| St Helena National Trust Newsletter 6 |
| August 2004 |
We held our second Annual General Meeting in June. Looking back over the last year much has been achieved not least in establishing ourselves in the decision making processes and actively participating on issues pertaining to the cultural, built and natural environments and Island strategic development generally. It is also worth reminding ourselves however that we are a very young organisation that needs support in order to grow. We have a lot to learn and a lot to do to succeed with our legal mandate to … conserve the Island's natural, built and cultural heritage. And to this end we appreciate the advice, support and ideas that our members and associated organisations can give. We recognised in starting up the Trust that there was a need to establish a significant membership base at an early stage if we were to demonstrate stakeholder support. We also accepted that this would be difficult, as we would be asking for people to take a leap and subscribe to become a member of a body that may produce no immediate tangible benefits. Our initial target was to encourage 100 Islanders to become Members, which at the time represented 2% of the population. At the AGM total membership was 130 however as membership is renewable from the 1 April annually, today our membership is much lower. (Note in main body of newsletter to describe the change in membership renewal). A good membership base provides a strong signal to Government of the value that Civil Society places on the Island's heritage and it is important that we can express this and give you a voice. If you have not yet renewed your membership we hope you will consider the value that your membership brings to conserving St Helena's special heritage and make your commitment count. This year is the last of three years of funding from the Foreign and Commonwealth Overseas Territories Environment Fund. Meeting the annual running costs of £17,150 is not going to be easy and our current funding surplus is way below this figure. A request has been made to the St Helena Government for financial assistance from October 2005 to meet recurrent costs, including the salary of the Director and Administrative Assistant. A decision is still pending. We've benefited a great deal over the last seven weeks from the visits of Adrian Mallia , an Environmental Strategic Support Adviser with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) who has provided technical support to the Environmental Planning Development Section of the Development and Economic Planning Department (DEPD), other sections of Government and to us. We also enjoyed the visit of Dr. Mike and Ann Pienkowski. Mike is the Chairman of UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum (UKOTCF) and over the last two weeks they have provided support with the implementation of the Environment Charter, signed up to by HMG and SHG in 2001, through a series of meetings and Workshops We do appreciate these links with the outside world. Enjoy reading, and many thanks for your support. Dr. Rebecca Cairns-Wicks, President.
Third Annual General Meeting of the Trust held in June 2004. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS April 2003-04
Goals for 2004/5
The new Trust Council is as follows:- Dr. Rebecca Cairns-Wicks President (SNCG rep; MF and OTEP Project Coordinator) Mr. Terry Richards Vice-President and Fishermen’s Assoc. rep. Mrs. Olive Williams Treasurer Mrs. Emma Bennett Secretary and Dive Club rep. Miss Isabel Peters “At Large” Member Mrs. Serena Thorpe “At Large” Member and Art and Crafts Assoc rep. Mr. Tony Leo Farmer’s Association rep. Mr. John Newman Heritage Society rep. Mr. Steve Biggs Tourism Association rep. M. Michel Martineau French Properties Mrs. Pamela Young SHG rep. Mr. Alan Nicholls SHG rep. Co-opted:- Mrs. Barbara B. George Director Mrs. Edith Timm Acting Museum Curator during Lucy's absence We have an exciting and busy year ahead of us with the challenge of securing funding to continue after October 2005.
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION on TREE CUTTING We recently asked the Chief Secretary to call a meeting of all parties concerned in the cutting of trees. The Trust had been contacted by the public on a number of occasions when they have concerns about tree felling, and we thought the best way forward was to get everyone together. This Mrs. Ethel Yon, Acting Chief Secretary, arranged, and we had a useful meeting, at which we emphasised the importance of having Civil Society behind whatever project SHG proposes. We see this as our function – representing the voice of Civil Society; the people see this as our function as they contact us, and now Government departments realise better why we need to know what is happening This meeting proved very fruitful and reached an agreement that we should all cooperate. The Highway Authority accepted that more publicity was needed before tree felling took place, explaining the reasons, and we agreed to work out a policy which everyone can use, within the laws already set down. This will be discussed with Adrian Mallia during his visit. We also published some articles in the local paper, from the "Trees are News" Magazine of the International Tree Foundation, looking at tidying up dead wood and preserving old trees from a different perspective, and Rebecca has prepared a Questionnaire to help us learn what people think about trees and what trees are important to them. This will be in the local paper and widely distributed to schools and Government Departments.
PROJECTS Flax Mill The old Pipe Building has been restored inside by the police, and the Flax Mill working group can begin soon to decide how to proceed with their section, which has been walled off. The engine is in place, a floor needs to be laid, and display boards are needed, but we do have a lot of photographs, Ken Denholm’s research, and hope to run a reminiscence session soon with people who worked in the industry, to give recorded memories.
School Pack Project Hopefully we will be completing the remainder for the new school year in September, to enable the Director to spend more time on the National Heritage Register. Particularly interesting, I think is the pack on Dinizulu as we often forget that he was our longest term famous prisoner, and not a lot is known about his time here.
Millennium Forest The Business plan for the forest is taking shape and has benefited greatly from constructive comments received from Vince Thompson. A ten year outline plan for the expansion of the forest has also been drafted. Donations for trees continue to be regularly received and, following a promotional appeal for the project, several people have taken up the idea of markers for their trees, in memory of loved ones or as a celebration of life. A donation of £250 was received from the St Helena Association for the establishment of a plantation. A generous donation (of £2000 over 2 years) has been pledged by the Eden Project, in addition to donations for other Trust activities, and an anonymous donor has made an exciting and generous initial donation of £2,000 with the intention of providing an annual donation of up to £3,000 matching funds raised by the project. Thanks to Vince Thompson and Adam Kossowksi, information about the Millennium Forest Project is now available on the St Helena online website managed by Adam Kossowski, the St Helena Government Representative in South Africa. Vince Thompson has produced a small booklet about his experience of the Forest. He will be promoting the Millennium Forest through the sales of this booklet and Tree Sponsorship at the St. Helena Reading Sports Day at the end of August. If you haven't yet sponsored a tree for yourself or a loved one then look out for Vince's stall at Reading and you will be able to do so.
MEMBER ORGANISATIONS MUSEUM This continues to receive donations, most recently from the Governor placing there a box containing books, some by Queen Victoria, which had been in the Governor’s Office for years. These were apparently a gift from Queen Victoria to the St. Helena Library, but they were not sent to the island until 1910, and seem to have been delivered to the Governor's office where they stayed until now. It is believed the casket was made before 1868. It is good to receive donations for our museum and we thank Governor Hollamby for thinking of this. Peggy Byrne took up the job of assistant at the museum in June, after Liz Young resigned, to go on an extended holiday, and Mrs. Edith Timm will be in charge of the museum during Lucy’s absence.
SNCG The Nature Conservation Group walks continue to be popular, with visitors joining when the ship allows. A sponsored walk across the island was held for their Funds at the end of June when 32 people of all ages took part. Our famous marathon runner, Errol Duncan took only 2 hours to complete the arduous course. Twelve more Boxwoods were planted at the Norman Williams Nature Reserve in July to replace those that had died, and supplement the existing ones. The group is very sorry to say farewell to Clive and Mary Stewart whose invaluable support during their three year stay on the island has been very much appreciated, and they wish them well. The book on Birds of St. Helena and Ascension, which SNCG has published with RSPB is now available at £10 per copy. The official launch of this book will take place soon.
DIVE CLUB This has grown to one of the largest N.G.O.'s on the island, from its tiny beginnings in the 1960's. It currently has 83 members and held its AGM in July. They helped a lot during World Environment week, with a clean up to show the amount of rubbish in a small area of the sea, and arranged snorkelling and a Dolphin trip. They continue to provide support to the Emergency services, having 8 people on call, and provide a regular training programme for anyone wanting to learn to dive. Graham Sim has been the patient diving instructor for many years – since 1969 according to the records, - and was made an Honorary Life Member at this AGM – a very well deserved recognition of his invaluable contribution.
FISHERMEN'S ASSOCIATION A total of 19 boats took part in this year's Fishing Competition, sponsored jointly by St. Helena Fishermen's Association, St. Helena Fisheries Corporation, Argos, ANRD, Solomon's, Thorpe's and the Bank of St. Helena, in June. The picture shows the largest fish caught that day. Terry Richards explained that there were fewer tuna caught due to the later date of the competition, but this time there were a few Marlin. The largest catch for a full time boat was won by Peter Benjamin with 375.7 Kg.
AWARD FOR FRENCH CONSUL Michel Martineau the Honorary French Consul, has been awarded "Knight in the Order of Arts and Literature" by France's Ministry of Culture and Communication in recognition of the work he has done in preserving the French museum and properties. Michel has done extensive work restoring these properties, and raising awareness in France, resulting in three visits from the General Director of the Museum of Malmaison, and all the Napoleonic Museums in France. Michel has worked hard to realise his goal of allowing St. Helenians to feel ownership of the French Properties. The French Government and sponsors will continue to maintain them, and SHG will deal with the Public Relations side of things through the Tourist Office. He also hopes that SHG will take on the management of the security of the properties, as their part of the entente cordiale he has established here. Michel loves the work he does, and we congratulate him on this official and well deserved recognition of his achievements. The celebration of Bastille Day saw a large number of guests in the renovated apartments at Longwood, enjoying delicious and imaginative eats and conversation in these historic surroundings.
AWARD FOR OUR TREASURER We must also congratulate Olive Williams on her M.B.E. Award, in this year's Birthday Honours. This is in recognition of her long and dedicated service to SHG as well as her consistent and ongoing contribution to Civil Society. This has involved the committee of the Jamestown Community Centre, the Rifle Club, the Girl Guide Association, Church activities, and she is always a willing helper in island wide activities. In 2002 she became one of the founder members of the St. Helena National Trust Council Olive retires soon after 44 years in public service, but will still continue helping the Trust.
HELP FROM FRIENDS OVERSEAS The St. Helena Association gave us a lovely surprise in the mail received early August. They donated £250 to the St. Helena National Trust, £250 to sponsor a Plantation of 100 trees at the Millennium Forest, dedicated to the Association, and £200 to sponsor a showcase in the museum. We were overwhelmed by this generous gift, in response to our appeals, and thank the Association warmly for this much appreciated contribution to St. Helena's environmental efforts. The Friends of St. Helena have agreed to collect Gift Aid donations on behalf of the St. Helena National Trust, the Millennium Forest and the Museum, which they will then send on to us. This is a great step forward, and we thank their Treasurer, Mrs. Vicki Beal for the extra work this will entail. Details will be published later, but meantime donations marked for a group can be sent to the Friends. Transferring money TO St. Helena has suddenly become much easier. You simply go to Lloyd's TSB bank, and make the amount payable to the Bank of St. Helena at Lloyd's TSB, giving the St. Helena Account name and number to which it is payable. This is a big improvement, and should reduce transfer costs. Of course sterling cheques can still be sent direct to us as usual, for subscriptions etc.
VISIT OF THE NETTO FAMILY FROM BRAZIL In July, the Office was busy with tourists, one party of which was made up of 3 of the daughters , a grand-daughter, and a great grandson of Winnie Joshua, aged 97, the St. Helenian who married the Brazilian called Odwaldo Netto who came here on the "Blossom" scientific survey vessel when she was 19. He was an amazing person, as people still talk of him and his innovative ideas – he set up the cinema, and imported the Charabanc and other cars, and was always thinking up some project. They left here finally in 1944, with 4 children, for Brazil, and this is the first time that Anna and Barbara had returned to their birthplace. They hosted a tea party of people who remembered them at Ann's place, and the old people had a great time together, reminiscing. At the National Trust office they kept us busy too, seeking information, buying MF T-shirts, Q5 souvenirs, and we helped organise the tea party as they did not know how to contact everyone. The Director of SHNT also proof read their mother's story – of an absolutely amazing life – which is published in Portuguese, and which they hope to publish in English. We hope they do as it is a fascinating part of our living history too.
NATIONAL HERITAGE REGISTER Progress on this is inevitably slow due to pressure of work, with only one full time employee. The Director plans to manage time to finish the School Packs for the new school year, and then NHR will hopefully become a weekly routine. However it is a massive job, and we have been grateful for the advice and help given by Adrian Mallia, who set up a similar record in Malta. We advertised what we are doing in the local paper, let all the Government Departments know, and look forward to everyone's cooperation. Tim Wonnacott our contact from the Antiques Roadshow, is always ready to identify articles, and we just need time and help to get it going. Adrian spoke on this at a meeting of the Trust Council, and explained that it is indeed a long term process, taking over 10 years in his experience.
PUBLIC TALK – FLOODS AND ICE AND CHANGING CLIMATES These meetings have become a feature of the Trust since July of last year, when our own Professor Dan Yon started them off with his talk on the South Africa - St. Helena Link. We try to keep the topics related to Tristan, St. Helena and Ascension, and to use visiting speakers when we can. Last month – marking one year since they started, we were privileged to have with us Professor Colin Lewis from Rhodes University in South Africa. His special love and area of research is climate change, and he inspired the 22 people present with his enthusiasm for his subject. It began as a child when his parents drew his attention to the beauty and history of his surroundings on a farm in Wales, followed later at school by a wonderful teacher, showing the huge importance of parents and teachers in the education of children. Then we travelled with him around the world to see what he has seen of evidences of changing climate over the last 35,000 years. His visit here was prompted by his reading of Drs. Philip and Myrtle Ashmoles' marvellous book on the Natural History of St. Helena and Ascension Islands. He came here to try to find as old a sediment as possible that contained bird bones or other organic materials which could be dated to give an approximate time of when the sediment was formed. We thank Professor Lewis for giving his time to explain this to us, and look forward to hearing from him when he returns to South Africa.
AIR ACCESS MEETING WITH ATKINS The Trust Council met with the Atkins team briefly. The Consultants were meeting with stakeholders to discuss issues associated with access by sea and air, although with us they only discussed air access. The meeting provided an opportunity to raise concerns but Council members felt disappointed that the team was unable to answer many of the questions raised at this stage.
OTEP BID The Bid from the Marine Scientific Officer for OTEP funding to establish a monitoring scheme and public awareness programme for seabirds and turtles has been successful in the second round, so all three Bids put in from St. Helena have received approval. The Protected Area Plan for the Central Peaks is being coordinated by Dr. Cairns-Wicks, in partnership with the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, and administered by the National Trust. The Project could significantly expand the area of the Peaks under management, and this will be linked to improved access to information, education and enjoyment of the Peaks environment, increased potential for tourism, and other related small scale economic opportunities, and improved water catchment management.
VISITING TRAINERS The Trust has been involved in the visits of Mr. Adrian Mallia and Dr. Mike Pienkowski in recent weeks, both of whom have held a series of Workshops. Adrian works as an Environmental Consultant in Malta, his home, and his work here is sponsored by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He has been on island for 7 weeks, so we have had time to consult. He is providing guidance at Strategic Planning level to staff in the Environmental Planning Department of SHG, and any others who wished to attend, including NGO's. We have found his advice very helpful. Mike is Chairman of UKOTCF and, accompanied by his wife, Ann, as Secretary, has come to help SHG implement the Environment Charter signed up to by SHG and HMG in 2001. Heads of Department, Councillors and SHNT have been represented at the Workshops to identify what has been done so far and highlight what needs to be done in future. This has been an informative exercise for all as we do not often appreciate what work others do. Mike will return early next year to continue the process.
LAND PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CONTROL AGENCY ( LPDCA) The St. Helena National Trust is represented on this Agency by the Director. A Town Planner, Mr. Jack Peeters, was contracted from UK to help the LPDCA devise a replacement to the Strategic Land Use Plan by Graham Rogers, which is currently in use. The new Draft Land Development Control Plan has now been sent for comments to the Agency and will eventually be taken to the public in a series of meetings and surgeries, before being finally adopted. Adrian Mallia's visit is timely as he has experience of this sort, and can advise us on the draft while he is here. Mr. Peeters will return to oversee the public consultations and give advice. This is necessarily a long process to get it right, and it is proposed that the new LDC Plan will be in place by July 2005.
PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS We will soon be selling SHNT key rings, coasters, fridge magnets and caps, as a start to our income from souvenirs. We will also receive another limited edition of 200 Calendars from the UK St. Helenian Printers, Printsetters, hopefully next ship, in September. These will be sold at £8 each as last year. They will contain some really beautiful photographs of unusual scenes, so place your orders soon. Last year's was a sell out, and we expect them to be even more popular this time as they will be here early enough to post overseas for Christmas presents. |