Membership secretary's report

BIG members at the end of 1999: 225
Renewed membership: 117
New members 108

Last year total membership was 161. 46 members (28%) from 1998 didn't renew in 1999, which is in line with the last three years. So, this year's increased membership is due to a larger number of new members rather than reducing the number of people that don't renew.

BIG membership increased by almost 40% in 1999. This is by far the biggest increase since BIG began. At this rate, we will have nearly 300 members by the end of 2000 and 400 by the end of 2001. However, the chances are that as the new centres open over the coming year, membership will continue to grow rapidly and then level out in 2001.

Directory
Thankyou to everyone who returned their form for the new Directory. I must apologise for taking so long to get it all finished off, but I have been flat out building exhibits since August of last year and I have simply not had the time to get it done. However, I took on a new administrator (Cathy) just before Christmas and she has been zooming through it over the past few weeks. The personal section is complete, and the classified companies/science centres section is also nearly finished. It really will be out soon, I promise!

Membership Secretary
I am very sorry that I have been so busy in the last six months that I have not been able to fully represent BIG members at the exec meetings, although I have been able to keep the membership database up to date all year - at least I think I have! Although I am getting a little less busy now, I have decided to stand down as membership secretary. It has been a fascinating year meeting everyone and I wish every success to my successor.

Roger Coleman

Newsletter Spring 2000 Contents

New exhibitions > Opening dates for UK exhibitions | New Yorkshire Centre | Young builders | Number exhibition | What's wrong with the Millennium Dome?

News > Canadian Director for Eureka | Design in education Week | The 'Race against time' show pack | Indo-UK Science Festival | From the editor | From the chair

BIG Annual Report 1999 > Chair's Report | Treasurers Report | Membership Report