This email is to the Dorset "regulars". Most of you should be familiar with the usual arrangements for the morning walk, followed by lunch  at the Red Lion Wareham.  As in previous years , the group will meet the cost of your lunch (but not your drinks).  As you will  know, it is pleasant social occasion which also helps to get people to attend the AGM

Bill Peach will be circulating a menu in due course and taking orders  beforehand. If you intend to come to the lunch,  you must book through Bill.

One final bit of business: I am standing down as secretary:  It is an interesting job and I have enjoyed doing it.  But after seven years,  it is time for a change.  A few points about the post,   if you are thinking about seeking nomination. Or, if you are being nominated.

• You do not have to be an existing member of the committee to be nominated (I wasn't)
• It is not necessary tohave exceptional  IT  skills (I certainly haven't) 
• You will not be thrown in the deep end - and you will be supported by other committee members. 
• Shorthand  and previous experience  are not necessary to take minutes of committee meeting and the AGM.
• I make a note of the important points discussed and record  decisions taken  at meetings -  I do not record every word said.
• The group secretary, as an officer, is the first line of contact  for LDWA business.  Both within the group,  the wider National LDWA, and also externally. This is actually very interesting. I spend  a bit of time dealing with public enquiries about the LDWA and the group, but this is quite open ended,  and it is possible to do as much, or as little,  as your time permits.  
• You do need an email address and a pc / laptop. I am requently asked to pass on information,  by and from members. The National LDWA bulk email system (to which the secretary gets access)  is easy to use and saves a lot of time 
• It does require some commitment, regular presence -  and attendance at meetings.
• If you often away from home for long periods,  or resident in the Falkland Islands, this may not be the ideal role for you.
• It is probably not a good idea to think of it being just  for one year. You will need a little time to find your feet.  The group constitution says that the secretary should normally serve a maximum of three years  in post - but if you read what it actually says,  this is not mandatory. 
• The group committee meets three times a year - I do the booking of the hall (we currently meet at Wareham Parish Hall)  and I send out  the agenda and  publish the minutes of our meeting. 

If you want to know more,  talk to me, or one of the other committee members (Bill, Colin, Chris, Deirdre, Martin, Richard, Robert, Julie)

Regards

mike