Michelle Salter, Secretary of Fleet Pond Society, writes:

Fleet Pond Society looks forward to seeing members at the Annual General Meeting.

Saturday 21st February 2009
7.15 to 7.30 pm start
SS Philip’s & James’ Chuch Hall, Kings Road, Fleet

This is an opportunity to meet the Committee and other society members to find out what’s been happening at the pond in the past year and what may be in store for the future.

First up is the presentation of prizes to the Under 16 category of the Photographic Competition (so our younger members don’t have to sit through the official business of the evening).

This is followed by a review of the minutes from the last AGM and any matters arising from these minutes. This is a very informal event and members are welcome to put questions to the Committee and join in the discussions.

Colin Gray, Chairman of Fleet Pond Society, will update the society on the events and developments that have taken place at the pond over the last year, and report on any ongoing plans. Colin is always happy to answer questions and receive comments from those attending. The future of the pond depends on our members support.

The Treasurer’s Report, the Election of Officers and other Committee Members, and Any Other Business follows – then that’s the official society business over for the night.

After a short break for refreshments, we announce the Winners of the 2008 Photographic Competition. It’s always inspiring to see the diverse and imaginative interpretations of the category titles; I’m sure the 2008 themes of Shoots and Leaves, Reflections and Shadows, and Quiet Corners will be no exception.

All entries received for the 2008 Photographic Competition will be on display throughout the evening, and I can assure you that there is always a wonderful selection of scenes taken from every conceivable corner of Fleet Pond Nature Reserve.

I look forward to seeing you there.

The Pond Needs You

Fleet Pond Society is made up of people from all walks of life. Some of our members donate their time as well as their money. Conserving the pond involves a great many tasks including dipwell measuring, gauge reading, party planning, walk organising, letter delivering, litter-picking, account auditing, minute taking, newsletter editing, blog posting… and of course our merry band of conservation volunteers, who regularly chop, saw, burn, dig, erect and demolish.

If you feel you could contribute in any way, we’d love to hear from you.

We are currently looking for volunteers to help with funding research.

Funding Researchers

The Restoration of Fleet Pond

A report into the restoration of Fleet Pond gave a figure of £3Million in order to remove the silt from the pond and improve the condition of the reserve as a whole. Whilst raising this figure may be way out of our reach, the report has listed smaller, more achievable projects. There are many avenues of funding available. We need help in researching these areas, and in consultation with the Committee, drawing up applications and bids. This is a challenging task that could be shared by two or more individuals.

If you have any spare time and would like to help the pond, please contact Colin or myself.

At Fleet Pond Society, we always have a need for volunteers and these cover a wide range of backgrounds and skills.

As a recent example, Fleet Pond Society plan to sell bespoke sweatshirts later this year to help raise funds and we were in need of some graphic design expertise. Here’s the story:

Megan writes:

“Back in July this year I posted a small description of my desire to gain ‘real-life’ Graphic Design experience on an internet forum and Beth Pipe from Fleet Pond Society got in touch to see if I was interested in creating some designs for new sweatshirts. The rest as they say is history!

I am a 21 year old third year Graphic Design student studying at the University of Lincoln and am always on the look out for ‘live project’ experience. Growing up as a member of the YOC (Young Ornithologists Club) in Bromley, Kent and a real nature lover this project seemed an ideal project for me.

Picture: An Early Design (Final Version Has The Heron Below)

We began by discussing the different wildlife at Fleet Pond and I was given free reign to come up with the initial ideas. This way the committee could focus their vision and help to choose an appropriate design. This design project was very much a collaboration with the committee and it was important for me to produce something that not only they were happy with but that they could feel truly emulated Fleet Pond.

The initial ideas were made up of illustrations of pond life in outline and silhouette formats. Then after seeing my designs the committee decided they would like to see some more bird designs in the style of the Uffington horse.

After a few more consultations and amendments the design was finalised. A heron in flight.

I am planning on becoming a full-time freelance Graphic Designer when I graduate in May this year working directly with design agencies and also with local businesses. My main focus is currently in the print, branding and advertising fields although I hope to expand on my web design knowledge to offer a broad range of design capabilities.

If you are interested, inspired or just curious about my work take a look at my blog or email me for more information. I am currently happy to negotiate work for little or no fee to gain valuable experience and to add to my portfolio.”

If you (or your friends and family) have skills that you think may be useful to the Society then please get in touch as there’s more going on than you might imagine! Contact details are in the About page.