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so no further discussion was necessary for this agenda item.
10 Regional Contact Changes
Nigel Griffiths has advised that he is no longer able to act as GBC’s regional contact for Wales, and Chris Whitby has stood down in Essex. GBC wishes to thank them both for their significant contribu􏰀ons, and wishes them well for the future.
For Essex, Mar􏰀n Harrison has kindly agreed to take over the role, and we will advise members about Wales once a new contact has been found.
11 Membership Secretary’s Report
Caroline Grey reported that our membership total as at the end of July was 347, the highest number in the last few years. 37 people joined in the year, although 12 of these did not renew a􏰁er 1st August 2023 – perhaps as a Club we should look into reten􏰀on issues for new members. Caroline felt that a strong regional/area network aided reten􏰀on, whereas it is difficult to ‘involve’ new members where we have only a limited presence in the area. A change in GBC approach means that we no longer record members’ gender. Our membership is now 314, including changes since 1st August 2023.
By region, 25% of our members are in the (new) South East Coastal and London/ Surrey areas; with the next largest areas being North-West, Midlands and North-East.
12 GGT 14 - Update
Pat updated us on the current state of play for GGT 14. Given enthusiasm for a Sco􏰂sh event, a provisional reserva􏰀on has been made at the Grant Arms Hotel in Speyside for 25-28th April, 2025. As stated in the Chair’s Report (4), to avoid financial risk, further soundings will be taken at GGT Skegness and further planning discussions held in coming months.
13 Dona􏰀ons from Conserva􏰀on Fund
A proposal was made for a dona􏰀on to the Hawk Conservancy Trust for its Vulture project in Africa, and it was agreed to make a dona􏰀on of £300 for a Poison Response Kit – it was felt that this Vulture project fi􏰃ed well with the Club’s aims for poten􏰀al dona􏰀ons. We con􏰀nue to support Wader Quest with a £20 dona􏰀on.
14 Date and Loca􏰀on of 2024 AGM
It was agreed that, as for this year, we would hold the mee􏰀ng on a weekday evening. Therefore the 2024 AGM will be held over Zoom on Thursday 19th September 2024 at 7.30 pm.
15 Any Other Business (AOB)
There being no other business, the Chair then closed the mee􏰀ng at 9.45 pm. Greg Hope, Secretary
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