February 2019

On Friday night we saw a slideshow presented by one of our Queensland members of his work and travels in northern Australia.  Thank you Brad and we look forward to your next presentation.

The AGM was held and the new President is Wayne Richard, returning from his year off, with Julie Meyer taking over the reigns of Treasurer.  Lyn Collins is a very welcome addition to the committee with her many years of experience and expertise within the Fern Society (Lyn is a Life Member and was also presented with her 30 year badge on Friday night).

We welcomed 5 new Life Members: Kaye & Peter Gutschmidt who have served the Fern Society for 30 years in many roles; committee members, host/hostess, Kaye as Vice President & Secretary and many other roles throughout their 30 years of membership.  Phil & Barb Tavender who have served the Fern Society for 30 years also.  Phil having been President & Vice President - currently & for various tenures; 'hall organiser', auctioneer and whatever else he is called upon to do; Barb as host for 10 years, raffle ticket seller for 18 years, willing assistant at Fern Sales and committee member.  Trevor Norman, who was unable to attend on the night, has been a member since 1983, treasurer for 5 years, more recently taken on the role of Auditor, developed new varieties with tissue culture and supported the Society in numerous ways.  
Thanks to Life Member Bob Smith for presenting these awards.
In celebration of years of service the following badges were presented also:
30 years
Rod Pattison - QLD
John Robertson - QLD
Keith Rogers - absent
Lyn Collins
Val Slater - absent
Peter Gutschmidt
Kaye Gutschmidt
Phil Tavender
Barb Tavender
presented by Life Member Denise Stapp, 
10 years
Kylie Stocks - NSW
Shirley Hooper
Gaynor Power
Nicky Fidler (2015) - absent
presented by Life Member Audrey Denis
Thankyou to Denise & Audrey for presenting these awards.
The display of Drynaria, Pseudodrynaria and Huperzia (Tassel) Ferns was magnificent.  Congratulations to Julieanne for her winning specimen.
The AGM was followed by the general meeting for the month of February.
Membership fees have stayed the same as in 2018.
​Hope everyone has a cool spot to hide from the 'hopefully' last burst of summer weather this coming week and we will not be too far from receiving some autumn rain.......