Minutes of the 45th Annual General Meeting - Earth Science ...

Earth Science Teachers’ AssociationMinutes of the 45th Annual GeneralMeetingHeld on Saturday 29 September 2012 at the British Geological Surveyheadquarters, Keyworth at 2.30 pmMaggie Williams was in the Chair and 36 members were present.1. Apologies for absenceApologies for absence were received from Susan Beale, Niki Whitburn and JonGluyas.2. Minutes of the 44th AGMThe minutes of the 44th Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 2 July 2011 at theUniversity of Durham had been published on the ESTA website ahead of the AGMand paper copies made available to delegates on request. Maggie Williams pointedout a correction under item 7: Michelle Evans had agreed to be Boards Manager(she was not co-opted). Nikki Edwards proposed that the minutes should beaccepted as a true record, seconded by John Reynolds and Peter Kennett, agreedunanimously.3. Matters Arising from the 44th AGMMaggie Williams noted that Hazel Mather had been co-opted on to Council asAdvertising Manager and that, as well as agreeing to be Boards Manager, MichelleEvans had taken on the role of Promotions.4. Annual ReportsAnnual reports from Council members had been published on the ESTA websiteahead of the AGM and paper copies made available to delegates on request. MaggieWilliams invited Officers to comment on their reports and the following remarks weremade.4.1 Chair's reportThe report was tabled. Maggie Williams thanked PESGB for their financial supportfor the conference and the BGS for hosting the Conference. She also thanked LindaMarshall, the Conference Manager, for her efforts to organise the conference and herhusband, Bill, for his generous help with arrangements.Maggie WIlliams also thanked Jane Giffould, who was stepping down from the postof Treasurer after three years, and Peter Williams, who had served six years asWebmaster.Finally, Maggie WIlliams wished farewell to Jon Gluyas who had completed his termas ESTA President and thanked him for his advice and other contributions to theAssociation.4.2 Secretary's report

David Bailey added his thanks to Linda Marshall for her invaluable assistance inorganising the conference and also Susan Beale and Gordon Neighbour for theircontributions and ideas.4.3 Treasurer's reportJane Giffould reported that Elizabeth Devon and Peter Kennett had audited theAssociation's accounts earlier in the day. David Bailey proposed that the accountsshould be accepted and this was seconded by Gordon Neighbour. Members votedunanimously in favour.Jane Giffould also thanked PESGB for their generous sponsorship and remindedmembers of the advantages to the Association if they Gift Aid their subscriptions.4.4 Membership Secretary's reportThe total number of members was 465 comprising: 381 ordinary members, 58student and retired members, and 26 complimentary members. 14 new membershave joined since 1 October 2011.4.5 Higher Education Co-ordinator's reportNo report had been received.4.6 Secondary Co-ordinator's reportChris King reported that there were six places for training Geology specialistteachers at Keele University which was now the only course in the UK. Only 2applications had been received for the current academic year. Despite this, therewas a continuing need for geology teachers with 9 posts advertised last year andanother already this year. Not many geology graduates had applied to undertaketeacher training this year, the reasons were unclear.4.7 Primary Co-ordinator's reportTracy Atkinson reminded members that the Primary Committee was a small groupwith only 4 members and invited anyone interested to consider joining.4.8 Editors' reportHazel Clark reminded members that she was always on the look-out for articles forTeaching Earth Sciences and thanked Maggie Williams for her many contributions.Maggie noted that this year the newsletter had spawned the ESTA Briefing forprimary members.4.9 Advertising OfficerHazel Mather reported that efforts to attract advertising this year had largely beenunsuccessful.4.10 WebmasterPeter Williams reported that the hand over of duties to Karl Gray had been verysmooth.4.11 Projects ManagerMaggie Williams said that a productive relationship with MinSouth had beendeveloped and looked forward to working with them next year.4.12 Earth Science Education UnitA detailed report had been prepared by Bernadette Callan.A vote to accept the reports was passed unanimously.

5 Welcome to new President and WebmasterMaggie Williams said she was very pleased to welcome Karl Gray as the new Webmasterand reminded members that they could read an item about him in the recent issue of TES.Maggie also welcomed Chris Carlon. Members of Council were delighted and honoured thatChris had accepted their invitation to become President for the next two years. He had beentaught geology by an inspirational teacher from the age of 16 and gone on to take his B.Sc.at Swansea and a Ph.D. at Manchester University. Chris has worked all over the world forseveral mining companies and has also taught geology throughout his career to eveningclasses, Open University students, and even government representatives.6 Election of Officers to CouncilMaggie Williams reminded members that the 2011 AGM had been asked if Council could coopta Chair Designate to be confirmed in that post at the 2012 AGM and Pete Loader hadagreed to stand. Mike Tuke proposed Pete Loader as nominee, seconded by John Reynoldsand Hazel Clark and passed unanimously by members.Carole Rushall had agreed to stand as Treasurer as Jane Giffould intended to stand down.Carole's nomination was proposed by Pete Loader, seconded by Gordon Neighbour andHazel Clark, and passed unanimously by members.7 Any other businessThere was no other business for discussion. Before closing the meeting, Maggie Williamsmade presentations to Jane Giffould and Peter Williams, in thanks for their contributions toCouncil, and also to Peter Kennett and Elizabeth Devon, for auditing the accounts.The meeting was declared closed at 3.20 p.m.