was also noted that conservationists were divided on the issue with some even feeling that this might benefit birding on the site while others were very concerned about the environmental impact.  The committee will maintain a watching brief.

b)    Witchet Pool

It was noted that John Lloyd had recently attended a meeting of stakeholders and had reported that the MOD seemed to be prepared to undertake some work to prevent further habitat degradation.   

6)    Publications

a)    Site Guide

Owen reported we were awaiting an indication from Isabel Macho as to whether funds for publication would be available after April. 

    b)    Birds of Carmarthen

There was nothing further to report.

7)    Report of the County Recorder

The arrangements set out in the last meeting are in place and the decision to print a double report for 2008/09 was confirmed due to lack of progress on the 2008 report in the year up to January 2010.

Progress since has been very good and the writers were ready to commence the 2009 element of the Report.  We are confident that the Report can be completed in time for the AGM.

Reference was made to the new search facility instituted on the web-site by the webmaster.  It made the Report writer’s job much easier and will probably make the keeping of a master database redundant.  It was noted that though there are still one or two glitches entering sightings on the database was generally much easier and the number of entries is beginning to rise.

8)    Programme of Meetings

In Wendell’s unavoidable absence Owen offered a brief report on his behalf.  Additions to the existing programme were:

 Wed.  May 12th.    Evening Walk at Burry Port

Sat June 12th.    Carmel Nature Reserve

Sat 17th July.    Butterflies and Dragon Flies at Pembrey Country Park

Eleven members attended the Whitford Meeting on January 24th and a further 9 on the 6th February. Twenty Nine members attended the January talk by Richard Smith.

Full information is available on the club web site and in the Newsletter as usual.

9)    Secretary’s Report

Owen has offered the opportunity for eight members for eight members to respond to the invitation to visit to Agen on an exchange visit in October/November 2010.  If there is insufficient response then the proposal will be declined.

Owen reported that for the month of February we are the featured Society on the BTO site.  Terry reported that there has not yet been a further take up of membership as a result.

11)    Newsletter

Julie reported that many of the addresses for electronically sending the newsletters appear outdated.  It was decided that the webmaster be approached to see whether he had more up to date addresses.  The remainder would be posted with a return slip asking for an updated e-mail address.

12)    Treasurer’s Report   

There has been little change in the overall financial situation. An interim statement of accounts was presented to the meeting.  The Club is solvent and able to meet future demands made by the publication of the 2008/09 Report.  Total assets stand at £3,164.77

Terry expressed concern that 30 members had not yet renewed their subscription this year and nine, including some high profile members, had not renewed for two years. It was decided that Terry should write to the nine and that a reminder be placed in the newsletter and announced at the next indoor meeting.

13)    Website

See item 7 above.

14)    AOB

Terry produced a flier, advertising the club, to be printed in Welsh and English for distribution through Libraries and tourist attractions.  This was approved and Terry will begin to produce them.  The possibility of advertising meetings in local libraries was also discussed.  Owen will try to progress the proposal.

15)    Time, place and date of next meeting.

Thursday 20th May 7.15 at Burns Pet Nutrition