1. Minutes of last meeting

Minutes from last meeting were confirmed by committee.

The magazine Editor reported that the schools material in Issue 7 had (with our permission) been circulated to schools in Wales. Also, the cover picture of Issue 7 had been produced as a postcard by the GSI, Dublin (again with our permission). The matter of future finance for the magazine and ES2k was discussed. The two Geological Surveys had indicated a willingness to become more involved next year, and it was hoped the southern equivalent of EHS (currently our main sponsor) might help next year. The matter needed to await the result of the AGM before it could be discussed further.

The main discussion was about the pilot 'teach-in' or teach-out, depending on how you look at it, for Geography secondary school teachers at Murlough Bay. The Chairman, John Arthurs led the latter, with the assistance of Philip Doughty, Bernard Anderson and Tony Bazley. John had prepared a teaching pack and the day was deemed highly successful although a teacher turnout of below 10 was very disappointing.

It was agreed ES2k was well able to run such courses but in future they needed to be linked to formal schools INSET days. The courses needed to be formally ratified through a university or the like. Whether Queen's should be approached was discussed; also the possibility of linking to the initiative being run by Keele University. It was decided to put the matter on the back burner for the moment because if ES2k goes Ireland-wide then other issues will arise. Even so, John was thanked for all his work and it was agreed that as a pilot course we had learnt a great deal. In particular that geography teachers' needs are generally very basic compared with the usual perception of professional geologists! What is taught on any course needs to be closely linked to the curriculum otherwise teachers will not be interested.

The schools prize giving is on 4 September (presentations to be made by Dr David Falvey, Director of the British Geological Survey) at Ulster Museum.

A long discussion ensued about the forthcoming AGM. In particular the line to be formally taken regarding the joining of the Irish Geodiversity Forum. It was agreed that the committee would strongly recommend the expansion of ES2k to cover all Ireland. It would welcome active members from the Forum committee. A note of caution was aired by all, that we should not attempt to develop too fast. There are a number of items that ES2k could progress, like conservation, courses for schoolteachers, attempting to get more media cover, involvement with planning issues etc. However, we should consolidate the Web site and magazine first and expand from these, as volunteers became available to do the basic work required. The idea of a major conference was mentioned but put off for the moment, pending the result of the AGM.

Office holders all agreed to send the Chairman an annual report of their work, which he would translate into the ES2k Annual Report for the AGM.

Finally there was a discussion about office holders for the year ahead. Jasper Knight had indicated he couldn't continue, Karen wished to take a less formal role for the coming year. Peter Crowther offered to become manager of the Web site (he is already doing the job) and Jenny offered to become Treasurer. Philip had indicated his willingness to stand as Chairman. Marie is willing to continue as secretary. All present were delighted to support these proposals.

AGM to be held at 6:30pm on Wednesday 24 September 2003 at the Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast.

The meeting closed at 8.30pm

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