It was good to see 78 members at the AGM this year, the best attendance since 1994 – no doubt attracted by the speaker, Dr Ian Newton. Ian’s presentation on Bird Migration was fascinating. Ringing and, more recently, use of geolocators and radio/satellite tags have revealed some of the astonishing journeys undertaken by birds, some of which migrate at heights of 6km and others, such as Alaskan-breeding Bar-tailed Godwits, which make a non-stop journey of 11,700km to New Zealand in 9½ days. We were delighted to have such an excellent speaker for our 50th AGM.

During the formal business, Barrie Watson retired as President after 10 years, and Alan Perry was elected as his successor (see separate news item for further information). The Report of Council, Accounts and Examiners’ Report for 2011 were all approved.

 Other changes to Council were the retirement of Chris Davis as Conservation Officer, and election of Adam Webster to this role, and election of David Howey as Recorder, replacing Nick Paul who nevertheless remains as a Council Member. Neil Greenaway was elected as a Council member, replacing John Hobson who has completed the five years. Sue Walsh, originally Conservation Field Officer, also retired from Council, but as SOS no longer carries out conservation fieldwork this position has been deleted from the list of Officers and there was no replacement.  Though it is not a Council position, we also have a new Assistant Recorder, Bob Sandy.

A more detailed report will appear in the members’ Summer Newsletter