I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the two new ladies that will be taking over from Janet and myself on the 22 May. Susan Mason has been appointed Secretary. Dill Patankar, will be taking over from Janet. Both ladies have a wide knowledge of office routines and I am sure that once they have settled in, you will find them very efficient with dealing with your requests.

Nominations are required for the following positions:

BRC President Elect. The office is for a one year term as President Elect and one

year as President.

Management Committee Members -Two places are available for a period of three

years.

Investigation Committee: One place is available for a period of four years.

Closing date for all positions will be noon on Friday 4 July 2008. Please request forms from the BRC office.

FREE LIFE MEMBERS: Would those members who are currently registered as Free Life Members, please remember that they must contact the Office and apply each year in order for the status to be continued.

AMENDMENTS TO THE ARTICLES & RULE AND BREED STANDARDS BOOK: Amendments are currently being issued to members renewing. Please insert them in the appropriate folder in order to keep up to date with any changes. Please note that the Fauve de Bourgogne should be entered in the AOV Fur or AOV Fur Rare Varieties if no specific breed class is included in the schedule.

FIVE FREEDOM LEAFLET: The Animal Health Welfare & Legislation Sub Committee has recently been updating the codes of conduct to bring them up to date with current legislation. A leaflet has been included with the amendments reminding members of the Five Freedoms that highlight the basic requirements that must be adhered to when keeping a rabbit. For further information on the Animal Welfare Act 2007 visit

www.defra.gov.uk/animal/welfare/act/index.htm

READING TATTOOS: From recently checking show returns it would appear that there is some confusion on how to read a tattoo. There are clear guidelines listed in the BRC Year Book and details of examples of systems used in Holland, Belgian, France, Germany and America, but you should remember, that with the rabbit facing you, you read the left ear first.

JUDGES REPORT FORM: With every show support pack a form is included which must be completed by a judge if he disqualifies a rabbit due to ill health. It is important that the Judge is given the form by the Show Secretary and can either be sent in separately or with the Show Returns. See Show Rule B7.7.

WATER AT SHOWS: Just to remind members that they must make sure that their rabbits have access to water at all shows. The rabbit must be able to drink the water, and the bottle must not be placed out of reach. Judges must also remember that they should not disqualify a rabbit for a water mark which has been caused due to the rabbit having access to water.

RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS: New "Breeder Packs" are now available from the BRC Office to be passed on to purchasers when selling them stock. To encourage new members to join Fur & Feather are offering a prize voucher of £75.00 to the member who recruits the highest number of new members in 2008. To qualify for the scheme all you need to do is put your name on the BRC application form which will be included in the pack.

MISCELLANEOUS BRC ITEMS: We have available BRC Fridge, Magnets, Key Rings, Cloth Badges, Pin Badges. (see our advert for prices on Page ??)

TRANSFER FEES: From the l January all Transfers will cost £3.50.

PREFIX APPLICATION: From the l January the cost of a Prefix will be £10.00

SILVER STAR, CHAMPIONHSHIP & GOLD DIPLOMAS: From 1 January the cost of each diploma will be £3.50

PUBLICITY LEAFLETS: We have now replenished our stock of publicity leaflets, so please do not hesitate to contact the office if you would like some to give out at your shows.

BRC WEBSITE: There is a special area on the BRC website that has been set up for BRC members only. The area contains various forms that can be downloaded for members use. There are (or will be) the published reports of the various BRC Sub Committee meetings, the Governing Body Report etc and from time to time items that may be of interest to BRC Members. To access the area you must apply through Malcolm Nicholson (Webmaster) on Malc48@btopenworld.com who will issue you with a member number. The BRC site address is www.thebrc.org. and contains a great deal of information including lists of the affiliated clubs, future shows, breeders' directory and much more. Do visit the site and see for yourself.

ORDERING FROM THE BRC WEBSITE. Please note when ordering online you can use the comments box to state if you wish to have the rings in your stud name or to order transfer cards etc.

Jo Jalland -31/3/2008