With the financial situation in the outside world being is such a parlous state, you could not help but wonder what the future might hold for hobbyists and for Societies.

A number of changes in FBAS Council posts had been signalled in the list of nominations.

Chairman Les Pearce stepped down after four years and General Secretary, Viv Pearce, became another loss to the Council as she would not have been able to attend Council meetings for the remaining year of her period of duty due to lack of transport.
President Joe Nethersell proposed a vote of thanks to them both for their services to the Federation.

Council Posts open for re-elections or new elections were:
Chairman, Treasurer, Trophy Brooch Officer, Bulletin Editor, Merchandising Officer.
Posts to be filled for one year: Vice-Chairman, General Secretary.

The above Posts were filled as follows:

Chairman - Joe Nethersell                             Treasurer - Colin Pannell
Trophy/Brooch Officer - Alan Stevens          Bulletin Editor - Malcolm Goss
                               Merchandising Officer - Colin Richards

General Secretary - Joan Pannell (1 year)       Vice-Chairman - Peter Furze (1 year)

Every three years, a President may be elected and Dick Mills, the Council's recommended candidate for this post, was duly elected.

Viv Pearce will be taking responsibility for gathering advertising material for the Bulletin and any Society or Aquatic trader wishing to take space - small panels, upwards, should contact Viv HERE

Colin Pannell, Treasurer, was understandably cautious about the coming year but announced that the cost-cutting steps taken by the Federation back in March were already having a major effect thanks to the increasing use of the Federation's website to communicate to Societies.
As a consequence of seeking to reduce printing costs, the question was asked if FBAS membership cards were to be printed in 2009, as many hobbyists used these to obtain discounts at aquatic outlets. It was confirmed that both FBAS Delegate and FBAS Membership cards will be available in 2009.

Bob Esson, Seceretary Judges & Standards, gave notice of the steps that are being taken to ensure that the succession of Judges being trained from 'C' Class up to 'A' Class should not falter.

'C' Class Judges may 'judge' at Open Shows in order to gain more practical experience than might be possible by just relying on their continuing Table Show bookings.

'C' Judges will be allowed to judge selected Classes ahead of the real Judging under the scrutiny of the Senior Judge; whilst their results will not form any part of the actual Open Show, it is thought that by exposing the new Judges to a greater range of fishes (and sample real 'Open Show' pressures into the bargain), these junior Judges will gain experience far more quickly and thus be available for upgrading that much faster too.

'C' Class Judges wishing to participate in this scheme should contact the J & S stating which Shows they wish to attend. Agreement will be obtained from the proposed host Society before granting permission to the 'C' Class Judge.
Clubs willing to allow 'C' Class Judges to participate in their Open Shows are asked to provide refreshments for these Judges whilst at the Show.

Alan Stevens, Trophy/Brooch Officer, reported that the two new competitions for 2008 - Best Pairs and Best Breeders - were well supported in the first year and looked forward to more entries next year.

Peter Furze, Bulletin Editor, reported from his sick-bed (by wi-fi, of course!) that the December issue of the Bulletin was now available on-line on the FBAS website. He also thanked all contributors for their support during his time as Editor.

Peter Anderson, AquaTalks Officer, announced that two new videos were available by Ken Wrightson and Eric franklin, covering tropical and Goldfish breeding respectively. details can be found on the FBAS website.
Dick Mills, who produces the videos, said that 'occasional glitches' are being reported in some programmes. Steps are being taken to eliminate these although it is not known at this stage exactly where the problem lies - it may be in the quality of the blank DVDs used (we'll spend some of the printing costs saved on better blanks!) or whether users are just unlucky in the choice of DVD players used. All programme appear to work OK when viewed via computer rather than through DVD players and tv sets.

Joe Nethersell and Trevor Butler, reported on the successful Festival of Fishkeeping and on the FBAS 70th Anniversary Dinner, both events held at Hayling Island's Mill Rythe Holiday Village.
Les Pearce proposed a vote of thanks to Joe and Grace Nethersell and Dick Mills for their work in planning and presenting the 70th Anniversary Dinner.

Booking Forms for the 2009 Festival of Fishkeeping (at 2008 prices!) are available HERE and you can read Trevor's viewpoint on the Festival HERE

As is traditional at the AGM, Christmas Cards were distributed and exchanged, hot Sausage Rolls and Mince Pies washed down with Tea and Coffee and the meeting ended with the Raffle.