Potters Bar & Barnet Local RSPB Group

Retirement of Stan Bailey

After much consideration Stan has decided to step down as Group Leader from the end of 2009.

Stan has been volunteering with the Group for 26 years. His involvement began in 1983 when he became membership secretary. In 1986 he took on the additional role of outings organiser, and is particularly remembered for entertaining the coach parties with limericks!, and in 1990 he took over as group leader on a temporary basis until another leader could be found. In 1993 he introduced our monthly afternoon meetings in Barnet, which have been very popular.

During his 19 years as Group Leader his work has ensured that the Group has grown to be one of the most active and respected in the region. He has always taken the time to make new members feel welcome, both at meetings and on outings, and has been a great ambassador for the RSPB when meeting the general public at our various outdoor events.

In October 2004 Stan was presented with the President’s Award at the Society’s AGM at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster. This prestigious award is reserved for individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Society. It was presented by the well-known wildlife broadcaster and newly-elected President, Julian Pettifer.

In no way is Stan thinking of riding off into the sunset. He will still be very much involved with the Group but will be able to take a more relaxed role.

We send our thanks to Stan for his warm and friendly leadership over the years and wish him well for the future.