The AGM and Christmas party of the Friends of the Western Swamp Tortoise was held on Saturday, 5 December 2009, and I am pleased to announce the continued commitment of the Executive Committee, who were all unanimously re-elected. Congratulations to continuing Chairperson Jan Bant, Vice-Chair Tanya Marwood and Treasurer Bob Height. We don't have a minute secretary as yet, but if you feel you could attend the meetings (bi-monthly) and take brief notes, we would be happy to welcome you to this position. Everyone is welcome at the regular meetings, which are announced to members by email.

Thanks to Bradie, tortoise keeper at the Perth Zoo, for a very informative session following the AGM. We were able to see some mature tortoises undergoing an ultrasound examination for the presence of eggs. We also looked at the incubators and the current clutches of eggs awaiting hatching.

Our events calendar for 2009 is now completed, but several of us will be working over the summer break to acquit grants, update the website and bring you the next edition of Tortoise Tales. There are some exciting activities planned for 2010, and we will be notifying you as they come up.

All the best for Christmas and the New Year.

Jan Bant

Chairperson