It is an exciting and challenging time for the Trust as we approach the end of the FCO Start- Up Grant in early October. We have applied for recurrent expenses to be financed by Government, but so far have not heard if we are successful, and the hope of financing ourselves independently from Commemorative Coin issues, suggested by Friends of St. Helena, proved to be unworkable. We need the support of all of our members and contacts, so please remember to renew your subscription which is due on 1 April each year, or join for the first time – membership form enclosed.

Olive Williams has gone overseas on holiday and we thank her for her valuable contribution to the work in the Office..  We are delighted to welcome Maureen Stevens – retired archivist – as our part time Assistant, and to have Vanessa Yon once again looking after our accounts – a great relief!
Of the Inaugural Projects, recurrent expenses for the museum are a worry, and  the  Heritage Society has applied  to Government also, through the National Trust; the Millennium Forest has received strong support from donors and visitors, enabling the employment of two full time workers, which is increasing the efficiency and work output, although the hot, dry summer precludes planting at present; the remaining School Resource Packs are nearing completion, and the Flax Museum is more than a dream, as you will read later.

In this respect we are always grateful to our contacts and helpers here and overseas. The UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum (UKOTCF) identified funding of £5000 from the Bryan Guinness Charitable Trust, and another very welcome donation of £5000 towards the Millennium Forest, buying trial Souvenirs for sale at Eden, and the Boxwood restoration was received from the Eden Project. We are also delighted that the joint Bid , prepared by the Nature Conservation Group (SNCG), with the Directorate of Fisheries and the Tourism Office, to the Overseas Territories Environment Programme ( OTEP), for £8,652, to improve and develop the walks and marine trails and tours, so that they are more enjoyable and safe, has been successful.
We were delighted to welcome Sarah Sanders from RSPB on a first ever visit to St. Helena from that organisation, giving us an opportunity to discuss conservation of seabirds and wirebirds, and currently, Dr. Mike Pienkowski of UKOTCF, whose invaluable input ito the work needed on the Environment Charter is very much appreciated.

We have lots of irons in the fire and are VERY busy, and we need strong stakeholder support to see us through.

Barbara B. George, Director

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