I have been receiving responses to the last Newsletter, one of which said that I did not identify myself in the Bermuda Photo! This is remedied this time, for those who do not know me. I could perhaps have said - the oldest lady in the Bermuda picture!

The last Newsletter was ready at the end of May, but printing and other delays meant that you did not receive it until August. It was actually printed on the Falklands. This one is being done in the Office, so that we can send surface mail to UK. Costs should be about the same, and we appreciate comments. It is a trial run.

We have been extremely busy, and I do not know how I managed by myself, as Vanessa is also fully committed. Indeed we could do with a full time assistant!  Our days are busy. St. Helena has lots of committees and the National Trust is now represented on quite a few of these, including the Land Planning and Development Control Agency, and the new Environmental Advisory Consultative Forum. The Agency is now reviewing the 1993 Land Use Plan of Graham Rogers, to be presented to Legislative Council, and I am reading it through in great detail, as although there have always been protected areas and provision for Tree Preservation, these things have not always been recognised, and we see this as part of our role. Changes are afoot on a large scale for St. Helena – proposed airport and Wharf Improvement being the biggest, and we need to ensure that what we do in the name of “progress” does not jeopardise our environment. For example some of the buildings along the sea front date from the 1700’s, and we would like them preserved as they are, but there is a plan to raise the roofs for a boat repair shed. We are trying to suggest an agreed alternative position for this.

The Government audit having been completed, the AGM took place on Tuesday 23 September 2003.The post of Vice-Chair is now filled by Dr. Rebecca Cairns-Wicks, and the “at large” members are Isabel Peters ( SHG Environmental Coordinator) and Lucy Caesar ( Museum Curator). The President gave his Annual Report covering the first year since the Inauguration, up till 31 March, and this has been presented to the Governor and Financial Secretary as required by Ordinance, along with the Accounts. The next AGM will have to be before 7 May 2004, since that is the date when most of the Officers are elected till.
The Chief Auditor has recommended that the FCO money be transferred to our account, and we hope that this will be agreed, as it would make our life much easier. FCO requirements of 6 monthly reports have all been met

As we review the first year in the office, I think we are becoming recognised and progressing. There is still a lot to do, of course, and we look forward to your continued advice and support.

Barbara B. George, Director