Chairman Joe Nethersell reported a satisfactory year, although conceding that, as expected, Show support for Societies was dramatically reduced as our sponsors had also been financially restrained. Nevertheless, Open Shows continued to be well supported and the Festival of Fishkeeping proved to be the best yet although there were one or two Trade absentees when compared to previous years.

Colin Pannell, Treasurer, announced that the cost-cutting steps taken by the Federation had a major effect thanks to the increasing use of the Federation's website to communicate to Societies.
For the first time, a two-tier Affiliation Fee is to be introduced. The £16.00 fee is for Societies willing to accept electronic (email) communications from the FBAS, with an £18.00 Fee being applied to those Societies who still require posted communications.

Judges & Standards gave notice that Judges' Pointing Slide Rules have been modified with a recalibrated sliding section to accommodate the new '10 for Size' points system that was introduced this year. The 'New Species' page on the website has proved so popular that information sheets based around such species is to be introduced for distribution to Judges.

Assistant Show Organiser, Trevor Butler provided a comprehensive report of the Festival (see HERE) paying tribute to the whole Festival Team for their efficiency and hard work before, during and after the event.

In boasting about the latest 64 page December issue, Bulletin Editor, Malcolm Goss, outlined plans for new articles to come in 2010, including Favourite Aquatic Shops and Your Ideal Fish or Aquarium Set-up. He also thanked all contributors for their support during the past year.

On a more Federation-pertinent theme, Trophy Brooch Officer Alan Stevens outlined his proposals for the allocation of Championship Class Trophies for 2010.

Whilst Open Show dates will be published on the website as soon as they are known, actual Trophy allocations will only be published when the necessary Trophy Application Form and Show Schedule has been received from the host Society and has been processed.
In view of the complications with Duplicate Championship Trophies in 2009, Alan also reported that there will be no Duplicate Trophies issued in 2010.

Moving on to Open Show matters, it was advised that Show Secretaries should use the correct Class Letter for Guppy Classes in order to comply with the Show Rules as described in the FBAS Constitution.

Alan also asked all Show Secretaries to destroy any of the old 'Five 20s' Judging Sheets they may have and ensure that only new 'Four Twenties and Two Tens' versions are used.

Outgoing Vice-Chairman, Peter Furze paid special tribute to Peter Anderson (right) and Malcolm Goss (left) for their contribution to the Festival, notably the organisation of the Society Furnished Competition and for the decorative aquariums sited throughout the marquees. He was particularly grateful for the Peter's initiative in the acquisition of live plants just in time for competitors in the competition.
Whilst the Bulletin is available free on-line (HERE), the problem remains of making people aware of its new locality and in this respect Malcolm was rewarded for his efforts in designing and distributing leaflets publicising this fact.

PRO/Webmaster, Dick Mills, reported that there are signs of an improvement in sponsorships for the forthcoming year as a result of discussions with potential new benefactors at the Festival. He also predicted lower web charges for 2010 thanks to an upgrade to a different tarriff with our hosting service, and also thanked Peter Furze for his initiative in creating a dedicated Festival of Fishkeeping website.

NOTE: The Chairman reported that Dr David Ford had been approached to take over the Festival of Fishkeeping website and had accepted the task.

Before the Election of Officers, the Chairman announced a package of Diplomas of Merit for those who have served the Federation (and their respective Societies) well over many years and who were, in the words of the President 'Taking the courageous step of admitting it was time to go.'

Alan Henderson served not only as Show Secretary for his own Society, Corby & District A.S., for many years but also as Show Secretary for all of the Festival of Fishkeepings since their inception. One cannot imagine the sheer amount of paperwork involved in these tasks, and the intense pressure on Show Days to get the results verified and out on time! Well done, Alan.

If you ever went to the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, Festival of Fishkeeping or any other FBAS event you'll be bound to have met Pete Caira, of Hounslow & District A.S. From Car Park Attendant to Maitre d' at Dinner time, plus creating many giant aquascapes over the years, Pete has been a more than willing servant to the Federation and we just hope he's got enough strength left to enjoy his well-deserved 'retirement!'

With almost identical credentials to Pete Caira, Peter Furze also managed to tie down Federation posts as Editor of the Bulletin, Chairman, Vice-Chairman and several other 'unofficial posts' along the way, and the Federation made good use of Peter's enthusiasm over the years. Although fading from the forefront, Peter has 'volunteered' to act as FBAS Advertisement Manager; let's hope he can break down Companies' resistance and bring in some extra sponsorship.

The Federation is indebted to these individuals for their services to the hobby and wish them well and hope they don't get too many withdrawal symptoms.

Council Posts open for re-elections or new elections were:
Vice-Chairman, General Secretary, Database Officer, Media Officer.

The above Posts were filled as follows:

Vice-Chairman - Paul Corbett, Island Fishkeepers
General Secretary - Joan Pannell, Hastings A.S.
Database Officer - Bob Esson, Hounslow & D.A.S.
Media Officer - Peter Anderson, Hounslow & D.A.S.

Any Other Business

Although there was technically 'No Other Business' the Chairman drew the Assembly's attention to the fact that Dick Mills, the FBAS President, really ought to be referred to in future as 'Dr Mills' since only this week he had been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science at the University of Bradford for his contribution to broadcasting during his years at the BBC.

In response to congratulations, Dick said that his life-style would remain unaffected and that on no account would he look at any of Bob Esson's medical conditions!