By the way the calendars are selling today for R30 each, so wend your way to Merle's shop afterwards and purchase one or two.

Paul Bartho may spend a great deal of the year away from eThekwini, but when he's here, one cannot but know it . His website work has garnered thousands of hits from all over the world, particularly his very distinctive trip reports, and he keeps the committee on its toes as he constantly generates new ideas and suggestions for the benefit of the club. He chivvies people to lead activities, and the number of places visited by the club over a year are quite remarkable. (Slide 6).

Although Dave Bishop suffered a grievous blow when his partner Jo Savage died in August, he has continued with the job of Treasurer and keeping our finances in a very acceptable state, gave an excellent presentation on raptors to the club's indoor meeting, and stepped in at the last minute to do a bird quiz for us as well. His courses are ever popular - so look out for notices of the April course on Forest Birds which he will be running. (Slide 7). Janet Levy took over from Merle Paton a year ago, and has been our recorder and record keeper since, despite an operation to her shoulder a few months ago. Virginia Cameron liaises with the local press and ensures that our outings and indoor meetings are well publicised. Merle Mackenzie keeps shop and is ever helpful when it comes to advice on books for birders. Please make use of her expertise if you're looking for any type of bird book. She has a selection of our stock available today, so go and browse. You can also order books through her. Rob Jamieson keeps us on our toes at the indoor meetings, ensuring that everything at the Methodist Church Hall is shipshape and providing the tea/coffee/biscuits and taking the small amount we ask for covering our costs there. He is also a major contributor to the BMCG and was instrumental in ensuring that Arnia has backup from Caro Schwegmann, an expert on EIAs.

I'd also like to thank Terry Walls who may no longer be on the committee, but who is a great support as a co-signatory on our account as well as doing printing and other work for us, and remaining as our host at indoor meetings and introducing our guest speakers. (Slide 8).

Merle Mackenzie keeps a remarkable shop, and her support at our outreaches is inestimable. Janet Levy stepped seamlessly into the position of Secretary in 2013, with support from Merle Paton and others who stepped in to take notes when she was recovering from her shoulder operation. I am holding thumbs and all other fingers that she will continue in this role for another

Many people only know about what we offer by the postings in various newspapers throughout the city - Virginia Cameron is responsible for these, and we thank her for the preparation and time taken. Here you see her in a photograph with David Allan, the curator of birds at the Durban Natural Science Museum. David is a member and wonderful supporter of our club, always there for assistance and brain storming when asked. (Slide 9).

I am always somewhat stymied when it comes to talking about Roy Cowgill, our Honorary President. (Slide 10). He is also the KZN representative on Council, the chair of Forum, and together with Steve he organises the Bird Monitoring & Conservation group, does the CWAC count, and last year in October they were instrumental in bringing the Save our Seabirds Festival to Durban in an alliance with uShaka Marine World. In addition he regularly attends committee meetings and is involved in many initiatives throughout the city. We owe him a huge debt of thanks. Steve Davis is our Honorary Recorder, and also represents the club on the Regional Rarities Committee. Thanks Steve for all the times you've answered members' queries about IDs..

Our volunteers are indefatigable. Elena Russell is the very popular leader of the first Saturday of the month outings. (Slide 11). Sandi du Preez has made the Wednesday morning outings that she takes exciting and informative as she has a wealth of knowledge about birds, bees and butterflies, not to mention trees. (Slide 12). Mike and Jane's weekends continue to be spoken of long afterwards. (Slide 13) The Sunday outings are very special and give members an opportunity to travel a little further from our boundaries. Thanks are due to Mike White, Barry Pullock, Peter Farrington, Paul and Sally Bartho, John Dives, Des Porter and Crystelle Wilson. (Slide 14). Huge thanks to all those volunteers who support our