The AGM was held on the 8th of January and the following changes have been implemented

The New committee for 2008
Chairman John Byas
Secretary Daragh Owens
Treasurer Nessa Duffy
Member Darren Dalton
Member Tom Brecknell

The Membership fees for 2008
€20.00 for adults
€25.00 for a family membership
€10.00 for students, unwaged, senior citizens

On production of your membership card you will receive between 10% - 15% discount in all participating Fish Shops

Darragh Sherwin has been made an Honorary Member of the club for his contribution to the fish keeping hobby. The Forum has become a fantastic medium within the hobby and no doubt is responsible for bringing many keepers together to share information. Definite guidelines have now been laid down for users and will be implemented across the board in an effort to increase membership and exposure in the hobby

The Irish Federation of Aquarist Societies will be formally reintroduced as the governing body in Ireland. Its committee consists of voted in members from all the clubs in Ireland. This makes it a well balanced organisation as all clubs are represented.

The Judging and Standards committee will also be revitalized. What this means for the future is the training of future Judges and the opportunity to train as a Judges. This is vital if we want to hold more shows in the future. Where shows are concerned it means that there will be a much larger pool of Judges to officiate. This in turn means that existing Judges wont have to Judge at every show and will get a chance to show some of their own fish.

Where Insurance etc is involved for shows it will be cheaper to let the Federation take out the policy and all affiliated clubs will then be a able to use this cover to host their own shows. This will hopefully cut the cost for shows allowing more of them to be staged

A provisional date for a general meeting of all members from all clubs to vote in the committee of the IFAS has been suggested for March. More information will be posted on the forum but a firm commitment to meet somewhere in the middle of the country has been expressed. Tom will try to book a suitable venue for this meeting in the midlands. This should allow members from the Southern clubs to attend.

The Library has received a major contribution of books from Phil Kearney. Other contributors are Ken from the Trop shop, Daragh Owens and others who contributed to the original library. Thanks to all of you. A list will be available at meetings. You can request a book and it will be brought to the next meeting. A deposit will be required on all books. The library is now extensive and well worth the deposit.

I will add anything that I forgot later on.