News

Saturday, 19 September 2009

The Whats and Whys of a Local RSPB Group

So, you are a member of the RSPB. Congratulations, you are a member of the largest wildlife conservation organisation in the world. But why should you also be a member of a Local Group, what can it offer you that you cannot get from being a straight forward RSPB member? Well, I cannot speak for all the many RSPB Local Groups, but I can explain our roll in the Chelmsford & Central Essex Group.

Firstly, since we started, 33 years ago, we have raised over £280,000 for the RSPB, to help wildlife causes both in the UK and abroad, money which is invaluable for the work of the RSPB because, for every £1 we raise, the RSPB could receive up to £100 in matched funding.

Secondly, we have a series of aims, some of which we have met, but several we have not, due to a lack of volunteers. Our Aims are:-
A. Local involvement- To provide our members with information and news on bird watching events in our area, providing information on the best places to see birds and giving guided walks to help members improve their bird watching skills.
B. Fund raising and Recruitment- To create fundraising opportunities, using these as a means of recruiting new members to the RSPB.
C. Helping the disabled- To provide bird watching opportunities for the disabled and to find places where they can enjoy birds from the car or wheel chair.
D. Helping the Elderly- To bring the enjoyment of watching birds into their lives by providing feeding stations and nest boxes at Nursing and Retirement Homes.
E. Education- To work closely with schools to introduce them into the world of birds by advising them on the creation of feeding stations and nest boxes sites.

I wonder if I have sparked some interest, if so, you may ask "OK, but how do I become a member and what will I get for my money" That's easy, we have two types of membership:-

E-MAIL MEMBER- Our Newsletters, events diaries and other information will be sent to you by E-mail and there will be NO CHARGE.

POSTAL MEMBER- Everything will be posted to you and there will be an annual subscription of £5 PER HOUSEHOLD.

And what will you get in return? Newsletters at least twice a year, events diaries, news of what's on, where good birds have been seen, information about special events and outings and, very importantly, the opportunity for you to have your say on the running of the Group.

Want to be a member? Then phone or e-mail our Membership Co-ordinator
Barry Martin- 01245 401297 barry@martinbarry.orangehome.co.uk
or me, the Group Leader.
Mike Logan Wood- 01621 892045
mike.lw@tiscali.co.uk