OSME News 
Fifteenth OSME AGM - Retiring Council members 
This year's AGM saw major changes on Council, with 3 members retiring 
after completing 5 years service and 4 others standing-down early due to 
pressure of work. 
It is customary for the Chairman to write a paragraph on each of the 
retiring members but, because of the number mis year and limitations of 
space, I have restricted myself to just a few lines. This in no way reflects 
a lack of gratitude as all of them have, in their own way, made significant 
contributions to the running of the Society. 
Mark Andrews, Publicity Officer from 1988; through his wide range of 
birding contacts, Mark introduced OSME to a new section of the 
birdwatching fraternity. His artistic talents have been used to good 
effect in revamping the OSME displays and have frequently appeared 
in the Bulletin. 
Major David Counsell, Treasurer from 1988; with his military training, 
David helped bring order to much of the financial running of the 
Society. His knowledge of the region and numerous acquaintances in 
the ornithological societies of the Armed Forces proved valuable on 
many occasions. 
Hilary Welch, Secretary (1988-91) and Librarian; brought to OSME an 
attention to detail and organisational skill it will be difficult to replace 
- a combination that ensured standards were always high. Through 
Hilary, even closer links were formed with DHKD in Turkey and her 
professional training as a graphic designer was used extensively when 
OSME upgraded its journals and letterhead. 
Mark Boyd, Bulletin Editor (1989-93); continued the trend of increasing 
the quality and content of the Bulletin observed over the years and 
introduced new features such as Around the Region. His editorial 
skills and astute comments at Council meetings will be hard to replace. 
Richard Grimmett provided OSME with an important link with ICBP 
(now BirdLife International) and thanks to his intimate knowledge of 
Turkey, OSME was better able to direct its efforts in that country. 
Richard's co-authorship of the European Important Bird Areas book 
enabled him to provide valuable assistance with the current Middle 
East IBA project. 
Peter Heathcote, assumed the role of Secretary in 1991 having joined 
Council the previous year. His affable nature and relaxed style belied 
an underlying efficiency vital for fulfilling the role. This efficiency was 
never better demonstrated than at AGMs which were always well 
32 
