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New Chairman

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 10:06 am
by Bill
Congratulations to Ian Thwaites on his election to the role of BCSS Chairman
Ian Thwaites wrote:I feel very honoured to have been elected Chairman of the British Cactus and Succulent Society this afternoon. Its a great responsibility and a challenge to grow the society and support the members going forward but its a great hobby and I have a plan.

Re: New Chairman

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 11:09 am
by D^L
Yes, congratulations to Ian!

Re: New Chairman

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 11:41 am
by ralphrmartin
What's the plan?

Re: New Chairman

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 12:11 pm
by Bill
Ian will be writing a piece for the next journal.

Re: New Chairman

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 2:24 pm
by Tony R
Good luck, Ian. (tu)

Re: New Chairman

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2018 6:20 pm
by Chris in Leeds
Good luck Ian
Any other news from the AGM ?

Re: New Chairman

Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2018 10:16 am
by Ian Thwaites
Thank you. I will be writing a piece for the June journal so I won't go into lots of details here but will say that I love this hobby and want to do all I can to promote the hobby and in particular this society.

We produce probably the best journal in the word but I want to offer the membership more. It is my desire to put together a range of member benefits to encourage more and more people to join the society.

When I first started growing these plants seriously I attended the local branch because I wanted to learn more and talk to like minded individuals. Today you can do this on a daily basis on your phone, computer or ipad through the web and social media. You can even do it on the train going to work in the morning! We need to promote the benefits of branch meetings and perhaps think about the content of our meetings. What you can't get on the internet instantly is plants (whether bought / swapped), invitations to visit members collections or the sheer fun of discussing our plants face to face! Also with today's working patterns can people get home from work in time to attend? Finally many of todays new generation cactophiles are living in flats and growing under lights. How many of us know anything about this method of horticulture?

As I work in the horticultural media industry I am very aware of the popularity of our plants at the moment and really want to capitalise on this because the trend will not last forever.

I am very happy to discuss and I am receptive to new ideas.

Kind regards

Ian

Re: New Chairman

Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2018 8:46 pm
by Chris in Leeds
Hi Ian
Congratulations on your appointment
As you have said above about working patterns I use to attend our branch meetings every month but in the last year myself and my partner have had our work hours changed so I can't even get to the meetings at the moment and can't get to Bradfords either so work is affecting members

Re: New Chairman

Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2018 4:11 pm
by Keith L
Thanks for taking on the role so willingly and enthusiastically, Ian. Whilst all our officers are superb people who work so hard for us all, no doubt trying to navigate new ideas through them will at times feel more challenging than repotting a specialist collection of Opuntia tunicata!

We all must be willing to listen to new ideas and try to support them as best we can - even if it isn't what we would choose to do ourselves - but pulling together to make new ways work is essential for us to move forward in an ever changing world.

Here's to you successfully taking us forward!

Keith

Re: New Chairman

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 6:25 pm
by cactuspip
It is very much an opportunity for fresh ideas to be considered and explored. We all should aim to support Ian as he gets into his stride.