Minutes of meeting held on 6th December 2011 9:00pm at Fiddlesticks, 44 Strawberry Lane, Tolleshunt Knights
Present: Simon Taylor (Chair), Shirley Taylor, David Atkinson, Wilson Kerr, Ann Kerr, Allan Gray, Sharon Gray, Jane Gelder, Andrew Moss, Jackie Nesbitt, Martin Andrews, Sue Ellen
Apologies: Liz Churly
Business:
1. Matters Arising:
a. 6a The astronomy evening with James Abbott on 20th October was very good with particularly good views of Jupiter and its larger satellites through James telescope. James has said he hopes to continue these evenings on a 6 monthly basis.
b. 6c Those who had seen them have been enjoying the gamekeeping articles published in the Parish Magazine by Peter and Clare Hope.
2. Finance:
a. Current balance of £380.03.
b. SEMG Pond. AG and DA recently assisted with clearing out the pond, along with Jim Sanders and Maurice Bacon. Braintree DC are possibly willing to pay some money. AG suggested that as Nature Care has a bank account any sum due could be paid via that account, with perhaps Nature Care retaining a percentage. SiT to contact BDC regarding the fee. AG estimated 30 man hours work had been involved.
c. AK has an amended invoice for the 2011/12 winter hall bookings.
3. Winter Evening Meetings:
a. It was agreed that the 2011/12 schedule is appropriate and that it is alright for the group to be more self-sufficient.
b. SiT raised the issue of the winter venue for discussion, inviting possible alternatives, but it was agreed that RVH should continue to be used.
c. JG confirmed she is still happy to organise and provide refreshments at winter meetings.
d. SiT asked for volunteers to do posters for the remaining winter events:
SE volunteered to do one for the quiz night.
DA volunteered to do one for another event.
AK still happy to circulate them.
4. Summer Programme:
a. SiT to organise. New ideas include:
Herpetofauna with Gemma Fairchild. MA to enquire to PCC about possible survey work in Rivenhall Churchyard.
Otter survey training. ST to contact Darren Tansley of EWT.
Rudges boulder trackway.
Parish Pioneer surveys.
A walk in the Fennes area.
Another visit to Tiptree Heath.
Possible link with the Green Light Trust.
Birding with John Thorogood, maybe at Abbotts Hall again?
Bats: Silver End pits of Braxted Wall (or both)
5. Trips:
a. Roy and Eileen: Maybe next year. SiT to contact them.
b. The cancelled River Cam surveying day will be rearranged for 2012. AM advised it will probably have to be in August.
c. SiT to investigate a winter birdwatching excursion.
d. SiT mentioned the Foulness birdwatching trip he has booked to attend in February 2012 if others were interested.
e. A summer excursion would still be welcomed. Wicken Fen and/or Cambridge Botanical Gardens have been suggested.
6. AOB:
None.
7. Date of Next Meeting:
a. To be confirmed.