38 ACO BUSINESS NEWS NOTES FROM THE CHAIR My last piece finished with a reference to COSQUEC and a request that all sightings be reported. Little did I know that, long before that issue of Context got to your desk, formal contact would be established. What that involved came as a revelation to Mary King and me when we were closeted/ in a hotel near Cheltenham with representatives of organisation as various as the Master Thatchers and the RIBA! I cannot possibly describe here by what lengthy process it is intended to arrive at a definition of training needs in conservation. But there will be an opportunity for more ACO members to become involved. A number of specialist topic groups are being set up through COSQUEC to analyse elements of conservation work. You may be invited to take part - or you may want to volunteer now. Clearly, none of this will stop ACO developing its more conventional initiatives in education. Indeed, with Micky King taking the lead, we are moving towards bringing together those most interested and active in a permanent group. I hope I will have the opportunity of discussing this with many of you in Brighton. Once again the inestimable pleasure of the AGM will be the high point of the Annual School for me! We must take that meeting very seriously this year. Not only is there the constitution, there are important appointments to be made.Jenny Pearce, who has done so much to make Context outstanding, wants a chance to do something else. She has richly earned the thanks and praise of this association. We need a successor. Liz Marten, too, is no longer able to continue as Secretary. I trust that someone out there feels the burning need to fill that role and is able to bring to it those qualities of Liz - commitment to the ACO tempered by the wit and friendliness to make it fun - which the Committee will miss. This association stands or falls on the efforts of its members. It will not be easy to replace those two. Chris Smith COUNCIL The ACO Council and the Branch Representatives (see list on p 3) meet regularly to discuss a wide range of issues. A brief note of the issues discussed at the meetings in October and December 1990 is given below. Ask your Branch Rep if you want to know more. Comments and help are always welcome. CONSTITUTION The new constitution has now been formally adopted and will be circulated to members with notice of the next AGM. The Constitution allows for the ACO to become a Limited Company and/or gain charitable status. Both these options are being pursued. CONFERENCE AND AGM 1991 Annual Conference Brighton 20-24 March (notice sent out with last Context) Information: John Davey, Max Baker, Joanna Smith on 0483 444660. 1991 Cambridge Conference November: Education and Conservation. 1992Annual Conference Staffordshire 1-5 April: Conserving Historic Parks and Gardens. The AGM will be held in Brighton on 22 March 1991. Advance notice of the AGM will be sent to all members as required by the new constitution. CONTEXT Jenny Pearce, under whose Editorship Context has become the magazine you are now holding, has announced her intention to resign. She will be sadly missed. This is a key post in the ACO and a new Editor is urgently sought. The Autumn issue of Context will celebrate our 10th birthday. Contributions welcome, as always.The Editor would particularly like some interesting case histories. MEMBERSHIP AND BRANCHES Membership is now over 700. For the first time we have members from over half the Local Authorities. Funding for organising local branch events can be borrowed from central funds - contact the Treasurer. LEGISLATION All Reps have a copy of the current 'shopping list' of changes the ACO would like to see in legislation. Send any additional suggestions to the secretary. A questionnaire on the use of Repairs Notices has been sent to you all. Make sure it has been completed and returned even if you have never used these powers. 10th BIRTHDAY OF THE ACO The 10th birthday of the ACO is to be celebrated in a number of ways, including a special issue of Context and a birthday party in the Autumn (date and venue to be announced). ACO members are encouraged to get out and tell all their local clubs and societies about the work of conservation officers and the ACO during the coming year! FUTURE OF THE ACO The end of our first decade is a good time to consider the way forward. The ACO has developed considerably since it was set up and has much increased its membership and influence. After considerable discussion, the two most important issues it was felt the ACO should concentrate on now were education and publicity. An Education sub-committee is to be set up to identify how the specific training needs of conservation officers could be met, and to liaise with COTAC and other training agencies. The ACO itself and conservation issues in general are already being actively promoted, but the ACO will make sure our voice is more widely heard, particularly during our birthday year. Next Council Meeting: 26 February 1991. Annual General Meeting: 22 March 1991. Mary King Publicity Officer SPAB REPAIR COURSE SPONSORSHIP 1991 Your Honorary Secretary also went on the Course last autumn (and probably about time too!) but I'm sure that the comments from those that we sponsored last year will have been enough to whet your appetites without my views being expressed as well. ACO again has two places reserved for the Autumn Course which runs from 30 September to 5 October 1991. Sponsorship covers fees which this year are about ..{360. Transport and any London accommodation are not included. Applications are invited from members, particularly those who are new to conservation work, who are not able to obtain funding from their employer. You should send your application to me explaining why you feel that you are a suitable candidate for ACO sponsorship. Applications will be considered by the National Council on a first come, first served basis. Liz Marten Hon Secretary CONTEXT 29
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