Peter has very kindly invited me to use his editorial slot to write a piece encouraging more members to play an active part in the Society. A few stalwarts already give very generously of their time and energy, and we are enormously grateful to them; but it would be good to spread the load and get more done. Some of you, I know, don’t have enough time - at least at the moment - and others can’t for other reasons; but if you do have time and energy, please don’t be put off by any reluctance to get involved, or any feeling that you don’t know enough.
There are many ways in which you can take part – coming to meetings, and especially field meetings; sending in records; helping with the records databases and the website; writing for our publications; joining Council; and taking on one of the officers’ jobs. None of us know enough when we start; but there’s a lot of experience and knowledge in the Society, and fellow members are enormously helpful in sharing what they know. Apart from learning a lot, you will also make new friends, and have a lot of fun.
The Society plays an important part in contributing to our knowledge of molluscs and to mollusc conservation, especially through the database on the National Biodiversity Network Gateway (www.nbn.org.uk); and is important also in building positive links between professional and amateur conchologists.
So – please think about getting more involved – especially if you have particular skills or interests that could be valuable – from photography and writing to database management and accounting. At the moment in particular we are looking for a new Marine Recorder and a new Treasurer: Jan, to whom we owe an enormous amount, feels that she has been Marine Recorder for long enough (I can’t even remember a time before Jan!), and Nick, who very kindly took on the job of Treasurer last year on a shortterm basis but isn’t a conchologist, would very much like us to find someone to take the job on for longer.
Please don’t feel shy about putting yourself forward. I will hope to hear from you – and will do my best to answer any doubts or questions. It’s your Society – and what we can do depends on you.
Very best wishes,
Bas