The year is progressing fast, and it is time for me to greet you once again. The SHNT will soon be two years old. We have 129 members to date, which is not as many as hoped, but still a good number for a small island with a dwindling population, and overseas friends. This month we are instigating a membership drive, and you will find an appeal for SHNT, Museum and Millennium Forest at the end of this Newsletter. We also enclose the brochure for those of you who have not yet joined the National Trust. Subscriptions are due annually on the 1st. of April, and all membership cards will be dated till 31 March the following year.

A team of 3 from DFID has been on a two week visit to the island, along with the Desk Officer from FCO. We have had good opportunity to talk with them, and we have fed them lots of information, besides again appealing for funds for restoration of the built environment. They were keen to listen and we felt it was a useful visit. A meeting with Legislative Council took place in March at the Consulate. The aim of the meeting was to inform our Council about the status, achievements and future plans of the NT and its member organisations; to facilitate discussions on issues of common concern and, provide an opportunity to answer questions and raise suggestions. It was favourably received on the day and all the members of Leg.Co participated. The President gave an introductory presentation on the SHNT, followed by the Curator of the Museum, Lucinda Caesar, on the future plans, and the French Consul, Michel Martineau explained what is happening with the French Properties. The Director gave a presentation on Historic Buildings, after which the President chaired an open discussion. The whole atmosphere was good, and we felt this was a positive move. More of our Government understand what we are trying to do, and hopefully will appreciate the need to finance the running costs of the Museum and the National Trust. Whilst no direct request for funding was made at the meeting, it is hoped however that those involved in the decision would be better informed when discussing our proposal.

We are delighted to announce that the Bid for The Establishment of a Protected Areas Plan for the Peaks Project was successful. Dr. Cairns-Wicks will be Coordinator for this OTEP Project, and back up will be from this Office.

We are trying a black and white Newsletter this time, printed by SHG. It is cheaper, of course. Please comment, enjoy reading, and do join the SHNT!

Barbara B. George, Director.

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