Since having been elected your new Chairwoman at the Society's AGM in April I have not been able to issue any statement because there has been a question mark over the path that the Society should take. It was proposed at the AGM, by our new committee member Morris Service, that we organise litter-collecting days. Since the AGM was not the right venue to discuss this matter I asked Morris to make a submission on his proposal so that it could be discussed in committee. This Morris did and we were able to give the matter full attention at our meeting on May 17.

As I said at this meeting while I feel that our aims are identical - to look after the welfare of our river – our methods of fulfilling these are, as far as I am concerned, diametrically opposed. Because of this I wanted to make my feelings clear at the outset that I was completely opposed to this Society being directly involved in litter collecting.

My reasons for this view are these:

**We have made an enormous difference with the tactics we have employed. And it is because of that success that I prefer to continue working with those who are directly responsible for the removal of rubbish – the Council and SEPA. I've been doing this for the past year and have made excellent contacts with both organisations so that they now pool resources and get the job done. First we tackled the area behind the toilets on the Whitesands and this is now cleaned regularly. People have commented to me how different things look. Then, after our walk to Lincluden Abbey I brought this area to their attention and was given an immediate pledge it would be dealt with. I haven't myself been there to inspect but a Society member told me a couple of days ago that a lot of work had been done. Whenever we point out an area that needs attention they organise a clean up. I feel very strongly that all this work would be jeopordised if we start organising litter collecting days ourselves. Moreover, it's not considered a good idea for members of the public to engage in this with the threat of unsavoury items lying around – discarded syringes being one of these. Our Society is not covered by insurance for any such problems which could arise.

**My second reason for my stance on this matter is that because of the contacts we have made I am now looking to the future and a possible way of dealing with the litter problem by prevention rather than cure. I can't go into any more detail at present but it's very much on the cards. Again it is going to require working closely with those responsible for keeping the area litter free and again I do not want to jeopardise this.


To initiate walks and talks was one of the points made at our inaugural meeting. The image of the Society that I want to project is that of helping people to realise how lucky we are in having the river as a focal point of the town and in this way make their own individual efforts and pledges not to be litter louts. We can do our own bit in simply setting a good example.


Of course I can't influence what members of the public wish to do and if they want to go out on litter collecting days they have the right to do so. I am concerned here with our Society and I would not wish the name of The River Nith Society to be used in any way with litter collection days for the reasons that I've outlined.

I must, however, thank Morris Service for his proposal and commend all the work that was involved in compiling it. For his part, he understood our position and was most gracious in accepting it. He decided that, for his own part, he wished to step down from the Committee so that can concentrate more on his plans but he stressed that he wished to remain a member of our Society. Thank you Morris for your understanding and support.

Now on other news - the recruitment of younger members to the Society is something we have always been eager to do and we have been awaiting our moment, as they say. I wanted a good peg on which to hang our case. We now have that with the upcoming painting competition. All the schools in the area have been leafleted and already there has been some feedback. May I urge all our members who may have a connection with any of the schools to encourage young people and their teachers to consider this competition.

As your new Chairwoman I am committed to continuing the work started at our inauguration and I hope to be able to face up to and meet with confidence all the challenges that lie ahead but do remember I need help and support. One particular plea: the Society has need of a Treasurer. This post has been gallantly filled until now by our Secretary Andrew Grindall. He feels that with the growth of the Society and more financial dealings that we need someone with more of background in this discipline. Please think hard on this and get back to me if you have any thoughts on the matter.

Please do not hesitate to contact me anyway with ideas, suggestions or queries. I welcome hearing from all our members.

Maria

May 2007