PRESENT: I.K. Morgan (Chairman), R.D.Pryce (Secretary), Mrs. D. Hopkins (Treasurer), and 10 members,
APOLOGIES: Messrs. Doug.Williams and John Taylor,
The MINUTES of the 1990 Annual General Meeting were adopted.
There were no MATTERS ARISING.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT: The Chairman opened by thanking the Society's
officers and committee members for their services over the year and especially those involved in organising :,rid manning the Society's stand at the Llanelli Flower Festival. He then commented on one of the roles of the Llanelli Naturalists, that of watch-dog over major development proposals which could have a damaging effect on the local natural environment. He reported that relations with the planning department of Llanelli Borough Council had improved considerably over the last year and some officers were now keen to seek the Society's comments on relevant matters. To foster this new spirit of co-operation, the Chairman is currently making an inventory of all sites of ecological importance within the Borough to assist the authority in the determination of planning applications. Finally he remarked on the better attendances at meetings recently following his appeal at the last A.G.M.
SECRETARY'S REPORT, The secretary thanked the Chairman for his statement. He then briefly described the Society's activities in 1990 which had included six indoor and eight outdoor meetings one of which was held jointly with the Dyfed Wildlife Trust. There had been two issues of the Newsletter, of twenty-eight and thirty-six pages respectively and it was now well established as a vehicle for the publication serious articles of local wildlife interest. Pembrey Saltings and the proposed developments at Machynys had continued to be planning issues of concern but the new spirit of co-operation with the Borough Council referred to by the Chairman, had gone some way to allaying the fears and distrust which have persisted in recent years. He concluded by echoing the Chairman's thanks to all officers and members for their dedication and service which had resulted in the smooth running of the Society during the year
TREASURER'S REPORT, The Statement of Accounts was received and adopted and is presented below. The Society currently has 107 paying and 14 honorary members but some concern was expressed at persistent late subscription payment by some members. The Secretary agreed that a note be placed in the Newsletter reminding members that prompt payment would be appreciated. The Treasurer then raised the subject of increasing subscriptions from January 1992. This was agreed in principle by those present but it was left to the General Committee to fix the amounts.
RESERVE WARDEN'S REPORTS
UPPER LLIEDI RESERVOIR (Mr. M.H. Williams), No report was available as the Honorary Warden was not present.
STRADEY WOODS (Mr. I.K. Morgan) Mr.Morgan had unsuccessfully sought formalisation of the status of the reserve with both the landowner and tennant during the year. Although the occupiers are sympathetic to the wildlife value of the site, tenure must remain on a similar basis to that in the past. The proposed work-party to clear encroaching scrub from the 'Cranberry Bog' (tad not taken place as the farmer wished to carry out the work himself, in his own time.
FACTORY ROAD, PEMBREY (Mr. F.H. Webb). The Bloody Cranesbill flourished well in 1990 and did better than in the previous year, the thin cover of False Oat-grass appears to suit it. One plant of Prostrate Toadflax was seen on 17th September and the old railway track supports a very varied flora. Crow Garlic is now well established within a large triangle. Cutting would not appear to be necessary for the present.
FFRWD FEN (Mr. F.H. Webb). The Management Committee met four times during the year. The Marsh Pea continues to flourish especially at the marginal areas of the fen although it is still thought that grazing is inadequate. Pippa Whitton, Dyfed Wildlife Trust's Carmarthenshire Reserves Officer, sponsored by British Coal Opencast, had produced a Draft Management Plan and the final document was imminent. Management of the site would aim to ),increase the amount of standing water, ),maintain the network of pills, 3,encourage the diverse fen vegetation, particularly the Marsh Pea, 4, maintain the appropriate grazing regime and 5,monitor and maintain water levels.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS, It was proposed to introduce an informal guideline that committee members having served for three consecutive years would stand down in favour of 'new-blood'. This would complement the informal two year rule currently applying to the posts of Chairman and Vice-chairman.
The following were elected unopposed: Officers: Mrs.I.M.Vaughan (Patron), R.Hunt (Chairman), Mrs.K.Cottingham (Vice-Chairman), R.D.Pryce (Secretary), Mrs.D.Hopkins (Treasurer), Committee members: Mrs. E. Jones (programme), Miss J.Kelsall (plants), Miss P.Whitton (D.W.T.), Dr.P.A.Jones (fungi) Messrs.F.H.Webb (Pembrey Saltings & reserves warden), A.Richardson (W.W.T.), J.Taylor (publicity), J.R. Ellis (birds) and B.Stewart (birds & invertebrates).
OTHER BUSINESS,
- There was considerable discussion on the role of the Dyfed Wildlife Trust in the Llanelli Area, the general outcome of which was that Trust be encouraged to foster a higher profile in the area.
- The venue for future meetings was discussed. It was decided to try Llanerch Hall for the 1991-92 winter season.
- 1992 will be the twenty-first anniversary of the foundation of the Society. Contributions in the form of newsletter articles, nostalgic lectures or field meetings, flower festival display or other ideas were sought.
- Mr.Oswyn Thomas reported the recent sighting of a dead Polecat on Pembrey Mountain which prompted discussion on a variety of local observations and served to round off the meeting, which closed at 9.10pm.
