a key role in developing the Society and his ornithological knowledge 
enabled him to oversee the Conservation & Research Committee very 
effectively. In 1993, he led the highly successful OSME Expedition to 
southern Yemen and Socotra. Richard's experience eventually w^orked to 
OSME's disadvantage in that, follovmg a secondment to BirdLife from 
the RSPB to oversee the development of their Middle East Programme, 
he resigned prematurely last autumn feeling he could not really w^ear 
three 'hats' at once - OSME, RSPB and BirdLife. This was a great loss to 
OSME but Richard and I maintain regular contact and, long term, there 
may be even more opportunities for OSME to play a more active role in 
the conservation of the region's birds. 
Since the AGM, Council has also received the resignation of Richard 
Webb who feels he is unable to devote as much time to the Society as he 
would wish as he is so closely involved wdth the newly formed African 
Bird Club. Richard joined Council in 1990, initially as a co-opted member, 
acting as Turkey Officer for two years. He brought to the Society a broad 
knowledge of the region, especially Turkey, and a close link with the 
more active birding community. Council very much regrets losing 
Richard but can appreciate his reasons and wishes him, and the ABC, 
every success for the future. 
To all of the above, I express my sincere thanks for the time and effort they 
have given on behalf of the Society. 
On the plus side OSME's 'publications team' was joined by Hew 
Prendergast and Harry Scott. Hew joins Council temporarily as Bulletin 
Editor and, whilst a botanist by profession, he is also an active birdwatcher 
and is widely travelled. Hew is no stranger to OSME having submitted 
several papers and been editor of OSME Bull. 32. Harry, too, has already 
been active on OSME's behalf, overseeing the desktop publishing and 
printing of recent issues of the Bulletin. Harry is a co-opted member and 
will become increasingly involved with the production and design of the 
Society's publications. A warm welcome to both of them. 
Geoff Welch, Chairman of Council 
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