I would like to thank members for attending our EGA/OGA on Saturday 21st January in such amazing numbers. Despite a cold and grey day, it was a fun time for everyone, and I think all those attending enjoyed the indoor meeting and a lunch in the warmth of Venta La Vega.
Pieter Verheij was appointed as the new society secretary unanimously by members and that was followed by our treasurer Janet Dixon who outlined our financial report and budget for the coming year. A brief presentation was made on our membership and how we are attracting new members, so both financially and membership wise the society is in a very healthy place at present.
I gave an account of our historical involvement in conservation and the financial support we were able to give to various projects. I explained, due to improved finances, how we will be able to support more conservation work during the current financial year. I asked the membership for their view on whether we should support the Seabird Rescue Group (Gaviota) in Málaga and pointed out that this could be construed as animal welfare as opposed to conservation. I described the work of the rescue group and answered questions, following this discussion a vote was taken and all members present approved donating €500 to the Seabird Rescue Group.
After the official meetings we were delighted to present a new pair of binoculars, donated by Opticron and supplied by Oryx, to the winner of our photo identification quiz that appeared in our autumn edition ‘Birds of Andalucía’. Jonny Maitland was the winner and only 2 correct answers were received, the other being from our junior member Stan Bradford. The 2 correct member’s names were put into a hat at our annual Christmas lunch and Jonny was the name drawn from the hat. Congratulations to Jonny and commiserations to Stan.
During 2022 many members had donated towards various conservation projects. We gave thanks to our generous members and all present were pleased to be able to have an opportunity to express their approval by making voluntary donations at the meeting and their generosity was overwhelming with a total of €115 raised on the day! What special and kind members we have.
Thank you to all who attended the day and to all those unable to be present, your membership and support is so very important to the aims and objectives of your Society.
Peter Jones – President ABS
Photographs: Frank Hair and Pieter Verheij