by John Fletcher
The purpose of the Chronology is to plot some of the development and changes in the Club. A proper history of the Club would pay due regard to all the hard work of many individuals, which sadly is largely taken for granted. For starters there are all the people who have, and are, serving as Officers of the Club. Then there is the massive contribution made by members of the Records Sub-Committee in producing the annual bird report. The Conservation Sub-Committee has to work very hard dealing with planning matters to protect the diminishing habitat. The work to produce the Newsletter and to maintain the Website also requires a significant effort. There are other unsung heroes that have made contributions. Most of these contributors do not get mentioned in this short summary.
| Year | Events |
|---|---|
| 1958 | In September Graham Bell produced the first monthly edition of the “Teesmouth Ornithologists` Bulletin”. In November the Bulletin became the “Teesmouth Bird Report”, Number 3. A Rustic Bunting in bushes at North Gare on 7th September was a first for Cleveland. |
| 1959 | Seawatching started in the autumn from the “Observatory” (rented from the Kayak Club) on Hartlepool Headland. The discovery on 12th December of Britain`s second Dusky Thrush by 14-year old Russell McAndrew and Geoff Proctor, on Hartlepool Headland, led to Cleveland`s first national twitch. Other sightings included a Yellow-browed Warbler seen at Boulby Cliffs on 9th September, a Common Crane at Cowpen Marsh on 4th August, a Barred Warbler at South Gare on 13th September, and a Firecrest near Marske on 22nd November. A Nightingale at Dalehouse on 24th April was the first since 1932, and a Hoopoe on a lawn in Linthorpe on 24th April was the first since 1956. A Great Shearwater off Hartlepool on 29th August was a first since 1931. A Montagu’s Harrier was on Cowpen Marsh on 20th August. |
| 1960 | In May a Committee was formed, consisting of Graham Bell, Dennis Seaward, Philip Stead, Ian Stewart, and Denis Summers-Smith to consider “unusual” records. A meeting was held in November in the Nelson Room at the Dorman Memorial Museum to form the Teesmouth Bird Club. About 30 people attended, of which 9 were aged 13-15; 16 were aged 20 or less and classified as Juniors. Subs were set at £1 for adults and ten shillings (50p) for Juniors. The 30 Founder Members were:- P J Stead, J D Summers-Smith, A L Cooper, D G Bell, D R Seaward, I F Stewart, B J Coates, R T McAndrew, P Reid, P L Hogg, J A Bailey, J V Henderson, Ken Baldridge, Chris Bielby, Vic Brown, Peter Dent, Peter Evans, Peter Harland, David Laing, Robert Lightfoot, J S McIntyre, Ian McKinlay, Richard McKinlay, Geoff Proctor, Martin Sidgwick, Ken Smith, Margaret Summers-Smith, Brian Unwin, Alan Vittery and Tony Vittery. An Avocet on the Reclamation Pond on 21st May was the first since September 1947. Over 16th to 18th September there was a remarkable fall of migrants with Honey Buzzard and Cleveland’s only Cirl Bunting on the 17th; and a Hobby at Hartlepool on the 18th a first since 1868. |
| 1961 | The first meeting of the Teesmouth Bird Club was held in January at the Billingham Technical College. The speaker was Ralph Chislett, who compiled the ornithological reports for the whole of Yorkshire, which were published by the Yorkshire Naturalis’s Union. The speaker for the second meeting in February 1960 was Ken Williamson. He had been appointed as the first Director cum Warden at the Observatory at Fair Island, where he introduced more rigorous recording of biometric details by ringers. He went on to become Migration Officer of the BTO and then took over the Common Bird Census. A Kentish Plover on Saltholme Pool on 30th April was the first since 1954. A Broad-billed Sandpiper on Seal Sands on 13th August, and a Snow Goose at Lockwood Beck on 12th June, were firsts for Cleveland. |
| 1962 | The annual subscription for the Teesmouth Bird Report was raised from 5 shillings to 7s 6d (37p) for subscribers not members of the Bird Club. A Pectoral Sandpiper on Cowpen Marsh on 12th September was the first since 1853, with a first Pallas’s Warbler at Hartlepool on 12th October. A Red- necked Phalarope at South Gare on 9th December was the first since 1947. A Black Grouse at Scaling Dam on 5th August was the first since 1954. |
| 1963 | 12, 000 Egg-Collecting leaflets were distributed. 4000 Leaflets about the Air Guns and Shot Guns Act 1962 were distributed locally. County Trusts and ornithological clubs in other parts of the country also bought copies.. A Club observation hut was erected at Dormans Pool. Membership increased from 71 to 84, of which 36 were Juniors. 20 active Bird Wardens resulted in the almost complete absence of shooters on the Long Drag. A Red-throated Pipit on Cowpen Marsh on 26th May, a White-rumped Sandpiper at Seaton Carew tip pool on 13th August, a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper on Cowpen Marsh on 21st August, and a Wilson’s Phalarope on the Reclamation Pond on s12th October, were all firsts for Cleveland. A Temminck’s Stint on Cowpen Marsh on 17th May was the first since 1954. A Balearic Shearwater passed Hartlepool on 17th August. |
| 1964 | The amended Constitution required new members to be proposed and seconded. Members were to receive the Teesmouth Bird Report. (A copy of an earlier Constitution has not yet come to light.) |
| 1965 | The first edition of “Birds of Teesmouth” was published; by the time the 8th edition was published in 1977 , 7000 copies had been sold. The “Evening Gazette”, which helped to produce the series, published an article and a weekly series of drawings and notes. The Club’s Shelduck logo appears for the first time at the end of the publication. The film “The Birds of Teesmouth”, taken over the last five years by Dr.J.S.C.Monro, was shown at the Middlesbrough Little Theatre on 1st November, and then at the Royal Festival Hall in 1966. A Baillon’s Crake on 10th May in Moordale Beck was the first for Cleveland since 1882. An Icterine Warbler at South Gare on 3rd September was also a first. Leach’s Petrel was notable at South Gare on 1st September, with a Caspian Tern there on the 26th a first for Cleveland. |
| 1966 | The first edition of “The Natural History of Teesmouth” was published, with 4000 copies sold by March 1973 with the 5th edition. An Open Day on the “Obs” was given at the Town Hall, Hartlepool. A Firecrest at South Gare on 9th October was the first accepted record; with Bearded Tit at Dorman’s Pool on 3rd October the first since 1948. |
| 1967 | The Teesmouth Bird Report became a quarterly report. A Thrush Nightingale in Locke Park on 16th May was a Cleveland first, whereas a White-winged Black Tern was a first since 1869. A Little Egret on Coatham Marsh on 27th May was the first since 1840, and a Little Bunting at New Marske Reservoir on 11th November was the first since 1902. The Bird Report for 1967 was the first to carry a Ringing Report. |
| 1968 | Graham Bell passed compilation of the bird Report and Recordership to Ian Stewart. Permission given for Old Watch Room to be used as an Observatory at South Gare. (It was closed in 1982 due to unsafe conditions.) A Tawny Pipit on Cowpen Marsh on 12th April, and a Serin on Hartlepool Headland on 14th September were Cleveland firsts, whereas an Ortolan Bunting at South Gare on 19th September was the first since 1865. A Woodlark at Hartlepool on 16th November was the first since 1891. |
| 1969 | “Birds of Tees-side 1962-67” by PJ Stead was published. Club meetings moved to the YMCA at Stockton, A joint film show was held in September with RSPB at Billingham Forum. All seats were sold, as well as for showings at Middlesbrough, Darlington, Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham. In November two terrapin huts provided by the CEGB were erected adjacent to the Hartlepool Power Station, and were in use by the Field Centre by February 1970. A Short-toed Lark at Redcar on 14th September, a Paddyfield Warbler on Hartlepool Headland on 18th September, and a Red-footed Falcon at Saltholme Pools on 25th October, were Cleveland firsts. |
| 1970 | The Teesmouth Field Centre was officially opened on 23rd October. A Sykes’s Wagtail (M.f.beema) was at Saltholme Pools in May. A Greenish Warbler at Hartlepool on 16th May, and a Richard’s Pipit on the Reclamation Pond on 11th October, were firsts for Cleveland. A Tundra Bean Goose at Cowpen Marsh on 8th February was the first since 1879. |
| 1971 | Subscriptions increased by 50%. Membership was 331 with average attendance at meetings of 135. The Constitution was amended to create the post of Vice-Chairman. The CEGB leased the Teesmouth Field Centre to the Club. By 1976 visitor numbers to the Centre had risen to over 8,300. This development was due to the devotion of much time by about 20 Club members. The work load had become so great that the first Warden/Tutor (Miss Lynne Chapman) was appointed in February 1977. Norman Sills was appointed RSPB Warden for Cowpen Marsh (to 1973). A Woodchat Shrike at Billingham Bottoms on 24th April, was new to Cleveland. A Golden Oriole heard singing near Guisborough on 21st May was the first since 1929. A Terek Sandpiper at Scaling Dam on 4th August was the first since 1952. |
| 1972 | Weekend and day trips had already been established, but two local evening outings were successfully introduced. 357 members. A Cory’s Shearwater past Hartlepool on 14th September was a Cleveland first. |
| 1973 | Philip Stead elected as the Club`s first Honorary Member. A Club Dinner was held but it was felt to be a too formal event. THPA announced plans to reclaim the remaining part of Seal Sands. Richard Wakely appointed RSPB Warden for Cowpen Marsh (to 1977): he is mainly remembered for his work at the Teesmouth Field Centre. A Raven over Hartburn on 14th was the first since 1936, and a Rose-coloured Starling at Billingham on 28th June was a first since 1889. A Great Reed Warbler at Lovel Hill on 19th May and an American Wigeon on Seal Sands on 4th December were Cleveland firsts. |
| 1974 | The AGM agreed that the Bird Report will become an annual report and would be free to members. Five members gave their telephone numbers to provide news on what was about. (The Grape Vine did not start until 1980). A Great White Egret on Seal Sands on 28th May and a Lesser Grey Shrike in Hargreaves Quarry on 29th June were Cleveland firsts. The Cleveland RSPB Group was founded in November with 63 households signing up. |
| 1975 | Membership at 383 proved to be a peak in the century, with 41 Juniors, and attendances at meetings at about 170 on most occasions. (They averaged 150 in 1973.) Two buses were required for the 90 people on the Solway weekend. A Ross’s Gull in Hartlepool Bay on 6th April, a Subalpine Warbler on Hartlepool Headland on 8th May, and a Purple Heron on Cowpen Marsh on 10th June were Cleveland firsts. A Black-billed Cuckoo at Locke Park on 23rd September was also a first and a seventh for Britain. |
| 1976 | Membership at 376; the 34 Juniors continued the decline. Attendances at Meetings peaked at about 175. A Great Snipe on Cowpen Marsh on 21st August was the first since 1901. |
| 1977 | Barn Owl, Corn Bunting and Goldfinch chosen as the first special species for study. A new exhibit about Dorman’s Pool, Reclamation Pond and Seal Sands at North Tees was seen by thousands on four open nights. The Club Open Day held at the Field Centre was an outstanding success, following publicity by the Evening Gazette after publication of the 8th edition of the “Birds of Teesmouth”. Chris Sharp became the Junior Rep on the Committee. A Ring-necked Duck at Crookfoot Reservoir on 5th May, a Franklin’s Gull past North Gare on 24th July, a Bonaparte’s Gull on Saltholme Pools on 12th August, and a Scarlet Rosefinch on the Headland on 19th August were all Cleveland firsts. |
| 1978 | “Birds of Tees-side 1968-73” by MA Blick was published. Subs were raised from £2.50 to £5 (Juniors £1 to £2.50) and a capitation fee of £2 per family requested in view of the poor state of the Club`s finances. A Ring-billed Gull on Coatham Marsh was a Cleveland first. |
| 1979 | Graham Bell was elected an Honorary Member. The Club was registered as a Charity. A Buffet Supper was a great success when held in June instead of in the Winter. The formation of the Cleveland Nature Conservation Trust led to the Club acting in a supportive role, instead of lead role on local conservation matters. Chris Sharp became Subscription Secretary, a position he still holds (2024). A Baird’s Sandpiper at Saltholme on 5th May, an American Golden Plover on Greenabella Marsh on 2nd July, and an Arctic Warbler at West View Cemetery, Hartlepool, were firsts for Cleveland. |
| 1980 | Subs were increased to £6 (£3 for Juniors). There were slightly fewer members on excursions. The five evening excursions averaged 15. Field Centre celebrated its 10th anniversary in October. |
| 1981 | Angela Cooper resigned as Secretary and was elected an Honorary Member at the celebration of the Club`s 21st birthday in December at the YMCA. Informal meetings were started in June at the Ladle Hotel, Ladgate Lane, opposite Stewarts Park (later converted into apartments). A White-billed Diver at Hartlepool Harbour on 14th February, a Bee-eater on Cowpen Marsh on 21st May, a Laughing Gull on Long Drag on 21st June, and a Dusky Warbler in Seaton Carew Cemetery on 24th October were Cleveland firsts, bringing the County total to 309. A Goshawk at Lovell Hill on 25th May was the first since 1934. A Chough at Marske on 16th January was the first since 1957. |
| 1982 | CNCT takes over land formerly managed by the RSPB. A Long-toed Stint at Saltholme puts Cleveland on the birdwatching map. Over the 21 years of the Club 1200 people had been members at one time. 13 of the original 58 members in 1961 still remained. Subs were increased from £6 to £6.50 (Juniors still at £3). Edgar Gatenby (1923-1982) died; he was a most respected and well-loved of North-east birdwatcher, who was always willing to share his encyclopaedic knowledge of birds. A Long-toed Stint on Saltholme Marsh on 28th August was a first for Britain. A Savi’s Warbler at Haverton Hole on 29th May, an Olive-backed Pipit at Locke Park on13th October, and a Green-winged Teal on Crookfoot Reservoir on 6th November were new for Cleveland. |
| 1983 | A winter feeding sub-committee was formed to obtain food for distribution in adverse weather conditions. Car access to Long Drag was stopped. Hon. Treasurer Don Page introduced a Deed of Covenant for subscriptions which was to make a significant contribution to Club funds. A Night Heron in Redcar Lane Cemetery on 8th October was the first since 1951. |
| 1984 | Club meetings moved to the Golden Eagle, Thornaby. The Licence for the Field Centre was transferred from the Club to the CNCT. A Lesser Crested Tern on Seaton Snook on 17th June, and two Macaronesian Shearwaters at Hartlepool on 24th September were firsts for Cleveland. |
| 1985 | The Edgar Gatenby Memorial Hide, Greatham Creek, was officially opened on 21st April. (It was moved to the Elementis site in 1998) The first Bird Race on 18th May clocked up 116 species. A Bird Study Group was formed to monitor and record the status of all species of breeding birds in Cleveland. Club meetings moved to the Billingham Arms: informals were also held there. The first Newsletter article on birding hotspots in Cleveland covered Seal Sands, Greatham Creek, and the Long Drag Pools. A White-tailed Eagle at Boulby on 27th October was a first since 1915. A Red Kite near Eaglescliffe on 3rd November was the first since 1883. An Alpine Swift was seen at Kirklevington on 6th April. |
| 1986 | The outing to North Northumberland on 9th February clocked up 91 species. A slight increase in membership was attributed to an article about the Club in the new “Birdwatching” magazine. An Ivory Gull at Saltburn on 31st January was a first since 1879, an Arctic Redpoll on Redcar Stray on 1st February, a Black-winged Stilt at Coatham Marsh on 17th May, an Aquatic Warbler on Long Drag on 12th August, and a Cattle Egret at Longnewton Reservoir on 10th October, were all Cleveland firsts. |
| 1987 | Informals were held at the Middlesbrough Municipal Golf Club. A Marsh Warbler at Haverton Hole on 27th June, a Marsh Sandpiper at Haverton Hole on 13th September and a Blue-winged Teal at Coatham Marsh on 26th October were Cleveland firsts, whereas the Stone Curlew at South Gare on 13th September was the first since 1901. |
| 1988 | Attendances at meetings at Billingham Arms averaged 100, informals 25-30; evening excursions were poorly attended. Britain’s second Cliff Swallow was at South Gare on 23rd October. Other Cleveland firsts were Black Kite at South Gare on 5th May, Bridled Tern at Hartlepool on 9th August, and Radde’s Warbler at Hartlepool on 12th October. A Glossy Ibis in Wynyard on 22nd October was the first since 1900. |
| 1989 | A Double-crested Cormorant at Charlton`s Pond was a first for Europe from at least 11th January. The Bird Race on 13th May achieved a new record of 132 species. First tape-luring of Storm Petrels was on 8th August. The Cleveland INCA (Industry & Nature Conservation Association) was registered on 9th February. This first INCA in the country had its roots in an initiative by Founder Member Alan Vittery when he was working for the Nature Conservancy Council. A Cleveland first was a Semi-palmated Sandpiper at Saltholme on 7th May. |
| 1990 | The Club struggled for sufficient members to make excursions viable. Subs were raised to £7.50 (£3.50 for Juniors). An Egyptian Goose at Scaling Dam on 23rd January, a Ring-necked Parakeet at Charlton’s Pond on 16th October, and Parrot Crossbills at Lockwood Beck on 11th November were firsts for Cleveland. |
| 1991 | An £11m nature reserve at Saltholme was announced. A very good year for rarities with a Red-eyed Vireo in North Gare bushes on 12th October, and a Gull-billed Tern on the Reclamation Pond on 5th June, both Cleveland firsts. |
| 1992 | J. Denis Summers-Smith was elected an Honorary Member. Denis had served on the Records Committee since 1960, and had served as Treasurer and Chairman, and continued on “Records” to the 1999 Report. The Bird Report for 1992 was the first to contain photographs, in black-and-white, colour photographs following in the report for 1995. Also in the 1992 Report Ringing Officer Wilf Norman reported that he had computerised the county ringing records from 1974. Wilf served as Ringing Officer for the Reports from 1979 to 1995. A Booted Warbler in the Bowling Green on the Headland on 7th June, and a Penduline Tit at Haverton Hole on 17th July were Cleveland firsts. |
| 1993 | Sad demise of Club excursions. A Roller at South Gare was the first since 1931. |
| 1994 | Subs raised to £9 and £4.50 for Juniors. Rita Dunnett was elected an Honorary Member, after serving as Secretary since 1981. A Bufflehead on Coatham Marsh on 1st June, a Citrine Wagtail at Haverton Hole on 14th August, a Pied Wheatear at Seaton Snook on 6th November, and a Hume’s Yellow-browed Warbler at Hartlepool on 11th November were Cleveland firsts. The 1994 Bird Report was the first Report to carry accounts of the finding of new county birds. |
| 1995 | A new editorial team for the Newsletter was formed under Mike Gee. Copy was welcome on 3.5” computer disc. First reference to use of CB. Later in the year the Great Spotted Cuckoo was put on the nation`s pagers. Jane Reid won the senior section of the “Young Ornithologist of 1995”. A Spotted Sandpiper at South Gare on 16th June, a Great Spotted Cuckoo at Dorman’s Pool on 2nd July, a Pacific Golden Plover at Greatham Creek on 5th August, and a Red-rumped Swallow flying by Long Drag on 10th September, were Cleveland firsts. A White Stork near Skelton in March was the first since 1938. A Black Stork on Eston Nab on 8th July was the first since 1862. |
| 1996 | The “County of Cleveland Bird Report” became the “Cleveland Bird Report” and the Paul Nicholas drawing on the cover was replaced with a photograph of a bird from the current year. A Great Knot on the Greenabella Marsh roost on 13th October was the 2nd for Britain. |
| 1997 | Th Newsletter started to give news from the Committee. Membership reaches its nadir with 207 and 2 Juniors. The Committee started measures to expand membership; proposing to make new members more welcome, to produce a poster and an introductory pack. 15 members offered to act as mentors to new or inexperienced members. Formal minutes were to be kept of the AGM in 1998. |
| 1998 | First articles arrived by e-mail for the Newsletter, which could now be downloaded from the World Wide Web. Photos and sketches now scanned . Tioxide sponsored its first birdwatch - 20 members found 83 species on the 10th May. Graeme Joynt, Russell McAndrew and Mike Gee were commissioned by the Committee to devise a scheme for a Census, and later in the year a pilot scheme was agreed for 1999. Seven members paid tributes to the late Jeff Youngs in Newsletter No 11. A Little Swift at Boulby on 10th May, and a King Eider at Scaling Dam on 4th July were Cleveland firsts. |
| 1999 | A computer was to be bought for the Recorder. The pilot study for the Breeding Birds of Cleveland was successfully completed. This was the first year of the Club without any Junior Members. A Lesser Scaup at Saltholme Pools on 6th June, and a Pallid Swift at Hartlepool Headland on 25th October, were Cleveland firsts. A Short-billed Dowitcher on 29th September on the scrape on Greenabella, first seen in Scotland, was a first for Britain. |
| 2000 | Don Page, the Club`s longest serving officer, retired after 25 years as the Hon Treasurer. There were 121 tetrads left to complete the Breeding Birds survey. A Desert Wheatear at Boulby on 12th November was a Cleveland first. A Desert Lesser Whitethroat ‘minula’ was trapped at South Gare on 9th November, a first. A Great Tit trapped at Skelton Castle on 25th February, bore a Russian ring, a first for Britain. |
| 2001 | Attendance at meetings had fallen to an average of 35. Application was made to fill in the Reclamation Pond. It was proposed to e-mail Newsletters to members in the future. Don Page elected an Honorary Member. A Red-flanked Bluetail at Cattersty Gill on 25th September, and a Caspian Gull at Longnewton Reservoir on 21st February, were Cleveland firsts. |
| 2002 | Jeff Youngs hide constructed and officially opened on 6th September. Club introduced its own website; previously it was “attached” to the Watson Press site. First Huntsman sponsored birdwatch. The Club was increasingly involved in various schemes such as the Teesside Nature Reserve, Portrack Marsh, Crookfoot Reservoir, and farmland birds. |
| 2003 | A Windfarm offshore of the Tees was proposed . “Birds of Teesmouth” film was transferred to DVD (but not available from Teesmouth Field Centre until about 2007). Founder Member Ian Stewart who led memorable trips to the Solway died. Subs raised to £10, £5 for Juniors. A Melodious Warbler at South Gare on 31st May was a Cleveland first. |
| 2004 | Disabled access to the Jeff Youngs hide was completed. Chairman Ted Parker launched a Five-Year Plan with two new Sub-Committees (Conservation, and Marketing and Membership); revisions were made to the Constitution, and a much more proactive stance to be taken on harmful developments. This latter eventually resulted in the Club becoming virtually a statutory consultee with regard to planning. Although the membership was gradually rising after the nadir in 1997 the increases henceforth became more sustained. Sadly the Club was evicted from the Hartlepool Observatory after 45 years. Due to the work of Eric James and Rob Little the drastically improved website was praised by “Birdwatch” in March. |
| 2005 | Founder Member Philip Stead died. Bird sightings could now be e-mailed to the Club website. The Cleveland Water Body Survey was launched. Ted Parker took over from Mike Gee as editor of the Newsletter with the first of the occasional profile of Club members featuring Dave Simpson. A Members Questionnaire was circulated and the results published. Rob Little resigned after 28 years on the Records Sub-Committee. A Project Team was formed to progress the production of “The Breeding Birds of Cleveland” book. The Club purchased a Digital Projector. There was a very favourable review of the 2004 Bird Report in “Birdwatch”. Local outings were re-launched with a walk round Seaton Snook and North Gare on the 28th August, led by Chris Sharp.. About this time Ted Parker started taking new members round birdwatching sites in Cleveland; this role was later taken over by John Fletcher and Dave Nelson. The Cleveland Bird Report for 2005 was the first with over 100 pages. This reflects the enormous effort required to produce the annual report which has grown from the 35 pages of the first annual report for 1974. A first for Cleveland was a Cetti’s Warbler at Dorman’s Pool on 2nd November, taking the Cleveland list to 359 species. |
| 2006 | Jamie Duffie took over the management of the website and made significant improvements, including a Photo Gallery. The Bird Race on 5th May clocked up a record 152 species. Membership climbed back above 300 to 317. The Breeding Birds fieldwork was completed and Ted Parker`s huge efforts secured sponsorship to cover the entire production costs. Tony Marron was elected an Honorary Member. Subs were raised to £12, and £10 for the concessionary rate. A Wilson’s Petrel flew past Hartlepool on 7th September, a Cleveland first. |
| 2007 | Club meetings moved to Stockton Library. The Club was awarded Landfill Tax Credit for a Habitat Management study of Dorman’s Pool. Ruddy Ducks were culled. First sod was cut at RSPB Saltholme, to which Club officials were invited.. Funding was approved for a feasibility study for a new sea-watching observatory at Hartlepool Headland. The Club became a Corporate Member of INCA. A legal Agreement signed with Impetus Reclamation Ltd granting access to Dormans and the Reclamation Pond for the next five years. The Club posters produced two new posters, car stickers, and bespoke clothing. Membership increased to 375. Kate Humble, the TV personality and RSPB Vice-President (later President), performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the new reserve at Saltholme on 3rd July. A Long-billed Dowitcher at Seal Sands on 13th November, and a Taiga Bean Goose at Haverton Hole on 13th November were Cleveland firsts. |
| 2008 | “The Breeding Birds of Cleveland” was published in November (1000 copies printed, sold out by 2013). Arrangements made to celebrate the Club`s 50th Anniversary in November 2010. Membership exceeded 400 for the first time in the Club`s history to reach 421. The year ended with a Glaucous-winged Gull at RSPB Saltholme, the second for Britain, giving a record 257 species for the year. |
| 2009 | At the AGM Chairman Alistair McLee presented the new Five-Year Plan for 2009- 2014. A Club outing to North Northumberland on the 15th February was the first for many years. Due to proposed refurbishment of Stockton Library, Club meetings were moved to the Ebsworth Building on the Stockton Campus of Durham University. Membership continued to rocket, to 487, having put on 200 in the last 4 years. The RSPB/Teesside Environmental Trust reserve at Saltholme was opened on 21st January, with the official opening by Kate Humble on 6th March. Two Whiskered Terns were at Saltholme Pools on 26th April, Cleveland firsts. |
| 2010 | 12-yr old Harry Murphy joined the Club in May as the first Junior Member since 1998. Sadly, Founder Secretary Angela Cooper and stalwart Frank Dunn died during the year. Funding was obtained for the provision of a hide at RSPB Saltholme as a memorial to founder member, Philip Stead. Club meetings moved back to Stockton Library, the refurbishment appearing to be postponed for some time. 91 members, a record for the location, attended the first meeting of the season in September. As part of the Club`s move towards practical conservation work, a group of members erected nest boxes for owls at Scaling Dam Reservoir. The Club published the booklet “Birdwatchers of Teesmouth 1600 to 1960”. A party was held at the Riverside Stadium on the 26th November to celebrate the Club`s 50th Anniversary. Discussions were held on the implementation of a system for the electronic submission of records for the Annual Report, and on the transfer of previous paper records to an electronic format. The feasibility study for a sea-watching observatory next to the Heugh lighthouse was completed. Membership rose to 521. A Black-throated Thrush at the putting green on the Headland was a Cleveland first. |
| 2011 | The Phil Stead Hide was finally installed at RSPB Saltholme, as a result of huge efforts by Chairman Alistair McLee. It was officially opened by Phil Stead`s daughter, Judith Bless on 4th June, assisted by Catherine and Claire. Unfortunately Phil`s widow, Anne, died a few days before she was due to perform the opening on 23rd April. (See Newsletter 48 and 49 for further details.) As a result of worsening economic circumstances, budgets came under severe strain. The Chairman , therefore, began developing a scheme for a hide at Hartlepool Heugh based on a Cleveland Sitesafe structure as used for the Phil Stead Hide. The Tees Valley Wildlife Trust announced a new nature reserve at Hummersea due to a generous bequest by the late Angela Cooper. Unfortunately the major part of the Reclamation Pond was filled in, with the remainder expected to be filled earlier than expected. RSPB took over the control of Dorman`s Pool. By the end of the year members were able to submit records electronically due mainly to hard work by Neil Lay. Don Page, Ted Parker, Alistair McLee and John Crussell embarked on the onerous task of converting the old records on cards into the electronic form. The nest boxes erected by members at Scaling Dam in 2010 led to early success with the raising of a family of Tawny Owls. Eric James held a well-received workshop on waders in November at Saltholme, which it was hoped would be the first in a regular series. Local outings became increasingly popular, with up to 35 attending. By the year-end details of 27 birdwatching sites had been posted on the Club website. The sightings pages on the website continued to be popular with members and non-members. 8320 birds were ringed during the year bringing the cumulative Grand Total since 1974 to over a quarter of a million birds. A White-throated Robin at the Bowling Green, Headland, on 6th June, Britain’s second, a Sandhill Crane flying south along Cleveland’s coast on 29th September, the first for England, and a Pallid Harrier at Dorman’s Pool on 20th October, were all Cleveland firsts. |
| 2012 | The electronic spreadsheet for submitting records was well received and found to be quick and easy to use. The Conservation Sub-Committee was extremely busy and through outstanding work by Vic Fairbrother developed, in association with the TVWT, an annotated list of bird species of conservation concern. The list will help planners and others to assess the impact of developments on vulnerable bird populations. It was well received by conservation bodies. The Conservation Sub-Committee also developed guidelines for responsible photography of birds. A cheaper design for the Hartlepool Heugh Observatory, based on the Phil Stead Hide at Saltholme was not acceptable to the Hartlepool planners. It later transpired that the proposed site belonged to the Coastguard who had disposed of it by auction to an unknown buyer. The House Martin Survey indicated that birds had arrived late to breed, and in very reduced numbers compared to the Cleveland Breeding Birds survey work. Sadly, long-standing member Mike Corner died on the 18th August. His meticulous records for Sleddale and the northern part of the North Yorks Moors made a significant contribution to the Club`s annual bird report. The Mike Corner Memorial Screen, near the Saltholme Hide, was officially opened on the 21st August 2013. Membership increased for the twelfth successive year to 548. The number of guides to sites on the website increased to 31. A Western Orphean Warbler at Hartlepool Headland on 29th May was the second confirmed Western in Britain. A Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler near the Old Cemetery, Hartlepool on 26th September was a Cleveland first. |
| 2013 | As part of its conservation work the Club extended its support for feeding stations at the Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park, Billingham Beck Country Park and a new site at Saltburn Woodland and Garden. At the AGM Chris Brayshay was appointed as the Publicity Officer for the Club. As an experienced journalist Chris could raise the public profile of the Club and draw attention to its work. Also at the AGM Chris Sharp was elected an Honorary Member in view of his exceptional service to the Club, having continuously served on the Committee since 1977. Chris continues (2024) to serve as Membership Secretary and Secretary to the Club as well as writing the monthly summaries for the Newsletters, and serving on the Records Sub-Committee. A record 42 birders joined Chris for a seawatch at Hartlepool in August. At the AGM the Club also elected “Ted” Parker as an Honorary Member in view of his tireless service to the Club in spite of poor health. Ted served as Chairman from 2004 to 2008, massively reinvigorating the Club, on the Records Sub-Committee from 1998 to 2006, and on the Marketing and Membership and Conservation Sub-committees.. He edited the Newsletter from Summer 2005. His tireless work for the Conservation Sub-Committee brought the Club recognition virtually as a statutory consultee for planning submissions. He single-handedly raised the sponsorship money for “The Breeding Birds of Cleveland” as well as writing the comprehensive chapter “The environment of Cleveland”. Unfortunately he lost the long battle against cancer, but up to the end he was working on planning submissions, editing the Newsletter, and converting old card-based records to digital form. Many Members paid tribute to Ted`s work, his approachability and readiness to help new birders; at his funeral in October it was literally standing room only. Unfortunately the Crookfoot Reservoir site was disposed to an owner who did not wish to allow access to birdwatchers, denying Club access to an important Cleveland site. Jane Reid, was a junior member of the Club in 1955 when she became Young Ornithologist of the Year. Now, as Dr Reid, she is a Research Fellow at Aberdeen University and has been awarded the prestigious Marsh Award for Ornithology. The Cleveland Bird Report for 2013 was in a slightly larger format, permitting a more spacious text and larger photographs, giving a more elegant appearance; the new format was well received. A Cleveland first was a Western Bonelli’s Warbler on 13th October on Hartlepool Headland. |
| 2014 | The Club decided to make an annual “Ted Parker Award” given in recognition of members who have contributed to the Club and its aims over a number of years. The first Award was made to Don Page who retired as Treasurer (1977- 2000) but continues to complete Club Gift Aid applications. The Committee also decided to investigate the erection of a viewing platform at the south end of Dorman`s Pool to mark the great contribution the late Ted Parker made to the Club. Sadly, long-term Club member Dave Simpson died in January; a large turn-out of birders at his funeral attested to his warmth and friendliness. On the 22nd May the northerly sea wall, upstream of the Greatham Creek Bridge, was breached to create the Saltern Wetlands, taking the name “salterns” from the mounds formed in medieval times from the production of salt. Ironically work had just been completed to repair the breach in the southerly sea wall downstream of the Bridge following the flooding as a result of a huge sea surge on the 5th December 2013. Pre-2005 bird sighting records were deposited at Teesside Archives; later records were being converted to digital form and will in due course be held in the Environmental Records Information Centre for the NE (ERIC NE) in Newcastle. The Bird Report for 2014 was enhanced with even more photographs than before with over 120 photographs, although for the first time there were no drawings. Membership fell below 500 to 488. There were FIVE species new to Cleveland, a Black-winged Pratincole on 13th June at Back Saltholme Pool, a Black Scoter on 16th June off Redcar Stray, a Fea’s/Desertas/Zino’s Petrel off Cowbar on 21st September, an Eastern Crowned Warbler (a second for Britain) at Hunley Hall Golf Club on 30th October, and an Isabelline Wheatear on 23rd November at North Gare Sands. |
| 2015 | Work continued on the plan to erect an elevated viewing platform at the south end of Dorman`s Pool in memory of the late Ted Parker. Drawings were done and a tender agreed but further progress depended on securing various permissions. Club Member Ian Boustead won first place in the digiscoping section of the British Birds `Bird Photograph of the Year` for his photograph of the Isabelline Wheatear. The Club commented on proposals to extend the local Special Protection Area, and proposed further extension to the protected area. Details of the Five-Year Plan for 2015-2019 were agreed. Club Member Barbara Crinson had written to some pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies with regard to the polyethylene and microbead content of their products. Responses from Defra and her local MP indicated that some supermarkets and companies had phased out use of microbeads. The annual Ted Parker Award was made to Founder Member Russell McAndrew for his outstanding contribution to the WeBS count for over 45 years from 1969 when estuary counting started; and the recording continues…. In December the Tees Ringing Group commenced colour-ringing of Tree Sparrows at Saltholme. The BTO made a special award to Denis Summers-Smith for his tireless contribution to ornithology and to the BTO, which he joined in 1947. His contributions included developing the original BTO Common Bird Census methodology and funding young scientists. Denis was still helping ornithologists across the world at the age of 95. The Cleveland Bird Report for 2015 had a record 150 photographs and had excellent reviews in BirdGuides.com and Birdwatch magazine in April 2017. The reviewer commented that “the maps alone justify the purchase”, this comment reflecting the finely detailed maps by Chris Brown whose skill did much to enhance the “Breeding Birds of Cleveland”. A Squacco Heron at Wildlife Watch Point, Saltholme on 18th June was a Cleveland first. |
| 2016 | The relocated hide at Scaling Dam was officially opened on the 6th May as the Ted Parker Hide by his widow Ruth; Ted was for many years on the Scaling Dam Wildlife Advisory Committee. The Ted Parker Award was made to Jamie Duffie the manager of the Club`s website, which is widely praised by its many users and presents a very professional front of the Club. Plans to erect a viewing platform at Dorman`s Pool in memory of Ted were dropped after planning difficulties. Details were given of proposed flooding of Cowpen Marsh and the development of the England Coastal Path. At the Club AGM there is a regular update on developments at RSPB Salthome; this year it took the form of an interesting talk by Dean Heward on the setting and management of priorities at Saltholme. Dean`s presentation was published in the August Newsletter. A feeding station was set up at the Stillington Forest Park. Sadly, Ian Lawson died after a long illness; his sketches graced Cleveland Bird Reports from 1987 to 2013 and the Breeding Birds of Cleveland.. In the autumn Adam Jones became the WeBS Local Organiser, taking over from Mike Leakey. Denis Summers-Smith published a paper in British Birds “Swansong; a Lifetime with Sparrows” giving a history of his studies of House Sparrows as well as his latest findings; the paper was later published in the April 2017 Newsletter. A Siberian Accentor at Hunt Cliff on 15th October was the 3rd for Britain. An Eastern Black Redstart at Skinningrove on 27th October was a Cleveland first.. |
| 2017 | The Ted Parker Award was given to Tom Francis for his tremendous contribution as Recorder for ten years. Work started on the alteration of the Greatham Creek sea wall to create the original saltern environment to the south of the Creek. Work also went ahead on the new England Coastal Path along east Saltholme and behind the `Calor Gas` pool area. Northumbrian Water set up a coarse fishery at Lockwood Beck where the Teesmouth Bird Club also set up a bird feeding station with a memorial seat dedicated to Ted Parker. The Club set up a bird feeding station in the spacious grounds of St Cuthbert`s Primary School in Stockton, installed nest boxes in numerous mature trees, and planted buddleia. Vic Fairbrother stepped down as the BTO representative for Cleveland, a post he took up in 2005; fortunately Mike Leakey volunteered to take up the role. The Chairman re-launched the Club branded clothing. A Dark-eyed Junco was in a Guisborough garden in June, a 1st. |
| 2018 | A feeding station was built by the Club at Holy Trinity Rosehill School, Hartburn. The scheme to create a further 30 acres of intertidal habitat south of Greatham Creek (the Greatham South Flood Alleviation Scheme) was completed by the Environment Agency, but will be managed as part of the RSPB Saltholme Reserve. David Braithwaite retired as site manager of RSPB Saltholme and was succeeded by Chris Francis. During David’s tenure the area managed by the RSPB doubled to 650 hectares. In August work started on altering the shoreline at the Saltholme Pools hide to create a large expanse of mud. Martin Blick took over the task of writing the monthly summary of bird sightings for the Newsletter after a 19-year stint by Chris Sharpe. (Martin had done the summary before Chris’s stint since 1975) Jamie Duffie took over the formatting of the Newsletter with Eric James stepping down from the role due to ill health (Eric later took back the role). Alan Crossley became the County Recorder. The “Ted Parker Award” was given to Eric James due to his huge amount of survey work over many years, and his work as Editor and “formatter” of the Newsletter. A Hooded Merganser on Seaton Common on 6th May was a Cleveland first; the Little Bittern at the Wildlife Watch Point, Saltholme, on 26th November was the first since 1852. |
| 2019 | The Club, with Durham Bird Club, successfully opposed the planning application for a leisure centre at Hurworth Burn Reservoir. Conservation Chairman Alistair McLee said its successful opposition emphasized the importance of birders reporting observations to their bird clubs. A survey from a boat of the ConocoPhillips jetty at Seal Sands revealed 286 Kittiwake nests and 10 Shag nests. In August there was a Herculean effort to provide a new shelter, particularly with the erection of a new roof, for observers at the feeding station at Lockwood Beck. The feeding station has attracted a good variety of bird species and is popular with birders. A Sooty Tern past Cowbar on 9th July was a Cleveland first. |
| 2020 | The spread of the Coronavirus, known as Covid-19, led to the first “lockdown” on the 23rd March which curtailed birdwatching for much of the year. Club meetings were suspended but the AGM and a couple of Trustee C`tee and Club meetings were held online. In the April Newsletter Peter Evans gave a succinct but highly informative biography of Denis Summers-Smith in anticipation of celebrating Denis`s hundredth birthday on October 25th. Sadly, Denis died on the fifth of May, but had, with the help of Stuart Worton, managed to complete an autobiography. He was a leading tribologist and widely-renowned as the authority on sparrows. With Phil Stead he initiated the founding of the Teesmouth Bird Club. Denis was the Club`s first Treasurer and was later Chairman. He was a compiler of the Bird Reports for 1975 to 1978, then from 1979 to 1999 assessed the records for the Special Study Species where each year Members were asked to submit all their records for three or four nominated species. (In 1999 work started on the breeding bird survey.) The Club lost another Founder Member with the passing of Peter Evans, who was an excellent naturalist and whose passion was wildlife photography. The Club then lost a stalwart with the death of Keith Ryan an early Member. Another loss was Steve Norman who died in May, his brother Wilf paying tribute to him in the April 2021 Newsletter; both brothers were dedicated ringers since 1971. The December Newsletter carried tributes to Peter and Keith. On the 2nd August Cleveland`s fifth Gull-billed Tern was seen at Seaton Snook; but despite 20 birders turning up within half-an-hour it was never seen again. Simon Stobart, with the help of others, began putting historical records of scarce birds in Cleveland on the Gallery section of the website. 82 species were seen by the 12 members who took up the first Teesmouth Bird Club Garden Birdwatch Challenge, organized by Julie Mason. The winner was Ali McLee with 57 species. “The Ring Ouzel: a view from the North York Moors” by TBC Member Vic Fairbrother and Ken Hutchinson was published and later selected as a Book of the Month by British Birds. The authors later received the BTO Marsh Award for Local Ornithology for their over twenty-year study. The Club was considering the establishment of a monitoring station at Hartlepool Headland as part of the MOTUS project to track migrating species tagged with geolocators. A Calandra Lark over Greatham Creek on 31st May, a Scopoli’s Shearwater past Cowbar on 9th July (Britain’s third), a Masked Shrike in bushes opposite the Old Cemetery, Hartlepool on 3rd October, (Britain’s fourth), and a Hudsonian Whimbrel at South Gare on 4th November were Cleveland firsts. A Siberian Stonechat at South Gare on 24th September, and Stejneger’s Stonechat at South Gare on 17th October were confirmed by DNA analysis on faecal samples. |
| 2021 | Chris Sharp took over the writing of the monthly summaries of bird sightings in the Newsletter. The resited feeding station at Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park had attracted an increasing number of species. The Club continued to fund feeding stations at Coatham Stub, Saltburn Valley Gardens and Stillington Nature Reserve. A donation was given to the BTO’s Denis Summers-Smith Tribute fund, set up to help young scientists. Trustee meetings took place using Zoom. Indoor meetings commenced in September, and a delayed AGM in October. Club membership was stable in spite of restrictions due to Covid. On 1st July a Soft-plumaged Petrel (a first for Britain) passed Flamborough Head and later passed Cowbar. In the aftermath of Storm Arwen a Brunnich’s Guillemot past Cowbar on 28th November was a Cleveland first, giving a County total of 391 species. |
| 2022 | A replacement roof was installed on the Jeff Young’s hide at Dorman’s Pool. Subscriptions no longer cover day-to-day expenditure so subscriptions were raised for the first time since 2007, with a single fee of £16 per household, and Juniors remaining at £5. Paying membership via Paypal on the website was becoming more popular. This was the last year for Don Page to submit the Club’s annual Gift Aid application; Club membership was 459. Eric James resumed his role as Editor of the Newsletter. There was increased sightings via Twitter. A planning application for a Kittiwake “cliff” at Hartlepool was refused. The bank account was moved from HSBC to the Co-Operative bank to minimise charges. The September Newsletter updated Members on the BTO’s breeding bird surveys giving the population trends over 25 years. A Greater Sandplover at Redcar on 25th August, and a Collared Pratincole briefly at Saltholme on 13th October, were new to Cleveland. |
| 2023 | Sadly, the Club lost three outstanding Members. Eric James suffered a stroke in 2016 which left him immobilised on his left side, but he still continued as Editor and compiler of the Newsletter until a second stroke led to his death in July. The Newsletters were greatly enhanced by his many articles and “Titbits”. Mark Askew died in October followed shortly after by the death of Don Page; they served nearly 50 years as Treasurer. Stockton Council finally responded that access to the Long Drag was no longer possible due to health and safety concerns. A site visit was made to Greenabella and Greatham Creek with the Environment Agency to discuss realignment proposals to restore intertidal mudflats. A Brown Booby passed Cowbar on 6th September, staying in the mouth of the Tees until the 24th, was new to Cleveland as was a Caspian Stonechat (a race of Siberian Stonechat) at Hunley Hall Golf Course on 26th October. |
TBC Officers
| Year | Chairman | Vice- | Secretary | Treasurer | Recorder |
| To be | P.J.Stead | A.L.Cooper | D.Summers- Smith | D. G.Bell | |
| 1962 | P.J.Stead | A.L.Cooper | D.Summers-Smith | D.G.Bell | |
| 1963 | D.R.Seaward P.J.Stead | A.L.Cooper | D.Summers-Smith | D.G.Bell | |
| 1964 | I.F.Stewart | A.L.Cooper | D.Summers-Smith | D.G.Bell | |
| 1965 | I.F.Stewart | A.L.Cooper | D.Summers-Smith | D.G.Bell | |
| 1966 | D.G.Bell | A.L.Cooper | D.Summers-Smith | D.G.Bell | |
| 1967 | D.G.Bell | A.L.Cooper | D.Summers-Smith | D.G.Bell | |
| 1968 | P.Evans | A.L.Cooper | J.V.Henderson | I.F.Stewart | |
| 1969 | P.Evans | A.L.Cooper | J.V.Henderson | I.F.Stewart | |
| 1970 | D.Summers-Smith | A.L.Cooper | ? J.M.Hunter | I.F.Stewart | |
| 1971 | D.Summers-Smith | P.L.Hogg | A.L.Cooper | J.N.Nisbet | I.F.Stewart R.T.McAndrew |
| 1972 | P.J.Stead | D.Summers-Smith | A.L.Cooper | J.N.Nisbet | R.T.McAndrew |
| 1973 | R.H.Armistead | ? | A.L.Cooper | J.N.Nisbet | I.F.Stewart |
| 1974 | R.H.Armistead | A.F.Dunn | A.L.Cooper | J.N.Nisbet | I.F.Stewart |
| 1975 | A.F.Dunn | R.H.Armistead | A.L.Cooper | J.N.Nisbet | G.W.Follows |
| 1976 | A.F.Dunn | S.D.M.Ryan | A.L.Cooper | J.N.Nisbet | G.W.Follows |
| 1977 | S.D.M.Ryan | A.F.Dunn | A.L.Cooper | D.Page | G.W.Follows |
| 1978 | S.D.M.Ryan | P.Evans | A.L.Cooper | D.Page | G.W.Follows |
| 1979 | P.Evans | S.D.M.Ryan | A.L.Cooper | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| 1980 | P.Evans | D.Summers-Smith | A.L.Cooper | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| 1981 | D.Summers-Smith | P.Evans | R.Dunnett | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| 1982 | D.Summers-Smith | B.Dummigan | R.Dunnett | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| 1983 | B.Dummigan | D.Summers-Smith | R.Dunnett | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| 1984 | B.Dummigan | C.Bielby | R.Dunnett | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| 1985 | C.Bielby | B.Dummigan | R.Dunnett | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| 1986 | C.Bielby | A.Tompsett | R.Dunnett | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| 1987 | A.Tompsett | C.Bielby | R.Dunnett | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| Year | Chairman | Vice-Chairman | Secretary | Treasurer | Recorder |
| 1988 | A.Tompsett | A.G.McLee | R.Dunnett | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| 1989 | A.G.McLee | A.Tompsett | R.Dunnett | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| 1990 | A.G.McLee | I.Boustead | R.Dunnett | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| 1991 | I.Boustead | A.G.McLee | R.Dunnett | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| 1992 | I.Boustead | C.Sharp | R.Dunnett | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| 1993 | C.Sharp | I.Boustead | R.Dunnett | D.Page | J.B.Dunnett |
| 1994 | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | R.Dunnett | D.Page | G.Joynt |
| 1995 | M.R.K.Askew | C.Sharp | M.Hudson | D.Page | G.Joynt |
| 1996 | M.R.K.Askew | M.J.Gee | M.Hudson | D.Page | G.Joynt |
| 1997 | M.J.Gee | M.R.K.Askew | M.Hudson | D.Page | G.Joynt |
| 1998 | M.J.Gee | I.Edgar | M.Hudson | D.Page | G.Joynt |
| 1999 | I.Edgar | M.J.Gee | C.Sharp | D.Page | G.Joynt |
| 2000 | I.Edgar | R.T.McAndrew | C.Sharp | D.Page | G.Joynt |
| 2001 | R.T.McAndrew | I.Edgar | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | G.Joynt |
| 2002 | R.T.McAndrew | J.B.Hague | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | R.Little |
| 2003 | R.T.McAndrew | E.C.Parker | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | R.Little |
| 2004 | E.C.Parker | R.T.McAndrew | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | R.Little |
| 2005 | E.C.Parker | R.T.McAndrew | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | R.Little |
| 2006 | E.C.Parker | J.Fletcher | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | R.Taylor |
| 2007 | E.C.Parker | J.Fletcher | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | R.Taylor |
| 2008 | E.C.Parker | A.G.McLee | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | T.Francis |
| 2009 | A.G.McLee | E.C.Parker | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | T.Francis |
| 2010 | A.G.McLee | D.J.Nelson | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | T.Francis |
| 2011 | A.G.McLee | D.J.Nelson | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | T.Francis |
| 2012 | D.J.Nelson | A.G.McLee | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | T.Francis |
| 2013 | D.J.Nelson | M. McGrory | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | T.Francis |
| 2014 | M.McGrory | D.J.Nelson | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | T.Francis |
| 2015 | M.McGrory | B.Clasper | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | T.Francis |
| 2016 | B.Clasper | M.McGrory | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | T.Francis |
| 2017 | B.Clasper | B.Crinson | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | T.Francis |
| 2018 | B.Crinson | B.Clasper | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | T.Francis |
| 2019 | B.Crinson | B.Keville | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | A.Crossley |
| 2020 | B.Crinson | S.McDonnell | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | A.Crossley |
| 2021 | S.McDonnell | B. Crinson | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | A.Crossley |
| 2022 | S.McDonnell | M.Leakey | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | A.Crossley |
| 2023 | M.Leakey | S.McDonnell | C.Sharp | M.R.K.Askew | A.Crossley |
TBC Records Sub-Committee
| Year (of Report) | Recorder | Editor | Compilers | Ringing Officer | Ordinary Members |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | I.F.Stewart | I.F.Stewart | D.G.Bell M.A.Blick T.Francis E.C.Gatenby | G.W.Follows | J.K.Smith |
| 1975 | G.W.Follows | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick I.F.Stewart D.Summers-Smith | G.W.Follows | T.Francis E.C.Gatenby G.Iceton |
| 1976 | G.W.Follows | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick I.F.Stewart D.Summers-Smith | G.W.Follows | T.Francis E.C.Gatenby G.Iceton |
| 1977 | G.W.Follows | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick P.Evans D.Summers-Smith | G.W.Follows | T.Francis E.C.Gatenby G.Iceton |
| 1978 | G.W.Follows | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.Iceton D.Summers-Smith | G.W.Follows | J.B.Dunnett T.Francis G.Iceton |
| 1979 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.W.Follows G.Iceton | W.Norman | C.Bielby R.Little B.E.Prater |
| 1980 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.W.Follows G.Iceton | W.Norman | C.Bielby R.Little B.E.Prater |
| 1981 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.W.Follows G.Iceton | W.Norman | C.Bielby R.Little C.Sharp |
| 1982 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.W.Follows G.Iceton | W.Norman | C.Bielby R.Little C.Sharp |
| 1983 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.W.Follows G.Iceton | W.Norman | C.Bielby R.Little C.Sharp |
| 1984 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.W.Follows G.Iceton | W.Norman | C.Bielby R.Little C.Sharp |
| 1985 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.W.Follows G.Iceton | W.Norman | C.Bielby R.Little C.Sharp |
| 1986 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.W.Follows C.Sharp | W.Norman | C.Bielby R.Little C.Sharp |
| 1987 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.W.Follows C.Sharp | W.Norman | C.Bielby R.Little C.Sharp |
| 1988 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.Iceton C.Sharp | W.Norman | C.Bielby G.W.Follows G.Joynt R.Little |
| 1989 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.Joynt C.Sharp | W.Norman | C.Bielby W.I.Boustead G.W.Follows R.Little |
| 1990 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.Joynt C.Sharp | W.Norman | C.Bielby W.I.Boustead G.W.Follows R.Little |
| 1991 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.Joynt C.Sharp | W.Norman | C.Bielby W.I.Boustead G.W.Follows R.Little |
| 1992 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.Joynt C.Sharp | W.Norman | C.Bielby W.I.Boustead G.W.Follows R.Little |
| 1993 | J.B.Dunnett | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.Joynt R.Little | W.Norman | M.R.K.Askew W.I.Boustead G.W.Follows S.J.Hinley |
| 1994 | G.Joynt | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.Joynt R.Little | W.Norman | M.R.K.Askew W.I.Boustead J.B.Dunnett S.J.Hinley |
| 1995 | G.Joynt | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.Joynt R.Little | W.Norman | M.R.K.Askew J.B.Dunnett S.J.Hinley G.Iceton |
| 1996 | G.Joynt | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick G.Joynt R.Little | C.Brown | J.B.Dunnett T.Francis S.J.Hinley G.Iceton |
| 1997 | G.Joynt | D.G.Bell | M.A.Blick S.J.Hinley R.Little | C.Brown | M.R.K.Askew J.B.Dunnett T.Francis G.Iceton |
| 1998 | G.Joynt | G.Iceton | M.A.Blick S.J.Hinley R.Little | C.Brown | M.R.K.Askew T.Francis E.C.Parker R.C.Taylor |
| 1999 | G.Joynt | G.Iceton | M.A.Blick S.J.Hinley R.Little | C.Brown | M.R.K.Askew T.Francis E.C.Parker R.C.Taylor |
| 2000 | G.Joynt | G.Iceton | M.R.K.Askew M.A.Blick G.Iceton G.Joynt | C.Brown | M.R.K.Askew E.C.Parker R.C.Taylor A J.Wheeldon |
| 2001 | G.Joynt | G.Iceton | M.R.K.Askew S.J.Hinley G.Joynt R.Little | C.Brown | T.Francis E.C.Parker R.C.Taylor A J.Wheeldon |
| 2002 | R.Little | R.Little | M.R.K.Askew S.J.Hinley G.Joynt E.C.Parker | C.Brown | C.Bielby T.Francis R.C.Taylor A J.Wheeldon |
| 2003 | R.Little | G.Joynt | M.R.K.Askew S.J.Hinley G.Joynt E.C.Parker | C.Brown | C.Bielby C.Dodsworth T.Francis A J.Wheeldon |
| 2004 | R.Little | G.Joynt | M.R.K.Askew S.J.Hinley G.Joynt E.C.Parker | C.Brown | C.Bielby C.Dodsworth T.Francis R.M.McAndrew |
| 2005 | R.Little | G.Joynt | M.R.K.Askew S.J.Hinley G.Joynt E.C.Parker | C.Brown | C.Bielby C.Dodsworth T.Francis R.M.McAndrew |
| 2006 | R.C.Taylor | G.Joynt | M.R.K.Askew S.J.Hinley G.Joynt E.C.Parker R.C.Taylor | C.Brown | C.Dodsworth R.M.McAndrew G.N.Megson M.D.Rowbottom |
| 2007 | T.Francis | G.Joynt | M.R.K.Askew S.J.Hinley G.Iceton M.D.Rowbottom | C.Brown | C.Dodsworth E.T.James R.M.McAndrew G.N.Megson |
| 2008 | T.Francis | G.Joynt | M.R.K.Askew S.J.Hinley G.Iceton M.D.Rowbottom | C.Brown | I.J.Foster E.T.James R.M.McAndrew G.N.Megson |
| 2009 | T.Francis | G.Joynt | M.R.K.Askew S.J.Hinley G.Iceton M.D.Rowbottom | C.Brown | C.Dodsworth I.J.Foster E.T.James G.N.Megson |
| 2010 | T.Francis | G.Joynt | S.J.Hinley G.Joynt M.D.Rowbottom G.N.Megson | C.Brown | E.T.James I.J.Foster C.Bell C.Sharp |
| 2011 | T.Francis | G.Joynt | G.Joynt M.D.Rowbottom G.N.Megson | C.Brown | I.J.Foster C.Bell C.Sharp R.C.Taylor |
| 2012 | T.Francis | G.Joynt | C.Bell G.Joynt M.D.Rowbottom G.N.Megson | C.Brown | S.J.Hinley R.C.Taylor C.Sharp M.R.K.Askew |
| 2013 | T.Francis | G.Joynt | G.Iceton C.Bell G.Joynt M.D.Rowbottom G.N.Megson | C.Brown | S.J.Hinley C.Sharp M.R.K.Askew |
| 2014 | T.Francis | G.Joynt | Ditto | C.Brown | Ditto |
| 2015 | T.Francis | G.Joynt | Ditto | C.Brown | I.Foster C.Sharp M.R.K.Askew |
| 2016 | T.Francis | G.Joynt | Ditto | C.Brown | I.F.; M.R.K.A.; Ian Kendall |
| 2017 | T.Francis | G.Joynt | G.Iceton I.Kendall C.Bell | C.Brown | I.F.; M.R.K.A. |
| 2018 | A.Crossley | C.Brown | G .Iceton, I.K, C.B. M.D.Rowbottom, I.Boustead | C.Brown | Ditto |
| 2019 | A.Crossley | C.Brown | 23 Compilers | C.Brown | C.Bell, I.Boustead, I.Foster, I.Kendall, G.Megson, C.Sharp |
| 2020 | A.Crossley | C.Brown | 11 Compilers | C.Brown | I.F.; C.B.; C.S.; I.K., M.Sidwell T.Francis, G.Iceton G.Joynt |
| 2021 | A.Crossley | C.Brown | 9 Compilers | C.Brown | C.B; C.S.; I.K.; M.S., T.F.; G.I.’ G.J.; S.Hinley |
| 2022 | A.Crossley | C.Brown | 10 Compilers | C.Brown | C.S.; I.K.; M.S.; T.F.; G.J.; G.I.; S.Hinley; M.Leakey |
| 2023 | A.Crossley | C.Brown | 9 Compilers | C.Brown | T.F.; G.I.; G.J.; S.H ,M.L.; Ian Foster |