Tuesday 24 February 2015

AGM DETAILS


Members are reminded that this year’s AGM is on Friday March 6th at Perth Racecourse.
As members will know through their email newsletter at the turn of the year, through the website, news posts and social media bulletins, the AGM date has been known for some time. We can now give some more detail on the morning's events.
SGA Chairman Alex Hogg and the Committee will be delighted to welcome you on the day, with the Chairman outlining the organisation’s principal objectives for 2015 in what promises to be another busy year.
Following the success of the 2014 SGA Year of the Wader programme, there will also be an official announcement regarding the next themed year, with the emphasis in 2015 on the people who make Scotland’s countryside and communities tick.
Following the Chairman’s address, there will be an extensive list of guest speakers (6 in total) covering everything from river management, veterinary investigations and toxicology to deer farming.
NGO Chairman and highly respected Raby Estate gamekeeper, Lindsay Waddell, will also address the audience on cross-border management issues affecting all of us.
“Last year, we emphasised that being an SGA member was about being part of a proud, extended family with a shared goal to ensure our sport and way of life continues well into the future, no matter the challenges. This year is going to be another big year, with a UK election and Land Reform on the parliamentary agenda. That’s why the AGM is important. Not only is it a great opportunity to meet people, it is a chance for the members to put forward their views on all the topics affecting them,” said Chairman Alex Hogg. 
Registration will begin at 9am, with tea, coffee and bacon rolls being served. SGA partners, Ford, will also be demonstrating a range of vehicles outside the AGM venue; with members entitled to significant savings on a large number of work and leisure models.
A Buffet lunch (£5, for members only) will be served around 1pm, following the closing address.
There will also be a draw for a pair of premium Swarovski Optik binoculars, kindly donated to the SGA by  the Austria-based prestige optical company.
The CL Companion 8x30 binoculars normally retail at £800 but members and non-members can purchase tickets for £5 for a chance to get their hands on one of the best compact, light-weight, precision optics money can buy.

For our January website post about the 2015 AGM, see: http://news.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/2015/01/2015-scottish-gamekeepers-association.html

Monday 23 February 2015

2015 SGA SILENT AUCTION- DONATIONS SOUGHT.

SCOTTISH GAMEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION SILENT AUCTION 2015 


Every year the Scottish Gamekeepers Association holds a silent auction to raise funds for the work we do to support the vital role of those managing Scotland’s wildlife and countryside on land and river. Not only is it beneficial to the SGA, it has proven to be beneficial for the donors who are showcasing quality field sports to new clients.

We are looking for donations to put into this year’s Auction. Each year we are amazed at the generosity of so many of you!

Examples of previous years’ lots have included stag stalking, rough shooting, self-catering holidays, driven grouse shooting, fly fishing, a round of golf, etc.

We are open to any donation.

I would be grateful if you would consider supporting this year’s Silent Auction.
If you would like more information then please contact the SGA Office by phone or e-mail and ask for Sheila or Mo on 01738 587 515 or info@scottishgamekeepers.co.uk

Many thanks. We look forward to hearing from you.

SGA Chairman Alex Hogg.


WIN SWAROVSKI BINOCULARS FOR A FIVER AT OUR AGM


The SGA is delighted to announce its AGM raffle prize- a set of Swarovski Optik binoculars, donated by Swarovski.
Wildlife managers know the SWAROVSKI make is one of the best available and a raffle ticket costing only a fiver could give you a set worth £800 in value.

The draw for the CL Companion 8X30 binoculars (pictured) will take place at the AGM at Friday March 6th at Perth Racecourse. If you want to purchase a ticket, contact the SGA office on 01738 587 515 and we'll get your name in the draw. Alternatively, you can buy a ticket on the day, with the draw being made just before lunch.

Tuesday 17 February 2015

SPECIAL OFFER ON NEW SGA FIRST AID COURSE


SGA members and non-members alike can take advantage of a special introductory price for a new SGA First Aid course.
The one day course titled: Remote Emergency First Aid At Work is being delivered in conjunction with JB Safesite Training and, for the months of March, April and May 2015, will be available for £75 per person, plus VAT.
The course covers dealing with an incident, assessing conscious and unconscious casualties, CPR, common medical conditions, burns, toxins and poisons, bleeding and traumatic injuries including gunshot wounds, head and facial injuries and moving and transporting.
The course, developed by the SGA and JBS, has been designed to meet the needs of our industry, giving  peace of mind to workers, owners and managers and helping estates achieve a safe, compliant and professional enterprise.
Advantages are that the training is tailored to estate needs, is provided locally, is practical with real equipment, takes place over a single day and delegates receive a nationally recognised first aid qualification and a certificate specific to the industry.
Owners and managers of the estate have a moral and legal duty to do what is reasonable to prevent accidents, injuries and health issues affecting staff, clients and anyone else affected by what we do.

If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, call the SGA office on 01738 587 515. See the day course outline below. 



SGA REGIONAL MEETING: SCOTTISH BORDERS


SGA Members in the Borders are being invited to an SGA Regional meeting, hosted by Chairman Alex Hogg, on 24th February at 7.30pm.
The meeting will take place at the Elibank Suite, Mercure Barony Castle Hotel, Eddleston by Peebles EH45 8QW.
Members will have the opportunity to discuss key issues and a vote will also be held regarding prospective new additions to the SGA Committee.
SGA Chairman Alex Hogg will be delighted to welcome all members on the night. We look forward to seeing you there.

Friday 6 February 2015

CONSULTATION ON TAGGING SCHEME AND WILD FISH CONSERVATION

Members and supporters are being asked to respond to a new Scottish Government Consultation on conservation measures for wild fish in Scotland, including a potential tagging scheme for the killing of wild fish.
The SGA Fishing Group will be making a formal response to this consultation by the closing date in April but would urge individuals and members with an interest in wild fish, their numbers and conservation to submit their own response.
You can see the consultation parameters here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2015/02/4158