Bulletin 16 - March 1982: Editorial

Editorial

The beginning of a new year is a time for assessment and taking stock of a situation, and the affairs of the ENHG are no exception. The outgoing Chairman, David MacLennan, cautioned against complacency in his address at the AGM, printed in this issue. The Group continues to be run by a very smaIl core of interested amateurs, and although some have been associated for several years, there is always the danger of a breakdown in co-ordination between Committee and group members. Pleas have been made on numerous occasions in the past for new blood but to little avail; the 1981 Committee was returned unopposed at the AGM. While the Committee is grateful to the members' non-vote of confidence, that is not a mandate for inaction. It is therefore with a degree of optimism that we welcone Giles Roche as incoming Chairman. Already well-known as our Bee and Wasp Recorder, Giles has previously chaired Natural History Groups in Qatar and Malaysia/Singapore. His experience, knowledge and infectious enthusiasm can only be an asset to the ENHG.

The Committee has met since the AGM and discussed areas in which the Group might expand activities and also advertise itself. The Newsletter will henceforth be published on a monthly basis and include regular features as well as odd or unusual snippets of information, including casual recordings. The February 1982 Newsletter includes a list of Recorders' names and contact telephone numbers, so please make use of them. They exist for your benefit too.

Recordings from the Northern Emirates are very scant, and the Committee would welcome any suggestion for making contacts with people in this area who share like interests. Archaeological excavations have taken place in Ras al Khainah intermittently over the past five years but little news filters through except in newspaper reports. There must be other recordings to be made relevant to the ENHG, particularly in the fauna and flora after the substantial rains throughout the Emirates in February.