Auckland Shell Club

Best wishes for 2010!
A special thank you to Martin for the great job he did as President over the last 2 years and to Jan for all the work she has done as Secretary over the last four years. We will miss you both in your roles however we do hope to see you both often at our meetings!
Doug and Judith, all the best for a great South Island trip. We look forward to your return and hearing of your adventures.
We are looking forward to an exciting shelling year with some interesting evenings ahead.
We appreciate members bringing shells to show share and learn about, so for each meeting there will be an opportunity to bring something for others to see.
Heather Smith,
Club President

December Meeting / A.G.M.
Martin welcomed everyone to the meeting and presented his President's report for 2009.
Committee members were thanked for their contribution, and Jan Munroe was presented with a small gift for her outstanding contribution as newsletter editor for the last four years.
Our treasurer Luen Jones reported that the Club finances are in a healthy state, and that the Shell Show and shell auction both made small profits. Club subscriptions will once again remain unchanged.
After the election/confirmation of officers for 2010 we were free to enjoy the shell lucky dip and a wonderful supper that included a very nice Xmas cake from Judith Snook!

Officers for 2010

Patron:	Professor J.E.Morton
Vice Patron:	W.O. Cernohorsky
President:	Heather Smith
Immediate Past President:	Martin Walker
Vice Presidents:	Patricia Langford, Doug Snook
Newsletter:	Peter Poortman
Secretary:	Doug Snook
Treasurer & Membership:	Luen Jones
Website:	Peter Poortman
Hon Editors:	Patricia Langford, Jan Munroe
Librarian:	Gladys Goulstone
Archivist:	Betty Headford
Committee:	Nick Britton, Michael Bressolles, Earl Simpson
Auditor:	Derek Lamb

Next Meeting
202 Gillies Avenue, Epsom at 7:30pm on Tuesday 9th of February (doors open at 7pm)
The theme ... "what is it?".
There will be 20 pieces of NZ shells for you to match with the correct names, or for the clever people just to name!
Margaret is going to update us on the Pleurobranchaea that has been found on local beaches and could be of concern.
Heather has a variety of shell photos for viewing on the screen.

Display Table: Bring along some interesting NZ Shells or photos, recent additions to your collection, or shells that you need identified.
Sales Table: As always there will be a large assortment of shells for sale. Bring any shells that you might like to sell.

What is this? Who done it?

We need your help to identify some unusual fossilised things found on Coopers Beach!
They will be on display at our Feb meeting and Heather is hoping that someone can identify them.
They are rock hard, about 9cm, and there are a variety of sizes and shapes.
Jack G, Glenys S, Neville H, Bruce H - any thoughts?

Poirieria Magazine
As always we would welcome contributions to our club magazine 'Poirieria'.
Please think about what you could provide. Anything related to shells or collecting would be greatly appreciated - Eg. shelling trips/finds, personal observations/tips, scientific research, historic anecdotes, a notable washup, etc.
Please send to Jan Munroe at kevandjan@slingshot.co.nz, or 42 Black Teal Close, Albany, North Shore 0632.
Contact Patricia Langford on (09) 479 6149 if you have any queries.

Club Library
We have an extensive collection of books, magazines, and scientific publications available, as well as a biological microscope.
Our librarian Gladys Goulstone will be working on an updated list of books in our library. To facilitate this task it would be appreciated if members could return all library books that you currently have.
It was suggested at the A.G.M. that the new Committee consider purchasing 'Shells of the Philippines' Volumes 1, 2, and possibly 3 (when available) for our Shell Club Library.

Subscriptions
These are now due - enclosed is your invoice for 2010.
Contact our Treasurer Luen Jones on (09) 834 5195 if you have any queries.

Other Club News
. Betty Grange has not been well. Our thoughts and best wishes to Bob and Betty.

. Dr Tilo Eggeling, a german seashell collector, would like to purchase NZ Cassidae. He would be interested in fossil and recent specimens from NZ as well as images and/or locality data (pure data records).

. Our new Secretary Doug Snook will be travelling in the South Island from February until sometime in April, so in his absence any urgent business should be directed to Peter, Heather, or Luen.

. Items of interest for the monthly newsletter are always welcome - email to peter.poortman@xtra.co.nz, or post to 26 Pendlebury Street, Green Bay, Auckland 0604.

Previous Newsletters