ANNUAL REPORT FOB 1962
161
Annual Report for 1962
During the year the normal twelve General meetings were held
and these were reasonably well attended and most enjoyable
occasions. Twenty-nine informal meetings were also held, which
although not attended in such numbers, provided plenty of scope
for the specialists to concentrate on their particular interests.
Members should note that they do not have to be a specialist to
attend these meetings; all are welcome. One of the General
meetings calls for special mention. The fungus foray was held in
the Brentwood area, and this is the first time since 1890 that it
has been held away from Epping Forest. The Council thanks all
members who have devoted their time to the care and organisation
of these meetings.
At the Annual General Meeting of 1962, Mr. Wheeler retired
as Secretary of the Club; a post which he has held since 1958.
The office of Secretary can be an onerous and thankless task, and
the Council is extremely grateful to Mr. Wheeler for his enthusiasm
and the new ideas which he has introduced into the Club.
The ecological surveys and the recording schemes are continu-
ing, and it is hoped that further papers on the survey areas will
eventually be published in the "Essex Naturalist".
Because of a change of Secretary, it is unfortunate that the
Prize Essay Competition lapsed, but it is hoped that this will be
continued in 1963.
One of the interests of the Club on its inauguration in 1880
was the study of the deneholes at Grays. The dilapidated con-
dition of these holes in 1961 caused the Council to enquire into
their value as ancient monuments. In 1962 the deneholes were
fenced around by Thurrock Council, and an official of the Ministry
of Works has inspected the area. Future developments will depend
on the Minister's report.
The Council for Nature has begun an ambitious scheme to
arouse the interest of the public in natural history, and to help
conserve the countryside and the wild life which may be in
danger of extermination. Preparations have been made by the
Council to hold a film show and an exhibition at Chelmsford, and
to assist in exhibitions at Stratford and Chingford during the week
of 18th-25th May 1963 as the Club's contribution to the scheme.
The above week is being known as "National Nature Week".
The Membership of the Club has shown a slight increase during
1962. However, it is with great regret that the Council reports
the death of two Honorary Members, Mr. C. Hall Crouch and Mr.
J. Ross, both of whom were noted stalwarts of the Club for well
over 35 years. A slightly larger membership is still necessary
and members are asked to advertise the Club as much as possible
amongst their friends. Everywhere there are new worlds waiting
to be explored, if only an intelligent interest in our surroundings
can be encouraged.