The BBRC is pleased to announce that Chris Bradshaw, from Kent, and Martin Garner, presently living in South Yorkshire, have been appointed as the next members of the Committee, with effect from 1st April 2006 (see Brit. Birds 98: 606). The vacancies arose with the retirement of two of the longestserving members, John McLoughlin and Jimmy Steele. Both Johnny and Jimmy have been stalwart members of the Committee; both will doubtless use their new-found freedom to find more rarities and watch seabirds and mediocre football teams. Although we are delighted to have two such able individuals joining the Committee, we were disappointed that, once again, there was no election. In 2007, two more BBRC members will be retiring. Although it is normal for only one member to retire each year, owing to a combination of unusual circumstances in 1997 four new members joined in a 12month period and we felt it appropriate to allow a significant change in the make-up of BBRC once again. If you are at all interested, we would welcome informal approaches to the chairman or other BBRC members before we request nominations in the late summer. See Brit. Birds 98: 606 for the prime qualifications of candidates.BBRC will be in Greater Manchester, at the Hope Carr Environmental Centre at Leigh, for their AGM during 3rdВ­5th March 2006. In common with all BBRC AGMs, we will hold an open house for local birders on the Saturday night (4th March) at the Centre. All attending BBRC members will