Welcome to the Journal of the South East Essex RSPB Group
South East Essex Local Group Committee Minutes
Meeting Date: 9 June 2008
Location: Civic Centre, Southend on Sea
Minutes prepared by: Kris Fowler 17 June 2008
Agenda
1. Reserves and Volunteers Update
2. RSPB Cold Calling
3. Annual Newsletter
4. Indoor Meeting Secretary
5. Coach Trips
6. Fund Raising
7. Purchase of new Gazebo
8. AOB.
Attendees
Present:
Peter Hirst (Publicity)
Richard Hooker (Indoor Meetings Secretary)
Hilary Le Marie (Treasurer)
Russell Payne (Newsletter)
Cath Williams (Coach Trips)
Chris Tyas (RSPB)
Kris Fowler (Minutes)
Apologies:
Meeting
Graham opened the meeting and welcomed all attendees and explained that Kris had attended to take the minutes only and had not been and would not be co-opted onto the committee. He also apologised that the minutes of the previous meeting were not to hand and requested that these could be circulated and agreed by email after the meeting. The committee agreed.
Action: Responsibility:
To circulate meeting minutes for 11 March 2008 Graham
1. Reserves and Volunteers Update
Chris Tyas gave a very interesting update on the progress at local reserves including Wallasea.
2. RSPB Cold Calling
The RSPB have recruited an agency to carry out a door knocking recruitment campaign which is currently being carried out in this area. It was stated that charities are exempt from the Cold Calling Banned Zones. Graham expressed his disagreement with this scheme and asked the committee whether they also have the same misgivings. The committee agreed and it was decided that their disapproval of this scheme should be noted in the minutes.
Action: Responsibility:
3. Annual Newsletter
The price quote was acceptable and the newsletter is almost complete except for a forthcoming article on Rainham. Drafts were circulated for proof reading and corrections are requested by 23 June. It was stated that the RSPB logo should have the new strap line. Russ agreed to do the new membership forms and stated there would be no price change as printing and postage is still covered. The date for envelope stuffing was decided as Monday 21 July at the Civic Centre. The feasibility of including our newsletter in the Wat Tyler run was discussed and rejected as the times are not compatible.
Action: Responsibility:
Book Civic Centre for Monday 21 July Graham
Stuff envelopes at Civic Centre on 21 July Committee
4. Indoor Meeting Secretary
Despite all appeals for a volunteer still no-one has come forward for this vital role and so Richard has started work on the 2009/10 season. The committee is grateful for his dedication. It was decided that it may be more successful to approach individuals directly and ask them to accept this post.
Action: Responsibility:
To ask David Lee Graham
5. Coach Trips
Coach trips from the last season made £326 gross profit of which £40 was a donation from Keith & Sue Bentham. It was decided that they should be thanked on behalf of the group. Coaches for the next season are all booked but Cooks have increased their charges so it was formally agreed that these trips should now cost £12 a head
Action: Responsibility:
Thank you letter Graham
6. Fund Raising
2 tin shakes have been arranged – Sat 16 August at Morrisons and Thursday 21 August at Sainsbury in Southend. The next coffee morning at Rochford is Tuesday 14 October.
The group was invited to attend on the seafront for the Southend Air Show but conditions for inclusion were restrictive and it was felt that people would not be interested in joining the RSPB at this venue and any way birds and air craft do not make a good partnership so the invitation was declined.
Raffles at the indoor meetings and pin badge sales on the seal boat trips have been very successful. It was stated that pin badges are harder to get now. It was suggested that fluffy singing birds could be used as tombola prizes at events as these proved a very successful draw at the Spring Garden Show at Garons. It was decided that these would be good for shows where there are children present but not useful for coffee mornings. Volunteers are needed for the next
Action: Responsibility:
7. Purchase of new Gazebo
The old gazebo had disintegrated and had to be disposed of so Graham asked the committee if they would approve the purchase of a new one to be used at outdoor events and shows. He particularly requested the type that can be erected single handed. The committee agreed and suggested that it be purchased now while they are in stock and not left until next needed
Action: Responsibility:
Purchase gazebo Graham
8. AOB.
The Treasurer reported that the books are with the accountant and that there is £3197.99 in the charity fund. The committee decided to donate £2500 to a local project. It was decided that it should be minuted that the committee appreciate and thank Hilary for doing a very good job.
Action: Responsibility:
Research suitable projects with David Hedges Graham
News and Views should be contacted with information about the group’s achievements
Action: Responsibility:
Contact News & Views with donation details when decided. Peter
25th celebrations are proceeding. Blenheim has been booked for Friday 19 December 2008, room and catering included but there will be no alcohol provided, people can bring their own.
Action: Responsibility:
Provide photographs (as children) Committee
Contact News & Views about 25th Celebration. Peter
Group Membership is up by 14 members.
Away weekend – this was discussed and it was agreed that late April 2009 would be a good time and that as Portland Heights is offering good discounts Portland Bill might be a good venue
Action: Responsibility:
Organise weekend Russ
Next Meeting
Monday 21 July, Civic Centre, Southend
