First, I would like to thank those members who attended the AGM on the 13th, and also to those who sent their apologies, as this helps enormously in the planning of any event.
The Members of the Committee remain as last year with two exceptions.I am very pleased to announce that Lawrence Gray agreed to take on the post of Membership Secretary, but Stephen Taylor has regrettably had to stand down as a committee member.
Even though the Society has a healthy bank balance at present, this is being gradually eroded as outgoings throughtout the year exceed income. We have a few years before the condition becomes critical. Some members suggested increasing the annual subscription as other societies have done. It was not considered justifiable at present, given the available balance, but will be kept under review by the treasurer. However,from February 2010 a small fee of £1.50 will be charged to Members' Guests and Visitors at any meeting which involves a speaker. This fee would be refunded if Guest or Visitor joined the society at that meeting. This was agreed unanimously by the membership present.
| NHOS SOCIETY CUP | Awarded posthumously to Arthur Wyatt |
| THE WELLBANK TROPHY | Mike Sharman |
| THE HAYWARD TROPHY | Gill Britnell |
| THE OAKLEY AWARD | Gill Britnell |
| MINIATURE SPECIES ROSEBOWL | David Martin |
| THE HAMPSHIRE AWARD | Gill Britnell |
| THE HAROLD HARE CUP | Chris Sampson |
| THE RHS BANKSIAN MEDAL | Gill Britnell |
Gill is in the process of distributing the Programme for 2010. A copy was available at the AGM but some details had to be finalised. This is mainly due to some speakers' lack of response, leaving Gill no option but to keep dates open in case of overbooking.
Subscriptions for 2010 are now due.
Please let Lawrence know if you are not renewing your membership for 2010. He can be contacted on: 
Steve and Lawrence can take your subscriptions at the next meeting or you can send a cheque direct to Treasurer NHOS, Ken Mansfield.
There is no meeting in January. The next meeting will be on Sunday 21st February. Steve Langston will be taking over from me, as Ken and I will, hopefully, be on holiday [if BA is still flying!]
Contact us if there are any queries:
It just remains for me to wish you all a Very Happy Xmas and a Prosperous New Year.
All the best,
Fran
Chairman
