Ringwood Field Naturalists Club Inc.

HISTORY

1961 - THE CLUB IS ESTABLISHED
  The Club's inaugural meeting was held on 20th September 1961. There were 32 Members present, among them such familiar surnames as:   Coutts, Cowling, Fisch, Flentje,Heddles, Hyett, King, Moore, Pridmore, Reid, Rogers, Schurmann, Sebire, and Walker.
It was down to business right from the start.  Mr Hyett chaired the meeting and had arranged for Marc Gottsch to come along to give a talk and show slides of birds.
  Next, office bearers and committee were appointed :-President - Mr J. Hyett Vice President - Mr L. Sebire Secretary - Mr F. Flentje Treasurer - Mr W. King Committee members - Mrs E. Moore, Mr F. Rogers
Before the meeting was over, decisions had been made that had:-
1.   Fixed subscriptions at £1-0-0 adults 5/- students
2.   Arranged further meetings at the North Ringwood Methodist Hall
3.   Arranged our first excursion to Henley Road
  At its first meeting the Committee received letters of congratulation on the Club's formation from the Sunraysia Club (Mildura) and the Ouyen Club, both offering help if needed. The Committee didn't waste any time but made the ambitious decision to take part in the  Lilydale Show  in  November  with a  display  of  (1)  Lizards  and  Snakes,  and (2) Wildflowers.
  Another   important   initiative   was   the   appointment   of   the   Club's   own   Press Correspondent  (Mr  Hyett)  who  prepared  reports  for the  local  papers  together  with invitations to join the Club.

THE FIRST YEAR
  The  second  meeting,  held  in October  1961,  was  a  Members'  night  when  the constitution was formalised.
  At the third meeting the speaker was Dr. Geoff Christensen and his topic was the Preservation of Native Plants. A leaflet advertising this meeting survives.
  So, right from the start, the Club was fortunate in acquiring the services of excellent Guest Speakers at meetings, some of them among the most eminent natural historians of the day. During the next few months speakers included: Norman Wakefield, Roy Wheeler, Ted Rotherham, Bob Warnecke and Jim Willis, to name just a few.
  In January, 1962 the threat of bushfires caused the cancellation of the meeting. The February 1962 excursion to the Don Road had Lyrebirds and Swifts as the objective. Fred Flentje reported that "Lyrebirds mainly eluded us. They could be heard 'just there' but were not sighted where we had tea with the Swifts low overhead." A Swift survey was held in the Don Gap and the day concluded with the spotlight viewing of Glider Possums. This excursion is an early example of the Club's active part in expanding knowledge and understanding of natural history.
  In April 1962 the Club lost one of its Foundation members with the death of Mr Paul Fisch from a heart attack. Mr Fisch, a distinguished naturalist, was also one of the earliest members of the Native Plants Preservation Society. His name is associated with a rare Greenhood Orchid (Pterostylis fischii). Only two months earlier, Mr Fisch had led an interesting meeting when he showed movie films of the family trip around Australia and illustrated how he took close-ups of flowers with his movie camera. A feature of many of the early meetings was the large bowl of native flowers grown by Mrs Fisch in her delightful native garden. Mr Fisch, as well as being a keen Field Naturalist was a friend to all, and the Club perpetuated his memory by the award of the Paul Fisch Trophy at Photoflora.
  As early as 1962, it was decided that name tags should be made available to assist members to get to know each other. This practice has continued on and off ever since. Also, it was considered important that the Club programme included special functions which gave members the opportunity to socialise and become better acquainted. One of the most popular has always been the Christmas meeting, which traditionally ends with a supper.
 In September 1962 the Club held its first Annual General Meeting. The occasion was marked appropriately when the Club became affiliated with the Victorian Field Naturalist Club. The only change in Office Bearers was that Mr F. Rogers replaced Mr L. Sebire as Vice-president and Mrs Fisch joined the Committee. Mr Jack Hyett was re-elected for a second term as President and gave the first Presidential Address on the subject of "Hattah".
  "Mr King then thanked Mr Hyett who two years ago started the Ringwood Field Naturalists Club with a small band of fifteen enthusiasts. In his many fields of lecturing Mr Hyett had never failed to recommend the Ringwood Field Nats club as a place of learning. The success of the club had undoubtedly been due to the work of Mr Hyett."

SPREADING OUR WINGS
  The expertise within the Club in natural history photography was demonstrated at Photoflora 1964. The Club had 24 acceptances in the 150 slides for Photoflora and members gained two awards. This impressive result was announced at the Club's first Camp-out to the Cathedral over the Labor Day long weekend. It is probably not surprising therefore that as far back as March 1964 the Club had a problem with the number of members' slides shown at meetings and a motion was passed limiting the number to six per member. The Club continued to be actively involved in Photoflora every two years until it was finally discontinued.
  In February 1966, the Club's finances, together with the rest of the nation, underwent decimalisation and the annual subscription for an adult member changed from £1-0-0 to $2.00; still excellent value in any currency!
  When Jack Hyett completed his regulation two-year term as inaugural President, he was followed by Bill King (1963-65) and Fred Rogers (1965-67). The Club continued to flourish under their leadership.
  Jack Hyett and Bill King were awarded the Club's first two Honorary Life Memberships at the Fifth AGM in September, 1966, well-deserved recognition of the significant part they had played in establishing the Club.
  Throughout the Sixties, the Club voiced its opinion on a number of conservation issues including expressing opposition to the proposal for a lake on Mt Buffalo.
  As a consequence of its affiliation with the Victorian Field Naturalist Club, the Club became eligible to participate in the annual award of the prestigious Natural History Medallion, whose recipients represent a roll call of the finest natural historians Australia has produced. The Club has always taken a keen and active interest in this award. In 1966, Ros Garnet, a nominee of the Club, was awarded the Medallion.
  For a number of years during the Sixties the Club ran its own Nature Shows. These were held in the lower hall of the old Ringwood Town Hall, situated on the north side of the Maroondah Highway, nearly opposite the railway station. Audio-visual presentations were used and live exhibits such as lizards were a popular attraction. The aim of the Shows was to promote the Club and raise awareness of Natural History in the wider community. The building was demolished in the late Sixties.
  The Executive also decided to look into the possibility of contributing regular articles to the local press on natural history topics, which could also be used to advertise meetings. The Ringwood Mail agreed to publish articles illustrated with a photograph of 300-500 words on a monthly basis and Mrs Fisch wrote the first, on Cordyceps. Another initiative was the formation of work nights; small groups met to explore specific aspects of natural history in greater depth and to make recommendations to the Executive.
Such was the expertise and versatility of members that, on a few occasions when a guest speaker withdrew at short notice, one or other member of the Committee would step in with a back-up presentation.
  In April 1967, the Club held its first camp-out to the Upper Thomson area. Leadbeater's Possum was seen at the camp-out, as well as eight different berry-laden plant species.
  In the same year the Junior Club was established and this required some changes to be made to the Club's Constitution which were ratified at the AGM in September, 1967. Membership of the Senior Club comprised parents with young families, as well as several teachers who taught in local schools. As a consequence, in the early years excursions were often cancelled during May and September when they coincided with school holidays. The formation of the Junior Club was well received, and in a very short time enrolments and attendances compared more than favourably with those of the Senior Club. Meetings were held on the last Wednesday in the month, during school term time.
  Jack Hyett was again elected President at the AGM in September, 1967 but, due to pressures of work, did not seek re-election for a second year. Bill King was President from 1968-69 and then in September, 1969 Gordon Coutts became President as the Club saw out the close of a memorable decade.
  The Club was on a very firm footing by the time the Seventies arrived, and going from strength to strength. The Club's finances had attained the sum of $130.30. The formula for the program of activities at meetings and field days set up at the beginning had proved highly successful and was followed with few changes.
  In September, 1971 the Club marked the completion of its first decade of operation with the Tenth Annual General Meeting. The retiring President, Gordon Coutts, gave the President's Address on "Australia's First Conservationists". Also, Honorary Life Memberships were awarded to Gordon Coutts and Fred Rogers in recognition of the enormous contribution they had made to the success of the Club. Up to this time, a relatively small number of members had served on the Committee and continued to share the burden of responsibility for running the Club. It was doubtless beginning to be an ever-present thought that new blood on the Executive would be welcome to help lighten the load. Always the optimist, in his Circular No.35 (Aug. 1971) Gordon inserted the following paragraph:
  "Don't forget for the meeting on Wednesday to put your name on a piece of paper stating the position you hope to fill on the Committee then get someone to propose and second the nomination and hand the paper to the Secretary. This is important as the Club cannot function without a Committee."
How true!
  Despite any misgivings, over the next few years the Executive Committee organised an ambitious program that included two camp-outs a year, one in January to the alpine region and one in Spring when the wildflowers were in bloom. These events were generally very well attended with upwards of 30 members present. The Club visited Baw Baw, Upper Thomson and the Grampians several times.
  One of the notable features of the Club at this time was the astonishing amount of "cross fertilization" which took place with a wide range of other organisations, including field naturalists clubs, horticultural societies, nature preservation societies, photography clubs, nature study clubs, and so on. Club members were invited by different clubs to speak at their meetings and we were fortunate in having a series of speakers from other like-minded interest groups to give talks on a wide range of topics at our meetings. The result of this constant exchange of knowledge and expertise was the enrichment of experience in the study of nature for all concerned.
  In 1972, the Club provided assistance when it was proposed to establish a Field Naturalists Club in Yea. Close contact was maintained between the two Clubs for many vears afterward.
  The Club continued to be an active participant in the annual award of the prestigious Natural History Medallion presented by the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria. The Club was invited to nominate eminent natural historians.  In 1970, the well-deserved recipient of the award was Miss Jean Galbraith.  In 1971, Cliff Beauglehole, who was nominated by the Club, was presented with the Medallion.
  In the early Seventies, there was some thought that the Club should publish its own magazine.  The proposal was discussed in Committee, when some preliminary enquiries as to costs involved were initiated, then deferred at ensuing meetings in the absence of Jack Hyett. Club members were asked to contribute articles, but after that, the idea seems to have lapsed.
  The Seventies saw some landmark decisions made at government level on nature conservation issues. For example, the Club was informed via Gordon's Circular No.33 that there had been an announcement in the press the previous Saturday that the Wedge-tailed Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and Australian Goshawk were to be protected.
  The Club continued to be closely involved with screenings in Ring wood of Photoflora: in 1970,1972,1974,1976 and 1978. In 1976, the value of the Paul Fisch Trophy was increased from $8 to $20. Members were also successful in having slides selected for screening. A share of the profits from the Ringwood screenings helped to boost the Club's finances.
  In 1974, the Club was presented with a shield by the Girl Guides' Association for the excellent work done, largely by Gordon Coutts, in giving inner city Guides and Brownies an opportunity to learn about nature. This activity was carried on over several years. A full report on this project is contained in the Silver Anniversary booklet.
  The Junior Club was extremely active throughout the Seventies, under the expert guidance of Bruce Fuhrer and Christine Gray. Attendances often exceeded those of the senior Club and topics addressed ranged from Nature in your Own Backyard to Birds' Beaks to Insects' Wings. Overnight Camp-outs were also arranged, (eg The Lerderderg Gorge 1974) with the juniors travelling in a chartered bus and the exemplary behaviour of the children was noted on more than one occasion. In 1976, the Club acknowledged the work done by Bruce and Chris by awarding them both an Honorary Life Membership.
  In 1974, the Club suffered a severe setback when the 1970-74 Minute Book, together with the two earliest Minute Books (1961-1967) and other papers were lost in a satchel accidentally left on a train. While much of the formal business of the general meetings can be retrieved from other sources, the Committee meetings and much of the personal records: members' observations, reports, exhibits, slides, etc. cannot. Naturally, we would be very pleased to have anything that members past and present may have in their possession which could help to reconstruct those missing years.
  In October 1975, the Committee discussed the effects of daylight saving and the need for blackout blinds in the Church hall. Bill King had put forward a proposal to the Church Trust and the Club offered to contribute $150 towards the costs.
The Club held another camp-out to the alpine region in January, 1976. Forty-six members stayed at the Ski Lodge for the weekend at Mt Baw Baw. This outing was described as a complete success in every way.
  In 1976, the question of name tags again occupied the minds of Committee members, with a suggestion that they be colour-coded to identify members of the Committee. At the AGM in September, 1976, Bill King was re-elected as President for a second term.
  In 1977, it was thought that the Club may not be able to engage outside guest speakers on an "out of pocket" expenses arrangement for very much longer. Around this time, the Club was fortunate in having a number of glass-topped display cases constructed, which were used regularly for displays, including the SGAP Winter Wildflower Shows.
  The 1977 recipient of the Natural History Medallion was Jack Wheeler. Club member Ted Schurmann represented the Club on the Selection Committee.
  The Club held its 200th general meeting on 12th April, 1978. This occasion was marked by talks by three of its Foundation members. Fred Flentje outlined the Club's early years; Jack Hyett combined Anthropology and Astronomy, two topics not previously covered; Bill King provided a nostalgic reminiscence of excursions from Shoreham Reef to the High Country and many places in between. At the annual general meeting in September, 1978, adult member subscriptions were raised for the first time from $2 to $3.
  During 1979, a Five Minute Segment was introduced at some general meetings, allowing for brief presentations on specific topics. During the month of September, the Club supplied material for a display at the Ringwood Post Office to highlight the issue of six new bird stamps. At the 1979 Annual General in September, Gordon Coutts was again elected President, saying "I feel confident that with the Committee you also elected, we can carry out the responsibilities entrusted to us". In November, 1979 a camp-out was held in the Brisbane Range. The final meeting for the Seventies was the traditional Christmas meeting, with supper, and Miss Christine Gray provided the entertainment with a talk on "Orchids of Northern Australia".
  The Club began this new decade with confidence. It had developed an enviable reputation and its members were active in a wide range of fields in natural history.
  In 1980 Bill King was awarded the H. T. Reeves Trophy in Photoflora.
  In October 1982 the Natural History Medallion was awarded posthumously to Howard Jarman, who had been a Guest Speaker on a couple of occasions. The following ear (1983), the Club supported the nomination of its first President, Jack Hyett, for the Medallion. Jack's impressive dossier of books and other publications together long list of : .ks and other activities demonstrated his outstanding contribution to natural history. Jack received the award in 1985.
In the early eighties (1982), the Junior Club finally closed; letters of appreciation were sent to Bruce Fuhrer and Beryl McCarthy for their leadership of the Junior Club in its last few years.
  In 1983, the projector underwent substantial repairs, and it was hoped that it could be stored permanently at the hall to prevent further damage by constant travelling. Eventually,  a sturdy wooden case was made by Doug Thomas for the projector which afforded adequate protection.  (A new projector was purchased in February 1984 by means of a fund set up to receive donations.)
  At the February 1983 General Meeting Gordon Coutts introduced members to an unusual "plant" group which he named Windmillacea. He presented a set of slides that illustrated their evolution, growth habit, life cycle and, in particular, their peculiar Relationship with woolly four-legged "cocoons" which depend on them for sustenance.
  Like all Victorians, members were greatly affected by the devasting fires of February 1983, Ash Wednesday. A proposed Camp-out to the Upper Thomson at Easter 1983 was cancelled because of the fire risk. An exhibit at the June 1983 General Meeting was a poster of the dust cloud enveloping Melbourne. In February, 1984 the scheduled excursion was cancelled because a Total Fire Ban was declared.
  1983 was also the year when the establishment of an Alpine National Park was proposed. This was supported by the Club and individual members wrote to the Minister of Conservation emphasising the importance of protecting the habitat of Burramys, the Mountain Pygmy Possum. Earlier (1982), a submission had been prepared expressing concern at the proposed development at Dinner Plain.
  At the September 1983 AGM, a proposal to amend the Constitution was put forward to provide for an additional Vice-President and one additional Committee member (two Vice-Presidents and four Committee members overall). The motion was carried.
  For much of the Eighties, meetings of the Executive Committee were held in different members' homes, on a rotational basis. Name tags for members continued to be a matter of concern to the Executive, and a number of ideas were attempted, with varying degrees of success.
  Innovations to the Club's programme were attempted. One of these was the introduction of Study Groups on specific topics, such as orchids. Another was the initiation of a project that assisted with the eradication of the environmental weed, Smilax, from the Warrandyte State Park. This became an annual event from the early Eighties, principally due to the efforts of Cecily Falkingham, and continues to the present day with one excursion to Jumping Creek scheduled during the winter months. This has been a highly successful activity, with the physical removal of plants and their masses of underground corms adopted by the Park Rangers as the most reliable method of eradication.
  Another annual event was the Club's participation in the Wildflower Show run by SGAP at the Ringwood Civic Centre. For some years, this was an important source of additional funds for the Club, with the sale of tea-towels and other items.

THE SILVER ANNIVERSARY
  In 1986, the Club reached an important milestone in its history, being in operation for a quarter of a century. It was also the year when it became The Ringwood Field Naturalists Club, Inc., with the award of its Certificate of Incorporation dated 10th June, 1986. The question of the Club's incorporation had been first raised in 1984. The Executive Committee had discussed the matter and arranged a Special Meeting for all members held in March, 1985 at which it was agreed to proceed to incorporation. Over the ensuing months, work was carried out by the Executive on a set of rules and necessary amendments to the Constitution. During 1986 plans were put in place for a special celebration in September for the 25th AGM and a Silver Anniversary booklet was produced. The programme for the AGM included reminiscences by three Foundation members. A special cake had been made for the occasion and this was ceremonially cut by the Club's inaugural President, Jack Hyett.
  Another important development in natural history was the Japan-Australia Agreement in 1984 designed to protect waders during migration. In the same year, it was reported at a Club meeting that artist and Club member Ellie Pleasance had designed the motif on the Australian Olympic scarf.
  In early 1985 the Dickson Crescent Uniting Church, where the Club had held its meetings since its establishment, commenced extensive renovations. Bushfires again caused devastation, particularly in the Anglesea area but, on a positive note, members were able to report on the remarkable recuperative powers of the bush and the spectacular regeneration, notably of orchids, which took place afterward.
  At the AGM in September, 1985, Brenda Murlis became the Club's first woman President, and served a two year term. Ron Norris presented the Club with a ceremonial gavel at the General Meeting on 11th December, 1985. The handle is made from a piece of turned Blackwood and the head is a Banksia cone. The gavel has been used by the President to call meetings to order ever since.
In November, 1985 the Club held its first outdoor meeting, at Sandy Bay in Warrandyte State Park. This proved to be a popular event, and thereafter became an annual fixture in the Club programme.
  In March 1986 the Club received the first report of "hundreds" of flying foxes in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. Also 1986 marked the long anticipated return of Halley's Comet. Club members, the Davisons, (November, 1985) had extended an invitation to members to view Halley's Comet at their property near Emerald. A Club excursion was arranged to visit the Planetarium to see a representation of this historic event and then on to the Botanic Gardens to see the flying foxes. It was reported that an event organised at Stane Brae to view the comet was expected to attract about 500 people. Over 2,000 turned up. Club members were involved in the struggle to save Stane Brae and to raise funds to purchase the property located adjacent to the Warrandyte State Park but unfortunately, these attempts were ultimately unsuccessful.
  Another conservation issue which involved the Club was to do with a bushland reserve in Wandin North, opposite the Primary School. The Club conducted a survey on the reserve. A letter was sent to Lilydale Council advising on damage and dumping of rubbish in the reserve.
  In July, 1986 the Club acquired its beautiful folding notice board, also built by Doug Thomas. This is another example of how the Club has benefited from the special skills and generosity of its members. The excursion scheduled for July 1986 was cancelled due to a petrol shortage.
  With the Church renovations now well advanced, a letter was sent enquiring about the possibility of a cupboard to accommodate the Club's library. In January, 1988 the Club was advised that a cupboard would be made available in the new extension to the church, and by August, 1989 the Library once again became accessible to members.
  During the latter part of the Eighties, the Club brochure was published for the first time. In 1987, it was considered that the showing of Members' slides would be enhanced if someone were given the responsibility for their collation and presentation. Arthur Farnworth undertook this task with great effect for a number of years. In December, 1987 Bill King reported that he had achieved a long held ambition to see a Glossy Ibis, thanks to the assistance of Ross Cowling.
  In 1988 the cost for hire of the church hall increased from $48.00 to $60.00 per quarter, to correspond with an increase of 2 hrs to 2 1/2 hrs on meeting nights. At the meeting in August, 1988 Vice-President Bill King acting in the absence of the President, Gordon Coutts, advised that Gordon was attending a ceremony at which he would be invested as mayor of Croydon. During his term as mayor, Gordon was often heavily involved in Council business and unable to attend Club functions.
  The final AGM for the Eighties arrived with Past President Brenda Murlis giving an address on her trip to Lake Eyre. Average attendances at meetings in 1989 had risen from just over 30 in the previous year to approximately 40, an indication of the Club's continuing viability.
  Throughout the decade, Club members continued to take part in excursions to places scattered across the State and to attend up to two camp-outs a year. They continued to enjoy talks on a wide range of topics from those who were foremost in the field. These varied from Jim Willis' presentation covering the many offshore islands around Australia, to Ellen McCulloch's talk on Nature in your own Backyard, which she described as the "windows to nature" an appropriate starting point for anyone wishing to embark on the fascinating and absorbing pastime of natural history study.
  In November 1989, the Club heard the good news that Honorary Life member, Bruce Fuhrer, had been awarded the Natural History Medallion.
  During the past ten years, the Club recorded with regret the death of several members, including Foundation members, while others had been seriously ill, their progress and recovery duly noted in the Minutes. The decade of the Eighties ended with the traditional Christmas party at the December meeting. As always, there was opportunity for nostalgia and to draw inspiration, then forward planning for the January camp-out and the programme for the next twelve months.
  The new decade commenced with further thinning in the ranks of the Club's Foundation members when the Club was informed of the death of Nell Arnott. As the Club was maturing, its membership was ageing. Members who had young families when the Club was started were now becoming grandparents. Reports were also received of members in hospital, seriously ill, particularly Fred Rogers with a heart attack.
  The January, 1990 meeting included the ceremonial handing over of Club's Golden Whistler painting from past President Gordon Coutts to the current President, Bill King.
  January, 1990 also saw the Club hold its first weekend at Mt Hotham, staying at the Aardvark Alpine Lodge, courtesy of Ron and Betty Norris. Ron showed slides at the January meeting to introduce members to the camp-out venue. Reports at the meeting following the camp-out announced that even the weather had been well organised, the next day it snowed! This popular venue was revisited in January 1991 and 1992. There was no January camp-out in 1993, however a successful camp-out was held at Inglewood in November of that year. One of the highlights of the camp-outs at Inglewood was Bill King's success at bringing owls close to the camp-site by playing tapes of their calls.
  Club members continued to attend the VFNCA weekends and in March, 1990 Ken Ward reported on the weekend hosted by Geelong FNC.
  The members of the Executive decided to promote the wearing of the Club Badge by wearing it themselves.
  The award of the Natural History Medallion remained of considerable interest for the Club. In 1990 Ellen McCulloch, a past member of the Club, received the award. Life Member Fred Rogers was awarded the Medallion in 1991.
  Throughout the Nineties, Club members roamed far and wide, returning with stories of their adventures and reports reflecting their range of interests and observations. Members were able to share in experiences of remote areas not otherwise possible. For example, Ron and Betty Norris had attended a ceremony when the "Dig" Tree was disinfested of termites where they were the sole representatives of the "general public" among a plethora of media, politicians, and other dignitaries.
  One of the Club's Honorary Life members, Bruce Fuhrer, continued the tradition of producing books with the publication of 'Rainforest Fungi of Tasmania and SE Australia'. In addition, there was Noel Schleiger's book on "Roadside Geology" and Arthur Farnworth's insect photography and commentary were published in Geo magazine.
  The 30th AGM took place (9/91) with little fanfare, a vote of thanks to all recorded in the Minutes. It was stated that this was a happy club, where enthusiasm was generated from the top, by the presence and continuing contributions of members like Bill King, who had shared their knowledge of how to be a good naturalist, which was appreciated by everyone. Pleasure was expressed in his recovery from illness.
  The 1991 proposed camp-out to Inglewood was cancelled. The outdoor meeting that year was held at the Norris's property, Rubida Park, in November. Members welcomed the "Flora of Melbourne" which was launched in that month.
  Throughout the Nineties, issues of conservation acquired an increased status, at the same time taking on a feeling of urgency. Locally, attention was focused on the last area of indigenous bushland in Ringwood. The Club received notification about the draft Environmental Policy for the City of Ringwood and shortly afterward the Conservation Strategy for Croydon. Of more widespread concern, attention was drawn to a list of endangered species which was published in "The Age".
  The Club supported like-minded groups with donations, annual subscriptions and correspondence on a number of environmental issues, e.g. the proposal for redevelopment of O'Donohue's land at Anglesea, and the Chiltern Ironbark Forest. A $30 donation was made for the Natual History Medallion, and a similar amount to the Possum Lady, to assist the work of her Boronia refuge for sick and injured wildlife.
  Late in 1991 an investigation of Public Address equipment commenced, and the Club's PA system was purchased in March, 1992.
The 1992 Christmas meeting had an addition to the festivities with a visit from Father Christmas (Ken Clark) distributing gifts made by Mother Christmas (Elva Clark).
  In the early Nineties, our stall at the SGAP Wildflower show was discontinued for a time. This represented a significant loss of revenue to the Club. In 1993, it was therefore found necessary to increase membership subscriptions for individuals to $10.00. The Club participated in the Wildflower Show one more time in 1995, which was the final year it was held.
  The Club received the news that Albert Law was ill, and a report on the death of Ted Harrison, Foundation member of the Benalla FNC and an early guest speaker. The Club was also informed of the nomination of Dr Jim Willis for the Order of Australia Medal.
  The Club's 400th Meeting took place on 9/11/94 and was held outdoors at the Traills' property. Alistair spoke and showed slides and tapes of frogs. The evening culminated in supper with a cake made by Ruth Christensen to celebrate the occasion.
  It was decided that the library display at meetings should coordinate with the forthcoming excursion in an attempt to encourage borrowing. Bird and Plant lists for excursions were introduced. Members who went on the excursion to Glen Nayook were able to observe Imperial White Butterflies emerging from their cocoons, a bonus after the walk through the beautiful fern gully.
  The monthly meetings continued to provide members with a wealth of information on natural history. For example, there was Bill King's talk on the Wonders of Nature and Arthur Farnworth's on Life Through the Lens. John Seebeck made yet another return visit as duest Speaker, collecting a 5th Club Spoon. Members' reports indicated changes in the environment over the years as well as new and unusual sightings, such as a visit to Wilson's Promontory by Loris Peggie where she saw the Aurora Australis.
  At the June 1996 meeting, Bill and Marion King gave their final joint presentation to the Club, on Birds and Bird Calls. After a long period of steadily declining health, Bill died a few hours later.
  In the Nineties, a new generation of members who had acquired much of their knowledge of natural history from those who had founded the Club was beginning to take a more active role in the running of the Club. In December, 1995 the first issue of the Ringwood Ficld Naturalist Newsletter was produced and this publication has continued twice a year ever since.
  At the March, 1997 VFNCA Weekend at Falls Creek, the Club officially took on the job of becoming joint hosts for the March, 1998 weekend, together with Upper Goulburn FNC. A Working Group was set up and a venue found. After a year of careful organisation and hard work, a very successful programme was carried out. Over thirty of our own members attended and were involved as speakers, leaders of excursions, and many other important responsibilities. The weekend gave a welcome boost to the Club's finances, with a share in the profits.
  After seeing the name tags worn by members of Upper Goulburn FNC at the VFNCA \Veekend, yet another attempt was made to provide Club members with name tags, this time incorporating hand coloured reproductions of the Club badge.
  The excursion to Edwards' Point in April, 1998 took the form of a structured shell study under the leadership of Noel Schleiger and Dorothy Mahler. A survey was carried out and a comprehensive report prepared of the day's findings.
  As a result of the interest generated by this excursion, members were invited to the home of Geoff and Ruth Christensen in August, 1998 to view their extensive collection of shells. This event also provided members with an opportunity to identify shells in their own collections. This was an interesting and worthwhile event for all who attended.
  In the early nineties, increased membership was reported, with around 40 people at meetings. As the decade progressed, there was a perceived reduction in attendance as some members moved away, or moved on to other phases of life. This emphasised a need for strategies to improve our viability. In 1999, with membership numbers continuing gradually to decline, the Committee decided to develop initiatives to promote the Club and try to gain new members. A Working Group was formed to manage this activity and planning commenced to mount displays in various local libraries: Croydon, Knox, and Ringwood in the following year. It was also agreed that the Club would participate in the 2000 Maroondah Festival with an information booth and display.
  Towards the end of the Nineties, the Club once more honoured two of its members for their outstanding contributions by awarding Honorary Life Memberships, to Marion King at the September, 1998 AGM and to Doug Thomas at the September, 1999 AGM.
  As the year 2000 approached, despite many dire warnings about the Millennium Bug and other disasters, Club members, along with millions of people across the world, took the opportunity to reflect on the past, to celebrate our achievements and to look forward with anticipation to the dawning of a new century. 1999 ended as usual at the December meeting, with the traditional Christmas programme followed by a time of fellowship around a table in the hall laden with a sumptuous supper.

President's Address 2000-2001.       Judith V Cooke
  Throughout   its   forty   year   history,   the   Club   has   successfully   maintained   its consistently high standards, enabling its members to extend their knowledge of natural historv in all its diverse branches. As we look to the future, we may wonder what role the Ringwood Field Naturalists Club can play in the society of the twenty-first century. With numerous demands on our time, it is sometimes difficult to fit in recreational activities such as the exploration and study of natural history. As Ross Cowling said: "Life gets busier, we do not spare time to 'stand and stare' as we used to do. This is to be lamented."
  Undoubtedly there will be challenges to meet. With soaring petrol prices and an ageing membership, it may become necessary to focus more on what there is of interest in the local area. We are extremely fortunate in having a wide choice of parks and bushland reserves conveniently situated within a short distance which we can use for this purpose. As pressures increase on natural habitats all over the country, our voice on conservation matters will become more important.
  Many people find the rapid changes in technology, with its tendency for "information overload" hard to keep up with, but perhaps the Club can use the latest innovations to reach a wider audience. We may discover exciting new ways of getting our message across to the broader   community. Computers may provide opportunities for different kinds of presentations. Perhaps we could set up our own web page on the internet.
  Clearly, the Club is still attracting new members who are interested in learning about
natural history. As they begin to make their own discoveries they too are filled with wonder at the extraordinary diversity to be found in the natural environment. This was evident in the response of some of our most recent members who experienced their first field excursion earlier this year. It was a timely reminder of the power of the natural world to enthral, astonish and delight.
  Hopefully, there will be more cause for celebration as we move ahead. The Club will hold its 500th meeting in less than two years, and will reach its half century in 2011.  It is appropriate that the final word should be that of our first President, Jack Hyett.  Sadly, we
lost Jack in this our fortieth year when he died on 21st July. At the conclusion of his talk on “Field Naturalists of the Ringwood District" delivered at the Silver Anniversary meeting, Jack expressed the hope that in another 25 years someone else will give such a talk.  As the Club enters its fifth decade, perhaps we can plan to adopt this goal to ensure that Jack's wish is fulfilled.