Bulletin 7 - April 1979: Editorial

Editorial

Once again we have to say goodbye to a guiding light of the E.N.H.G., this time to our Chairman, Tony Harris. Tony was a great inspiration to the Group. In spite of heavy work commitments that took up a lot of evening time, he always managed to find enough time to attend committee meetings and was especially active in explaining and promoting our affairs to the Government. Over the past two years he has given several talks related to the desert environment (see page 9), and it was typical that he should bow out with a very professional talk on the Liwa in March. Tony took a great interest in all aspects of the Group; his work, encouragement and enthusiasm will be remembered by all. Correspondence and future Bulletins will keep him informed of our activities and we are assured of his continued interest in the E.N.H.G. As the new Chairman, Bish Brown hinted in his farewell speech, the attractions of being an alpinist may yet succumb to the irresistibility of the desert. Nor should we overlook Pat Harris, the flora recorder, who made such a contribution to the Group in photographing, collecting and above all identifying the various genera and species of plants in the UAE (see page 17). We wish you both, Tony and Pat, very good luck in your Geneva posting.

A list has been compiled of those members who have expressed serious interest in a particular field of natural history. The Recorders will be holding meetings with these members in the near future. It is our aim to try to involve members more in practical fieldwork and to set up small projects. We feel that there is a lot of latent talent around which can be utilized beyond the general interest of the Monday evening talks.

The ENHG has committed itself to having a Calendar produced for 1980. Photographs will depict aspects of local natural history and it is hoped that the completed version will arrive in Abu Dhabi in the autumn, well in time for the Calendar-buying season.

Members are reminded of the new permanent address: