OSME News 
Retiring Chairman 
This year's AGM saw the retirement from Council of Mike Rands after nine years 
sterling service, first as a 'member without portfolio' and, since 1987, as Chair- 
man of Council. 
Mike's commitment to OSME and ornithology in the Middle East has been 
considerable. OSME's first expedition, to North Yemen (as it was then) in 
autumn 1 985, was organised and lead by Mike (ably assisted by his wife. Gill) and 
the thoroughness of the research carried out resulted in many new discoveries 
about the endemic birds of southwest Arabia. The contacts made in 1985 have 
stood OSME in good stead for its forthcoming expedition to southern Yemen. 
Council meetings under Mike have always been full, business-like and often with 
a fair degree of vision. Mike's five years as Chairman have seen OSME's 
membership increase from 600 to 1,000 members; been marked by the highly 
successful and enjoyable 10th Anniversary Event; and have seen a consistent 
increase in the professionalism of the Society. Perhaps Mike's greatest contribu- 
tion to the long-term conservation of the region's birds was the launch of the 
Middle Eastern Important Bird Areas project (jointly with ICBP, IWRB and 
RSPB) which promises to be the reference document on areas of outstanding 
ornithological importance for many years to come. 
Mike's good humour, and impressive list of contacts in conservation organisa- 
tions throughout the world, will be missed at future Council meetings, but we 
know we can continue to call on his support and experience as and when 
necessary. In the meantime. Council (on behalf of the membership) express their 
sincere thanks for everything Mike has done for OSME over the last nine years 
and hope he will now have a little free time to actually look at some of the birds 
he has done so much to conserve. 
At his last council meeting Council presented Mike with a Turkish kilim 
(purchased by DHKD) as a gesture of appreciation and thanks from Council for 
his contribution as Chairman. 
Geoff Welch 
Thank you 
I was sorry to miss the last AGM held under my chairmanship, particularly since 
I was unable to thank Council, the Vice Presidents, DHKD and others for the 
magnificent gifts given to me and my wife. Gill, at my last Council meeting. 1 am 
very grateful to Lord Barber, who kindly stepped in to chair the AGM. 
Chairing Council for the last five years has been most exciting and rewarding. 
OSME is going from strength to strength, thanks to a growing and dedicated 
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