BCG meeting MK

[EJ]

For those of you who made the meeting... could you post a recap here? How did it go. I'm particularly interested in any assination attempts.

[EJ]

I've got my suspicions...

Originally Posted by stells

Someone was getting assasinated?

[Geomyda]

I did attend the Symposium, as I have done many times before.
Firstly, let me say that initially, the atmosphere was a little tense and at least one of the Committee was visibly shaking, with nerves when we were getting our morning Coffee before the meeting kicked off.
Sadly, the attendance for the Symposium was pitiful, certainly less than 50 and that included the five excellent speakers. To me, this showed how ironic the situation has become: All the best things the BCG represents were evident, five very interesting topics, delivered by excellent speakers, three of whom were referring to Conservation project's previously supported with funds by the BCG. All three of which I whole heartedly support. Yet sadly, oh so few, to listen to their fascinating lectures!
It was probably just as well, that the AGM, with its attendant election was not held yesterday as there was insufficient number of members to hold a quorum. At the same time, the Chairman, Don Freeman was absent due we are told to continued ill health. This might fairly reflect the question, is he actually fit enough to stand for re election?
So Ed, if your question is really,"were you missed this year"? I guess the answer might be to you and 1650 other members whom it seemed could not make the event: Yes!!!

[Box girl]

I used to go to the Bristol Symposium and this was always very well attended with usually over 100 people attending.
I wonder why since moving the Symposium to Milton Keynes much fewer people attend. For me it is the distance and the cost having to purchase a meal as part of the cost makes it an expensive day out if there are 2 of you.

[NFI]

Originally Posted by Box girl

I used to go to the Bristol Symposium and this was always very well attended with usually over 100 people attending.
I wonder why since moving the Symposium to Milton Keynes much fewer people attend. For me it is the distance and the cost having to purchase a meal as part of the cost makes it an expensive day out if there are 2 of you.

It wouldn't matter where the Symposium was held, it's location is never going to please everyone (including me).

Not sure if you can draw a direct correlation with the location of the Symposium and the number of attendees. There are many other things that should be taken into account.

[Box girl]

Can you make some suggestions as to what seeing as the Bristol symposia were so well attended and we seem to have as good a set of speakers. I thought the location seemed a good reason. I am presuming you did not attend the symposium either?
It is a pity as I always enjoyed these events.

[NFI]

Originally Posted by Box girl

Can you make some suggestions as to what seeing as the Bristol symposia were so well attended and we seem to have as good a set of speakers. I thought the location seemed a good reason. I am presuming you did not attend the symposium either?
It is a pity as I always enjoyed these events.

• Date
• Cost
• Speakers
• Topics

[Geomyda]

Originally Posted by NFI

• Date
• Cost
• Speakers
• Topics

NFI,
You are right of course, the choice of DATE; being 13th March this year did coincide with the European Hamm show. However, for those of us who consider the BCG highly, we sacrifice the European Show to attend the BCG Symposium.
COST; again in these financially stretched times £25 per person can be quite a burden, add to that the cost of overnight accommodation for those who travel far, it does make it quite expensive. However, it does represent a good opportunity to meet up with other members and ex members. I should add, that I did find it strange not to have the AGM on the same day this year as this does make the economics of attending both complete madness. However, no doubt this year the current committee was possibly struggling to expel everybody in time for this to be practical!!
SPEAKERS; In this regard as I said earlier, the five speakers on Saturday were excellent, and three of them were former recipients of Conservation funding from the group. It is so nice to see, well considered conservation plans, where projects were cogent and properly executed. The speakers happily delivering evidence of their results and really positive Conservation stories. I was very impressed with all three projects that were covered on Saturday and hope the Conservation officer took notes on what to look for in future successful appeals?
TOPICS; I have generally, always been impressed with the Topics covered in BCG Symposia.The subject matter is both diverse and usually very detailed. Speakers are equally of a high standard.

In terms of this years attendance, I suspect the conflict of AGM V Symposium, may have had something to do with the poor turn out, but hopefully a good number of members will take the trouble to once again attend the AGM/election and spend a couple of hours back near Milton Keynes on the 11th April 2010
Now your thoughts on the sense of costly travel and precious time on this matter would be appreciated?

[EJ]

How many tortoise people actually go to Hamm.

I'm willing to bet that this years low turnout is because of this crap.

Paul, if your intent is the help the BCG... I still think you are not going about it in the proper manner.

Originally Posted by Geomyda

NFI,
You are right of course, the choice of DATE; being 13th March this year did coincide with the European Hamm show. However, for those of us who consider the BCG highly, we sacrifice the European Show to attend the BCG Symposium.
COST; again in these financially stretched times £25 per person can be quite a burden, add to that the cost of overnight accommodation for those who travel far, it does make it quite expensive. However, it does represent a good opportunity to meet up with other members and ex members. I should add, that I did find it strange not to have the AGM on the same day this year as this does make the economics of attending both complete madness. However, no doubt this year the current committee was possibly struggling to expel everybody in time for this to be practical!!
SPEAKERS; In this regard as I said earlier, the five speakers on Saturday were excellent, and three of them were former recipients of Conservation funding from the group. It is so nice to see, well considered conservation plans, where projects were cogent and properly executed. The speakers happily delivering evidence of their results and really positive Conservation stories. I was very impressed with all three projects that were covered on Saturday and hope the Conservation officer took notes on what to look for in future successful appeals?
TOPICS; I have generally, always been impressed with the Topics covered in BCG Symposia.The subject matter is both diverse and usually very detailed. Speakers are equally of a high standard.

In terms of this years attendance, I suspect the conflict of AGM V Symposium, may have had something to do with the poor turn out, but hopefully a good number of members will take the trouble to once again attend the AGM/election and spend a couple of hours back near Milton Keynes on the 11th April 2010
Now your thoughts on the sense of costly travel and precious time on this matter would be appreciated?

[NFI]

Originally Posted by Geomyda

Now your thoughts on the sense of costly travel and precious time on this matter would be appreciated?

Here's a thought.

Have you ever attended the Symposium on the same day as the AGM?
If yes, how long did the AGM take?
If it had taken any longer would the start of the Symposium have been delayed (or would you have missed the beginning) and would you have been happy about that.?