This is our annual opportunity to get together. Everyone on the mailing list is invited to attend and those present make decisions on behalf of the whole community. We look at the past year, plan for the future and look more widely at where we want to go. We set the detailed agenda when we get together but we already know some of what we will be doing.

Review of 2007. The AAFBG is an opportunity to thank everyone who contributes to the Community, recognising that it could not exist and prosper without their often hidden contribution. Organisers of events: please send your reports to the Secretary as soon as you can or bring them to the gathering. We ask that if possible one of the organisers be present at the AAFBG to present the report and answer any questions. There is an outline Organisers Post Event Report on page 39 of How We Do Things (available also in the flies section of the ECC Yahoo Discussion Group). Taskholders: can you sent a report or, if you are coming, give a brief report on your activities for 2007?

Planning for 2008. We have provisional dates for 2008 and we invite bids from those who would like to organise events next year.

Laurieston Sat 31 May - Sat 7 June

High Close Sat 2 - 9 August

Laurieston Thurs 14 - 29 August

Laurieston Sat 30 August - 6 Sept

Wasdale New Year Dec / Jan (Dates not yet finalised)

We also have plans for a weekend at The Nightingale Centre in February and are looking for new events at new venues. We would particularly like bids for taster and other weekend events to complement the usual programme. If you have an idea for an event but haven't got a team or want to develop the event further, bring the idea and together we can see how to make it happen.

Spring Vision Gathering 2007. We will review the recommendations from the group that met at The Nightingale Centre in April. Some work has already been done and this year has seen an increase in publicity, a presence at Pride events and a Taster Day in Manchester. Proposals to replace the Principles and Intentions with a new statement of Vision and Values are ready for discussion and approval.

Election of Taskholders. Generally taskholders serve no more than 3 years at a time with the exception of the Treasurer who may serve up to 5 years. However our current Treasurer has indicated that he would like to retire this year. If anyone is interested in taking on the role of Treasurer they can ring Jimmy on 020 7403 7251 to discuss the work involved. Our Editorial Team, Nick Jackson and Daniel Capron are both standing down and we are looking for replacements. We also know that our current Archivist wishes to retire. Other posts to be filled include Events Booklet Compiler, Address List Coordinator and Contact Person, but the current taskholders are willing to continue even though they have done their three years and more. We are especially grateful to Gareth Macleod who stepped in mid-year when his predecessor no longer wished to continue. There is plenty of opportunity to get more involved with the work of ECC so please let one of the Maintenance Group know or come along to the AABFBG.

The cost of the weekend will be £50 / £25 waged / unwaged, but no one should be deterred from attending because of the costs. Help may also be available with travel costs - please contact our Treasurer Jimmy about this. Please send completed booking forms with a cheque for the full amount you wish to pay as soon as possible to: Jimmy MacSweeney, 15 Rankine House, Bath Terrace, London SE1 6PL